This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, 2025 (Monday), and not on October 21. According to the Panchang calculations, the Amavasya (new moon) tithi will last until Pradosh Kaal and Mahanishith Kaal on this day, which is considered most auspicious for Lakshmi Puja. By the evening of October 21, the Amavasya will end, therefore the main puja will be performed on the night of October 20.
Diwali 2025: There was confusion among people regarding whether Diwali would be celebrated on October 20 or 21. According to pandits, this year, Kartik Krishna Amavasya will begin at 3:44 PM on October 20 and will continue throughout the night, whereas on October 21, it will end after sunset. Therefore, as per scriptures, Lakshmi Puja is considered best when Amavasya falls during both Pradosh Kaal and Mahanishith Kaal. Thus, this year, the grand festival of Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. Along with this, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 18, Narak Chaturdashi on October 19, Govardhan Puja on October 22, and Bhai Dooj on October 23.
Religious Significance of Diwali
The festival of Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya tithi (new moon day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik. This day is considered highly auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera. It is believed that a person who performs puja diligently during Pradosh Kaal or Mahanishith Kaal on this day invites wealth, happiness, and prosperity into their home. This festival, illuminated by lamps, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and positivity over negativity.
Why Diwali will be celebrated on October 20
According to pandits, religious scriptures state that Diwali should be celebrated on the day when the Amavasya tithi extends throughout both Pradosh Kaal and Mahanishith Kaal. This time, on October 20, 2025, the Chaturdashi tithi will last until 03:44 PM, after which the Amavasya tithi will begin and continue throughout the night. For this reason, Diwali will be celebrated on the night of October 20.
On October 21, the Amavasya tithi will only last from sunrise until 05:54 PM, after which Kartik Shukla Pratipada will commence. On this day, Amavasya will only be present for 24 minutes after sunset, making the night puja period unsuitable. This is why October 21 will not be considered Diwali, but rather an Amavasya for ritual bathing and donations (snan-daan).
Auspicious Timings According to Choghadiya
According to pandits, on October 20, the Chara Choghadiya will be from 05:36 PM to 07:10 PM. Following this, the Labh Choghadiya will be from 10:19 AM to 11:53 AM, and at night, a combination of Shubh, Amrit, and Chara Choghadiyas will be formed from 01:28 AM to 06:11 AM. Performing Lakshmi Puja during all these muhurtas will be extremely auspicious.
Situation on October 21
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Amavasya tithi will last from sunrise until 05:54 PM, after which Kartik Shukla Pratipada will begin. On this day, Pradosh Kaal will be from 05:36 PM to 08:07 PM, but at that time, Amavasya tithi will only be present for 24 minutes after sunset.
After this, Vrishabha Lagna (Taurus Ascendant) will begin at 06:55 PM, by which time Amavasya will have ended. Therefore, on the night of October 21, neither Amavasya will be present nor will puja be possible in a fixed Lagna. This is why Diwali puja is not considered appropriate on October 21.
Other Festivals Associated with Diwali
This time, the five-day Deepotsav (festival of lights) will begin on October 18.
- Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 18.
- Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali will be celebrated on October 19.
- The main festival of Diwali will be on October 20.
- October 21 will be the auspicious time for Snan Daan Amavasya (ritual bathing and donations).
- Govardhan Puja and Annakoot Utsav will be celebrated on October 22.
- Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on October 23.
Significance of Pradosh Kaal and Mahanishith Kaal
In religious scriptures, Pradosh Kaal and Mahanishith Kaal are considered the most auspicious times for Diwali puja. Pradosh Kaal is the period that extends for approximately two hours after sunset. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during this period yields special meritorious results.
On October 20, Pradosh Kaal will be from 05:36 PM to 08:07 PM. During this time, Vrishabha Lagna (Taurus Ascendant) will be from 06:59 PM to 08:56 PM, which is considered a fixed Lagna. Puja performed during a fixed Lagna is believed to bring long-lasting happiness and prosperity.
Following this, Mahanishith Kaal will be from 11:45 PM to 12:39 AM. Amavasya tithi will remain effective during this period as well, making puja during this time extremely fruitful.
Rituals and Procedures for Diwali Puja
On Diwali, first, the house is thoroughly cleaned, and a rangoli is drawn at the main entrance. At the puja altar, a red cloth is spread on a chowki (small table), and idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera are installed. Offerings for the puja include Ganga Jal (holy water), akshat (rice grains), flowers, roli (vermilion), sweets, kheel-batasha (puffed rice and sugar candy), and new coins.
Performing Lakshmi Puja during Vrishabha Lagna (Taurus Ascendant) is considered most auspicious. During the puja, chant Goddess Lakshmi's mantra "Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Mahalakshmyai Namah." Recite Lord Ganesha's mantra "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah." After the puja, light lamps to illuminate every corner of the house and welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
