As India prepares to celebrate Diwali 2025, a celestial twist has sparked confusion over the exact date of the Festival of Lights. Traditionally observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartik month, this year’s Amavasya Tithi spans two days — beginning at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ending at 5:54 PM on October 21.
So, When Is Diwali 2025?
According to the Hindu Panchang and astrological consensus, Diwali will primarily be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025, with Lakshmi Puja scheduled during the Pradosh Kaal — the most auspicious window after sunset. However, some cities like Kolkata, where sunset occurs earlier and overlaps with the Tithi on October 21, may observe the puja on Tuesday instead.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: City-Wise Timings
Here are the key Lakshmi Puja timings across major Indian cities:
| City | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (Local Time) |
| New Delhi | 07:08 PM – 08:18 PM |
| Mumbai | 07:41 PM – 08:41 PM |
| Bengaluru | 07:31 PM – 08:25 PM |
| Chennai | 07:20 PM – 08:14 PM |
| Hyderabad | 07:21 PM – 08:19 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 07:36 PM – 08:40 PM |
| Pune | 07:38 PM – 08:37 PM |
| Jaipur | 07:17 PM – 08:25 PM |
| Chandigarh | 07:06 PM – 08:19 PM |
| Noida | 07:07 PM – 08:18 PM |
| Kolkata | 05:06 PM – 05:54 PM (Oct 21) |
Why the Confusion?
The overlap of Amavasya Tithi across two days has led astrologers to recommend city-specific observance based on sunset timing. As per Dharm Sindhu and Nirnay Sindhu texts, if Amavasya is present for at least 24 minutes after sunset, that day is considered ideal for Lakshmi Puja.
What Should Devotees Do?
- Check your local sunset time and Panchang.
- Perform Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal with Vrishabha Lagna for maximum spiritual benefit.
- Decorate your home with diyas, rangoli, and flowers to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Recite Lakshmi Aarti and mantras with family to invoke blessings of prosperity and peace.
Five-Day Diwali Schedule (2025)
Here’s the commonly accepted 5-day schedule around Diwali 2025:
| Day | Festival Name | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | October 18, 2025 (Saturday) | Worship of wealth deities, buying new metal items |
| Day 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali | October 20, 2025 (Monday) | The victory over demon Narakasura; early morning rituals |
| Day 3 | Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali | October 21, 2025 (Tuesday) | Key Puja, lighting lamps, blessings of prosperity |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Bali Pratipada | October 22, 2025 (Wednesday) | Regional variations; food offerings, rituals |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej | October 23, 2025 (Thursday) | Sibling day — sisters pray for brothers, etc. |
