Diwali, the festival of lights, also known as Deepawali, is that time of the year when winter just starts to leave its mark in India. Neon light-covered houses and late-night puja of Maa Kali elevate the festival's grandeur every year across India with immense joy. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on the 15th day of the Kartik month, which is marked as the darkest night of the year.
The sound of a thousand mini bugs buzzes around every corner of the road. The houses get a new look with lights, along with rangoli and diyas. The seven-day-long festival has a different ritual for each day. Here are all the details you should know.
Diwali 2025 dates
According to Drik Panchang, the festival will start on October 17. Here is a list of dates
October 17: Govatsa Dwadashi (Vasu Baras)
October 18: Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)
October 19: Kali Chaudas (Hanuman Puja)
October 20: Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja
October 21: Diwali Snan & Devpuja
October 22: Govardhan Puja, Annakut, Gujarati New Year
October 23: Bhai Dooj
Diwali 2025 Subh Muhurat
Here is a list of Subh Muhurat time, according to Drik Panchang
Pradosh Kaal: 5:58 PM – 8:25 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM – 9:03 PM
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM
Amavasya starts: 3:44 PM on October 20
Amavasya ends: 5:54 PM on October 21
Know the details of the festival
Day 1 – Dhanteras (October 18):
According to Drik Panchang, it is the first day of Diwali. On this auspicious day, People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber for wealth and prosperity. Indians buy new items or gold on this day. Many sales are also ongoing at this time.
Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (October 20)
Indian households celebrate Choti Diwali as it is said that Lord Krishna took victory over the demon Narakasura at this time. Homes are decorated with lights, and rituals are performed for purification and positivity. On this auspicious occasion, a puja of the goddess Kali is also performed.
Day 3 – Diwali (October 20)
It is said that on this “tithi,” Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman return to Ayodhya after demolishing Ravana, and in the Evening, a Lakshmi and Ganesh Puja is performed for prosperity.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (October 22)
It is a celebration of Lord Krishna, as he lifted Govardhan Parbat mountain to protect Mathura from Indra’s wrath.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (October 23)
On this day, brothers and sisters celebrate their bonds; this day is also called Bhai Phonta or Bhaiya Dooj.
Diwali brings happiness in life as kids set off fireworks; it is considered that Diwali brings prosperity and generosity in life.
