Diwali 2025: Is Diwali on October 20 or 21?
Diwali 2025 falls on Monday, October 20, marking the main Lakshmi Puja night. The festival spans five days starting with Dhanteras on October 18 and concluding with Bhai Dooj on October 22. This guide clarifies the real date and key moments of the Festival of Lights.
New Delhi: Diwali is a festival that fills hearts with warmth and homes with light. The gentle glow of diyas, the colours of rangoli at every doorstep, and the laughter of families preparing for celebration create a feeling of joy that cannot be matched.
This year, many are wondering the exact day of Diwali 2025—will it be October 20 or 21? Knowing the true date allows families to come together at the perfect time for Lakshmi Puja, welcome prosperity, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Let us uncover the real date of Diwali 2025 and explore the traditions that make this festival so special.
Diwali 2025 Date: October 20 or 21?
Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya (new moon) of the Hindu month Kartik. In 2025, the Amavasya begins at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21.
Since the new moon starts before sunset on October 20, Monday, October 20, 2025, is the main day for Diwali and Lakshmi Puja.
Key Puja Timings for Diwali 2025
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:46 PM – 8:18 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM – 9:03 PM
Performing the Lakshmi Puja during these timings is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and happiness to your home.
Why is Amavasya important for Diwali?
Amavasya, the new moon night, holds profound spiritual significance. According to legend, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing fourteen years of exile on this day. To celebrate, people lit diyas throughout the city, a tradition that continues today.
Lighting diyas symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a reminder that even in tough times, hope, positivity, and faith can guide us forward.
The Traditions and Meaning of Diwali
Diwali is more than lights and fireworks—it is a festival of renewal, gratitude, and family bonds. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, along with Lord Ganesha and Lord Kuber, seeking blessings for success and happiness.
Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, flowers, and diyas to welcome positivity and prosperity. Families exchange gifts, share sweets, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Generosity is also key—donating food, clothes, or money to those in need spreads the spirit of Diwali beyond your own home.
How Diwali Is Celebrated Across India
While the core of Diwali stays the same, celebrations vary by region:
- North India: Celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya.
- Western India: Focuses on worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.
- Eastern India: Known as Kali Puja, honoring the Goddess Kali.
From decorating homes with diyas to preparing festive sweets like laddoos, barfis, and kaju katli, Diwali is a sensory celebration of light, flavor, and family. Many people now choose eco-friendly decorations and diyas to celebrate responsibly.
The Deeper Message of Diwali
At its heart, Diwali is a festival of hope. It reminds us that goodness and light can overcome darkness. It encourages reflection, forgiveness, and fresh beginnings, making it a time for both spiritual and emotional renewal.
This year, as diyas light up homes on October 20, 2025, Diwali will once again bring peace, joy, and prosperity to millions. It is a moment to celebrate life, family, and the enduring power of light.