By The Indus Zone | Updated: October 12, 2025 | Location: India| Diwali 2025 Calendar
Diwali 2025: The Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known for its dazzling lights, vibrant decorations, and festive spirit, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the 15th day of Kartik, coinciding with the Amavasya (new moon) night, traditionally considered the darkest night of the year. This year, Diwali celebrations are set to span five days, each with unique rituals, legends, and significance.
Diwali 2025 Dates and Shubh Muhurat
The festival begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj, covering five major days: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali proper, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Here’s a quick glance at the Diwali 2025 calendar:
Date Festival
October 18, 2025 Dhanteras
October 20, 2025 Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)
October 20, 2025 Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
October 22, 2025 Govardhan Puja
October 23, 2025 Bhai Dooj
Shubh Muhurat for Diwali 2025 (According to Drik Panchang):
Pradosh Kaal: 05:58 PM – 08:25 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 07:08 PM – 09:03 PM
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 07:08 PM – 08:18 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 03:44 PM on October 20
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 05:54 PM on October 21
Day-by-Day Significance of Diwali 2025
Diwali is more than just a festival of lights; each day holds unique religious and cultural importance, blending devotion, family rituals, and festive cheer.
Day 1: Dhanteras (October 18, 2025)
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali festivities. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kuber, the god of treasures, praying for prosperity, success, and well-being.
A common tradition includes purchasing gold coins, jewellery, utensils, or new household items, which are considered auspicious and bring prosperity for the coming year. Homes are cleaned and decorated with lights to welcome the goddess of wealth.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (October 20, 2025)
Also known as Choti Diwali, this day celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It is believed that Narakasura was slain by Krishna, freeing 16,100 captives and restoring peace.
Devotees often wake up early, take a ritualistic oil bath, and light small diyas to ward off evil. Houses are decorated, sweets are exchanged, and the festive mood builds up for the main Diwali night.
Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (October 20, 2025)
The third day is the main Diwali celebration, symbolizing the return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, marking the triumph of good over evil.
Homes are adorned with earthen lamps (diyas), fairy lights, and rangoli designs.
Families perform Lakshmi Puja and Ganesh Puja in the evening, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
Fireworks light up the night sky, and sweets are shared with friends and family.
Diwali night is also considered highly auspicious for new beginnings, business ventures, and spiritual reflection.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (October 22, 2025)
Celebrated the day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja honors Govardhan Hill and the legendary deeds of Lord Krishna. According to mythology, Krishna lifted the mountain to protect the people of Mathura from the wrath of Indra, the rain god.
Traditionally, devotees prepare elaborate food offerings called Annakut, which are arranged in small mountain-like piles symbolizing Govardhan Parvat. Communities gather at temples, and families pray for the welfare of the earth and their livestock.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (October 23, 2025)
The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj (also called Bhau Beej or Bhaiya Dooj), celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
Sisters perform a tilak ceremony on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life and success.
Brothers, in return, bless their sisters and often give gifts.
The day emphasizes family bonds, love, and protection.
Bhai Dooj is similar in sentiment to Raksha Bandhan, but it coincides with the Diwali festival, completing the five-day cycle of celebration.
Diwali 2025: Traditions and Preparations
Across India, Diwali preparations begin weeks in advance. Families clean and decorate homes, set up rangoli patterns, purchase new utensils, clothes, and sweets, and plan gatherings. Markets are bustling with activity, and digital platforms see a surge in festive online shopping.
Lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers, and offering prayers form the core of Diwali rituals, bringing communities together in joy and spirituality.
Conclusion
Diwali 2025 promises five days of spiritual devotion, family celebrations, and festive cheer. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, each day offers a unique blend of tradition, mythology, and cultural significance. Observing the shubh muhurat and following rituals ensures a prosperous and joyful festival.
Whether celebrating at home or connecting with loved ones online, Diwali 2025 is a reminder of light, hope, and togetherness.
