When Is Diwali 2025 – Date, Schedule and Muhurat Timings

Diwali 2025 falls on October 20, a Monday, marking the primary Lakshmi Puja observance on Kartik Amavasya. The five-day festival of lights officially spans October 17 through October 22, though specific muhurat timings and the exact day of main celebrations vary by region across India, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The Hindu lunar calendar determines these dates, creating occasional discrepancies between regions based on local sunset times and tithi calculations. Amavasya—the new moon phase—begins on October 20 and extends into October 21, prompting some communities to shift primary observances based on panchang-specific interpretations.

When Is Diwali 2025?

The 2025 observance aligns precisely with the Kartik Amavasya tithi, though the exact moment of observance depends on local sunrise and sunset calculations. According to the Times of India, Amavasya begins either at 12:11 AM or 3:44 PM IST on October 20 and concludes at 10:43 PM or 5:54 PM IST on October 21, creating a date split that affects regional scheduling.

• Diwali 2025 aligns with the lunar calendar; observers should verify timings against local panchang authorities.
• India observes a national holiday on October 20, though some states may designate October 21 instead.
• Global celebrations vary by approximately one day due to tithi calculations across time zones.
• Lakshmi Puja muhurat windows are narrow, typically lasting 90 minutes or less after sunset.
• Amavasya spans two calendar days (October 20–21), necessitating careful attention to local astronomical data.
• Indian stock markets remain closed on the primary holiday.
• Deepavali refers to the identical festival, particularly in Tamil and South Indian communities.

Diwali 2025 Five-Day Schedule

The festival follows a structured five-day sequence beginning with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj. BookMyPoojaOnline confirms the standard calendar, though specific rituals vary by family tradition and geographic location.

Dhanteras and Pre-Festival Preparations (October 17–18)

October 17 marks Govatsa Dwadashi (Vasu Baras), the traditional start of Diwali week in many households. AstroJyoti Healing notes that October 18 brings Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi), dedicated to worshipping Dhanvantari and Lakshmi. Families clean homes and purchase gold, silver, or new utensils after sunset during the Pradosh Kaal.

Narak Chaturdashi and Regional Variations (October 19)

Narak Chaturdashi—also called Kali Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali—falls on October 19. The day requires Abhyang Snan (ritual oil bath) before sunrise and early diya lighting. In South India, this date constitutes the main Deepavali celebration, commemorating Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, differing from North Indian observances.

Lakshmi Puja and Main Diwali (October 20)

The apex of the festival occurs on October 20 with Lakshmi Puja during the evening muhurat. Households and businesses worship Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber simultaneously, lighting diyas to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Economic Times reports that Pradosh Kaal timings determine the precise window for these ceremonies.

Govardhan Puja and Annakut (October 21)

October 21 features Govardhan Puja, celebrating Krishna’s protection of villagers through the lifting of Govardhan Hill. Families prepare elaborate vegetarian food offerings (Annakut) and perform morning muhurat worship between 7:27 AM and 9:43 AM, or evening sessions from 4:29 PM to 6:44 PM depending on local panchang.

Bhai Dooj (October 22)

The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) on October 22, when sisters apply ceremonial tilak to their brothers’ foreheads. Ceremonies ideally occur during Aparahna timing—late morning to early afternoon—to ensure ritual efficacy.

Diwali 2025 Timings and Muhurat

Precise timing calculations determine the efficacy of Diwali rituals, with muhurat windows varying significantly by longitude and time zone. Observers must consult location-specific panchangs rather than relying on generic Indian Standard Time conversions.

India Standard Calculations

For most Indian cities, Lakshmi Puja muhurat falls between 6:59 PM and 8:32 PM IST, though alternative calculations suggest 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM IST. The critical requirement involves performing rituals during Pradosh Kaal—the approximately 2.5-hour period following local sunset—while the Vrishabha Kaal (Taurus ascendant) overlaps for enhanced auspiciousness.

United States Time Zone Adjustments

American celebrations require significant temporal adjustments. Economic Times provides specific muhurats: Houston and Dallas observe Lakshmi Puja from 7:09 PM to 8:39 PM Central Time on October 20, while San Jose follows 7:37 PM to 9:27 PM Pacific Time. New York and New Jersey align with 7:18 PM to 8:45 PM Eastern Time during Pradosh Kaal (6:08 PM–8:45 PM ET).

United Kingdom Schedule

London observers follow October 20 for main Diwali celebrations, with the full five-day sequence commencing October 18. Notably, UK traditions place Abhyang Snan on October 20 morning rather than October 19, diverging from both Indian and American schedules.

Diwali 2025 Dates by Region and Holidays

Geographic location determines not only ritual timings but also public holiday recognition and community celebration dates. DrikPanchang data indicates substantial variation based on local sunrise and sunset calculations.

India: National and State Variations

India declares October 20 a national holiday, though Gujarat and certain southern states may observe October 21 as the primary closing day for government offices. BookMyPoojaOnline confirms that stock markets remain closed on October 20, with banking holidays varying by state notification. South Indian communities often emphasize Narak Chaturdashi (October 19) as the principal Deepavali celebration.

United States and Canada

Neither the United States nor Canada recognizes Diwali as a federal statutory holiday. Communities organize cultural events and temple ceremonies during evening hours after standard work schedules. Economic Times notes that home puja timings generally fall between 6:08 PM and 9:06 PM local time across North American time zones. For specific details on the Chinese New Year date, you can refer to Chinese New Year date.

United Kingdom

The UK does not list Diwali as a bank holiday, though Leicester, London, and Birmingham host major public celebrations. AstroJyoti Healing specifies that UK observers follow the October 20 date for main Lakshmi Puja, with Dhanteras commencing October 18.

Diwali 2025 Day-by-Day Chronology

1. October 17, 2025 – Govatsa Dwadashi (Vasu Baras): Diwali week formally begins with cow worship and household preparation.
2. October 18, 2025 – Dhanteras: Worship of Dhanvantari and Lakshmi; auspicious purchasing of precious metals and utensils after sunset.
3. October 19, 2025 – Narak Chaturdashi: Ritual pre-sunrise oil bath (Abhyang Snan) and early diya lighting; primary celebration day in South India.
4. October 20, 2025 – Lakshmi Puja (Amavasya): Main Diwali observance with evening muhurat worship of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber.
5. October 21, 2025 – Govardhan Puja: Mountain worship commemorating Krishna’s protection; Annakut food offerings presented.
6. October 22, 2025 – Bhai Dooj: Ceremonial tilak exchange between siblings; festival concludes.

Diwali 2025 Certainties and Ambiguities

The Astronomical and Cultural Context

Diwali aligns with Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night of the Hindu lunar month Kartik, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Odynovo Tours notes that the 2025 celebration falls significantly earlier than the 2024 observance (October 31), reflecting the lunar calendar’s 11-day annual shift relative to the Gregorian calendar.

The festival commemorates multiple historical and mythological events: Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura, and the worship of Lakshmi for prosperity. These convergent narratives explain the diversity of ritual emphasis across India’s regions.

For those tracking physical wellness during the festive season, understanding bodily rhythms remains relevant. The Heart Rate Zones – Chart, Calculator and Training Guide provides useful reference points for maintaining health routines amid celebration schedules.

Sources and Authorities

“Diwali 2025: Lakshmi Puja on Oct 20.”

— Drik Panchang

Primary date calculations derive from DrikPanchang astrological tables, cross-referenced with AstroJyoti Healing and BookMyPoojaOnline ritual guides. Regional timing variations for the United States and United Kingdom follow Economic Times international reporting and Times of India astrological analysis.

Summary

Diwali 2025 occurs on October 20, with the five-day festival running October 17–22. While the primary Lakshmi Puja date is fixed for most global regions, muhurat timings vary significantly by longitude, requiring consultation of location-specific panchangs. India observes a national holiday on October 20, whereas the USA and UK maintain standard schedules while hosting cultural observances. For standardized assessment references unrelated to festival dates, consult the PTE Score Chart – Bands, Ranges and IELTS Equivalents.

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