Diwali 2025 date 20 or 21: When exactly is Deepawali? Check final confirmed dates for Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Govardhan, Bhai Dooj

The festival of lights, Diwali, is around the corner, and across India, homes are being cleaned, markets are glowing, and families are making plans for the most awaited celebration of the year. But this time, there’s an unusual question on everyone’s mind — when exactly is Diwali? The confusion has grown as the Amavasya Tithi, the lunar phase that decides the festival’s date, stretches across two days. Many families, temples, and local pandits have debated whether the main celebration should fall on October 20 or October 21.

Diwali 2025: Date and timeThe confusion around the date of Diwali 2025 arises due to the Amavasya Tithi spanning two days. As per the Hindu calendar, the Amavasya Tithi begins on October 20, 2025, at 3:44 PM and ends on October 21, 2025, at 5:54 PM. Since the Tithi starts before sunset on October 20, that day is observed as the main Diwali celebration and Lakshmi Puja day.

Also Read: When is Choti Diwali?

Diwali 2025 Date in India: Below are the detailed timings and auspicious periods for Diwali 2025:


Since Amavasya begins before sunset on October 20, experts recommend observing Lakshmi Puja on that day.

Also read: When is Dhanteras

These periods are considered ideal for offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kuber, who are revered for prosperity, wisdom, and wealth.

Diwali 2025 Panchang Calender: Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Govardhan, Bhai Dooj five-day calendar

The festival of Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, each carrying its own spiritual significance and rituals. The celebrations start with Dhanteras and conclude with Bhai Dooj.

Diwali Date 2025: Kashi Vidwat Parishad confirms Deepawali date

The Kashi Vidwat Parishad, a respected body of scholars and spiritual authorities based in Varanasi, has officially confirmed the date of Diwali 2025. The Parishad held detailed consultations with astrologers and priests before reaching its conclusion.

“After extensive discussions with scholars, it was concluded that the full Pradosh Kaal (dusk period) falls on October 20, making it the most auspicious day for Lakshmi Puja,” said Prof Ramnarayan Dwivedi, National General Secretary of the Parishad.

This clarification from one of India’s most trusted religious councils has helped clear confusion among devotees about whether Diwali should be observed on October 20 or October 21. With this, temples, markets, and households across India are preparing to perform Lakshmi Puja on the evening of October 20, following the traditional timings prescribed in the Hindu Panchang.

Deepawali 2025 date: The significance of Amavasya on Diwali

The new moon night, or Amavasya, carries deep spiritual meaning in Hindu tradition. According to legend, it was on this night that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. To welcome him, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps across the city — a gesture that became the essence of Diwali.

The lighting of diyas continues to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, reminding devotees that hope can shine through even the darkest moments.

The meaning and traditions of Diwali

Diwali represents renewal, gratitude, and the cleansing of both home and spirit. Families clean their houses, decorate them with rangoli and flowers, and light diyas to invite positivity and prosperity. In the evening, they gather for Lakshmi Puja, exchange sweets, and celebrate abundance with loved ones.

Charitable acts form a major part of the celebration. Many people donate food, clothing, or money to help those in need, spreading light beyond their homes.

Across India, the festival carries region-specific meanings but the same underlying spirit. In North India, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. In Western India, it is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi for business prosperity. In Eastern India, it coincides with Kali Puja, and in the South, it commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.