Diwali 2025: Confusion Resolved — Main Celebration on October 20
This year, the celebration of Diwali (Deepawali) 2025, the festival of lights, raised a question for the worshippers as the Amavasya Tithi—the moon-less night that chooses the date of the event—lasted two days, the 20th and the 21st of October. There were families as well as temples that had a dilemma over when to hold their festivities, Monday or Tuesday.
The Kashi Vidwat Parishad, an authoritative group of scholars from Varanasi, has, however, ratified October 20, 2025, as the primary Diwali and Puja day for the Goddess Lakshmi, thus putting an end to confusion.
“After extensive discussions with astrologers, it was finally agreed upon that the full Pradosh Kaal occurs on the 20th of October, thus making it the most favorable time for Lakshmi Puja,” explained Prof. Ramnarayan Dwivedi, National General Secretary of the Parishad.
Why the Confusion?
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:44 PM on October 20, 2025, and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21, 2025.
Since the Tithi begins before sunset on October 20, traditional rules dictate that Lakshmi Puja should be observed on the same evening.
Key Timings for Diwali 2025:
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 20 – 3:44 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: October 21 – 5:54 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: October 20 – 5:46 PM to 8:18 PM
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: October 20 – 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: October 20 – 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM
Experts recommend performing Lakshmi Puja during this period for maximum prosperity and blessings.
Five-Day Diwali 2025 Festival Calendar
| Date | Festival | Tithi & Muhurat | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 18 (Saturday) | Dhanteras | Trayodashi Tithi (7:17 PM – 8:20 PM) | Auspicious for buying gold, silver, and utensils. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. |
| Oct 18 (Saturday) | Yama Deepam | 5:49 PM – 7:05 PM | Diyas are lit to honour Lord Yama, seeking protection from untimely death. |
| Oct 20 (Monday) | Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) | 5:12 AM – 6:25 AM | Marks Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura; includes ritual baths and early morning prayers. |
| Oct 20 (Monday) | Main Diwali & Lakshmi Puja | 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM | Worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kuber; lighting diyas and sharing sweets mark the celebration. |
| Oct 22 (Wednesday) | Govardhan Puja | Morning: 6:26 AM – 8:42 AM; Evening: 3:29 PM – 5:44 PM | Commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rains. |
| Oct 23 (Thursday) | Bhai Dooj | 1:13 PM – 3:28 PM | Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters through rituals, gifts, and prayers. |
Spiritual Significance of Diwali
Amavasya night holds deep spiritual importance — it’s believed to mark Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The people lit oil lamps to celebrate his homecoming, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Across India, Diwali reflects diverse traditions:
- North India: Marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya.
- West India: Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
- East India: Coincides with Kali Puja.
- South India: Celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura.
Essence of the Festival
Beyond the mere rituals, Diwali signifies a fresh start, thankfulness and sharing. Whole families together do the cleaning of their houses, do the decoration with rangoli and diyas, and distribute sweets among relatives and friends. Others, besides giving away food, clothes or money, also perform charitable deeds to let the festival’s light reach farther and wider than their homes.
Final Word:
The Kashi Vidwat Parishad has proclaimed the date of October 20, 2025, as the official Diwali and Lakshmi Puja day.te, devotees across India can mark their calendars and prepare to celebrate the festival of lights with joy, devotion, and togetherness.
