The Night India Glows: Date, Muhurat, Rituals & Your Ultimate Diwali Playbook
When is Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in 2025?
- Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Monday, 20 October 2025 (India). This aligns with widely-used Hindu calendars; Time & date and the Government of India holiday calendar also list Diwali on Oct 20 (Gazetted).
- Why you may see confusion online: The Amavasya tithi spans Oct 20–21, so some outlets and regions discuss both dates. For Delhi, Drik Panchang-based reports list Lakshmi Puja on Oct 20 with an evening muhurat around 7:08–8:18 PM IST; some calendars list a slightly broader window (~6:59–8:32 PM IST). Always check your city-specific muhurat.
The 5-Day Diwali 2025 Festival Calendar (India)
- Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi): Saturday, 18 Oct Auspicious for buying metals, utensils, gold, and for Dhanvantari worship.
- Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali: falls across Oct 19–20 by tithi; many lists show observance on Oct 20 (Mon). Morning abhyang-snan happens before sunrise in many regions.
- Main Diwali Lakshmi Puja: Mon, 20 Oct (evening) see muhurat note above.
- Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Wed, 22 Oct (Pratipada).
- Bhai Dooj: Thu, 23 Oct sisters pray for brothers’ long life.
Tip: Offices and markets often tweak hours through this week. Keep a buffer for deliveries and travel.
City-Wise Muhurat: How to choose the right one
Because muhurats depend on local sunset, Pradosh Kaal, and Vrishabha Kaal, follow your city’s timing from a trusted panchang. For Delhi, widely reported slots: ~7:08–8:18 PM; some calendars list ~6:59–8:32 PM. Expect similar windows in North India; South/West may shift a few minutes.
Quick Rituals Playbook (Home Lakshmi Puja)
- Sauch & Sthapana: Clean entrance and altar; place mangal kalash, Lakshmi–Ganesha idols, account books (for Chopda Pujan).
- Sringar: Rangoli at the threshold, torans of mango leaves/marigold, rows of sesame-oil diyas.
- Sankalp & Ghanta: Begin in Pradosh Kaal; light lamp, ring bell, invoke Ganesha then Lakshmi.
- Puja Vidhi: Panchamrit abhishek (if feasible), kumkum-haldi, lotus/rose, incense, sweets (kheer, laddoo), sahasranama or Lakshmi aarti.
- Naivedya & Aarti: Offer mithai, dry fruits; perform aarti; place coin set in the locker/cash box.
- Dhan-Lakshmi kripa: Keep one diya burning overnight (safe glass-covered lamp).
🗓️ Curious about today’s tithi, nakshatra, and rahu kaal? Check the live Panchang on ALTT → https://altt.in/panchang/
HOT RIGHT NOW: Diwali 2025 Trends & Ideas
- Décor: Layered rangoli (powder + flower petals), brass urli with floating diyas, doorway mirror garlands, minimal fairy-light grids for balconies.
- Fashion: Velvet bandhgalas, brocade blouses, mirror-work lehengas, hand-block printed sets, Banarasi dupattas thrown over contemporary co-ords.
- Gifting with meaning: Artisanal mithai, seed-cracker kits (plantable), copper bottle sets, local terracotta diyas, gourmet spice hampers.
- Eco-friendly swaps: Earthen/steel lamps over plastic LEDs, palm-leaf plates for parties, green crackers only where legal, and community fireworks shows to cut pollution.
Travel & Shopping Planner
- Book early: Air/rail fares spike the week before Dhanteras. Aim for 10–12 days out for best value on metro routes.
- Market hits: Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk (silver, décor), Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar (gold), Jaipur’s Johari & Bapu Bazaar (gems, textiles), Ahmedabad’s Ratanpole (ethnic fits), Kolkata’s Burrabazar (bulk décor).
- Last-mile: Schedule deliveries to land by Chhoti Diwali morning.
FAQs
What is the confirmed Diwali 2025 date in India?
Most authoritative calendars note Monday, Oct 20, 2025.
Why do some sites say Oct 21?
Because Amavasya tithi spans Oct 20–21; a few regions follow differing rules. Delhi-focused muhurat sources still place Lakshmi Puja on Oct 20.
When are the other four days?
Dhanteras Oct 18 (Sat), Naraka Chaturdashi Oct 19–20 (Mon observed), Govardhan Puja Oct 22 (Wed), Bhai Dooj Oct 23 (Thu).
Delhi muhurat for Lakshmi Puja?
Widely reported around 7:08–8:18 PM IST; some calendars list 6:59–8:32 PM IST. Check your local city panchang.