Every year, as the Festival of Lights approaches, one question lights up Google searches: “What is the Diwali date this year?” For Diwali 2025, the answer seems to be a little tricky—some calendars mark it on October 20, while others note October 21.
So, what’s causing the confusion about the Diwali 2025 date? Let’s decode the lunar calendar mix-up that has everyone wondering which day to light the diyas.
The Multi-Day Festival: Not Just One Day of Diwali
Diwali isn’t just a single-day celebration—it’s a five-day festival filled with rituals and symbolism. Here’s how the Diwali 2025 calendar looks:
- Dhanteras – October 18, 2025
- Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) – October 20, 2025
- Main Diwali / Lakshmi Puja – October 20 evening to October 21
- Govardhan Puja (Balipratipada) – October 22, 2025
- Bhai Dooj – October 23, 2025
The “main day”—when families perform Lakshmi Puja and light lamps—falls when the Amavasya tithi (new moon phase) of the Hindu lunar month Kartika is active.
And that’s where the date debate begins.
The Science Behind the Confusion: What the Lunar Calendar Says
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, Hindu festivals are determined by tithis—lunar days based on the moon’s position. Diwali coincides with Amavasya tithi, symbolizing the darkest night of the lunar month, when the light of diyas holds the most meaning.
In 2025, the Amavasya tithi begins at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21.
That means the new moon spans two days—creating the confusion about which day should be marked as Diwali.
Some communities celebrate when the tithi starts (October 20 evening), while others prefer when it is fully active (October 21).
This overlapping lunar timing leads to different interpretations in various parts of India.
Regional Differences: North vs. South
The Diwali 2025 date may differ slightly across India because regional panchangs (Hindu calendars) interpret the tithi differently.
- Northern India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) → Likely to celebrate on the evening of October 20, 2025, as the Amavasya begins that day.
- Southern States (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) → May observe the festival through the night into October 21, when Amavasya continues.
- Maharashtra & Gujarat → Markets and traders often follow the muhurat on October 21, which aligns with Lakshmi Puja and muhurat trading sessions.
In essence, both dates are correct—it depends on which part of India you’re in and which tradition you follow.
The Muhurat (Auspicious Timing) for Diwali 2025
For those performing Lakshmi Puja, timing matters as much as the date.
According to the Drik Panchang and Indian Express reports:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:21 PM to 8:19 PM on October 20, 2025
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: 3:44 PM, October 20
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: 5:54 PM, October 21
So, the most auspicious time to perform the Lakshmi Puja and light diyas is during the evening of October 20.
What the Experts Say
- NDTV and Economic Times report that the primary Diwali celebration will be on the evening of October 20, since the Amavasya tithi begins that day.
- However, some temple authorities and government holiday lists may still mark October 21 as the official public holiday.
- Stock markets (NSE & BSE) will likely remain closed on October 21, with muhurat trading held the night before.
Thus, for 2025, the festival technically spans both days—October 20 evening into October 21.
Planning Tips for Diwali 2025
If you’re planning ahead for Diwali 2025, here’s how to make the most of the dual-date festival:
- Perform Lakshmi Puja on the evening of October 20 for the most auspicious muhurat.
- Travel and family gatherings can be planned around October 19–21, as all three days will be widely observed.
- Shopping and decor should be completed before October 20 to align with the auspicious energy of the festival.
- Business owners and traders can note October 21 as a likely market holiday.
The Deeper Meaning: Beyond the Dates
The mix-up about the Diwali 2025 date reminds us of the festival’s deeper truth—Diwali is about light conquering darkness, not the exact page on the calendar.
Whether you celebrate on October 20 or October 21, the essence of Diwali remains the same: it’s a time for reflection, joy, renewal, and unity.
Quick Reference Table
| Event | Date | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Oct 18, 2025 | Buying gold, cleaning homes |
| Choti Diwali | Oct 20, 2025 | Preparations and rituals |
| Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Oct 20 evening – Oct 21 | Amavasya tithi; main celebration |
| Govardhan Puja | Oct 22, 2025 | Start of New Year for many |
| Bhai Dooj | Oct 23, 2025 | Bond between brothers & sisters |
Conclusion
To sum it up, Diwali 2025 falls on the evening of October 20, extending into the morning of October 21—thanks to the overlapping Amavasya tithi.
While the confusion is rooted in lunar calculations, both dates hold cultural and spiritual importance.
So mark your calendars, prepare your diyas, and celebrate the Festival of Lights—whichever day your tradition follows.
Wishing you a luminous, peaceful, and prosperous Diwali 2025!
