Every year, Diwali, the festival of lights, fills homes with joy, lamps, and devotion. Families unite to worship Goddess Lakshmi, exchange sweets, and light diyas that symbolise the triumph of good over evil. However, in 2025, a rare celestial twist has sparked confusion across India: Should Diwali be celebrated on October 20 or October 21? The overlapping lunar calendar has left devotees and astrologers divided over the right day to perform Lakshmi Puja.
Why the Confusion About Diwali Date in 2025?
According to astrologers, the uncertainty arises from the positioning of the Amavasya Tithi (new moon day), which plays a central role in Diwali rituals. This year, Amavasya begins at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21. Because of this overlap, different regions in India will observe Diwali on different dates, depending on their local sunset timings.
Astrologer Sidhharrth S Kumaar of NumroVani explained that this cosmic play is not accidental but guided by planetary movements. He emphasised that cities where the sunset occurs before 5:30 PM should celebrate Diwali on October 21, while those where the sunset occurs after 5:30 PM should observe it on October 20.
2025 Diwali Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat falls on Monday, October 20, 2025. The details are as follows:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM
- Duration: 1 hour 11 minutes
- Pradosh Kaal: 05:46 PM to 08:18 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 07:08 PM to 09:03 PM
Citywise Lakshmi Puja Timings
| City | Puja Timing |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM |
| Pune | 07:38 PM to 08:37 PM |
| Chennai | 07:20 PM to 08:14 PM |
| Kolkata | 05:06 PM to 05:54 PM |
| Hyderabad | 07:21 PM to 08:19 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 07:36 PM to 08:40 PM |
| Noida | 07:07 PM to 08:18 PM |
| Jaipur | 07:17 PM to 08:25 PM |
| Mumbai | 07:41 PM to 08:41 PM |
| Gurgaon | 07:09 PM to 08:19 PM |
| Bengaluru | 07:31 PM to 08:25 PM |
Significance of Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated to honour the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile, and his victory over Ravana. For others, it marks the day Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, bringing peace and joy. The day also holds great importance for devotees of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is worshipped on this occasion to bring blessings to households.
Traditional Diwali Rituals
The festival is marked by several rituals that vary across regions but share the same essence of devotion and celebration:
- Cleaning and Decoration: Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, lights, and diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Lakshmi Puja: Families perform puja in the evening, offering prayers, sweets, and flowers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Lighting Diyas: Oil lamps are lit inside and outside homes, symbolising the removal of darkness and negativity.
- Fireworks: Crackers are burst as a symbol of joy and to drive away evil spirits, though many prefer eco-friendly celebrations today.
- Feasting and Sweets: Families prepare traditional dishes and exchange sweets with neighbours and loved ones.
- Business Rituals: For traders and shopkeepers, Diwali marks the beginning of a new financial year, with special prayers for prosperity.
Which Date Should You Celebrate Diwali 2025?
If you live in a city where the sunset is before 5:30 PM, you should observe Diwali on October 21. If your city’s sunset falls after 5:30 PM, then October 20 is the correct day for celebration. Devotees are advised to consult local panchang or astrologers for city-specific muhurat to ensure rituals are performed at the most auspicious time.
Diwali 2025 may come with a rare date confusion, but its essence remains unchanged. Whether on October 20 or 21, the festival is about spreading love, lighting up lives, and invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. This year, let the cosmic twist remind us that the true spirit of Diwali lies not in dates but in devotion, togetherness, and the light we share with the world.
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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