Diwali 2025: Confusion Over Dates—Will India Celebrate on October 20 or 21? Astrologers Explain the Rare Cosmic Twist
Diwali 2025: Confusion Over Dates—Will India Celebrate on October 20 or 21? Astrologers Explain the Rare Cosmic Twist
Overlapping Amavasya Tithi causes debate; Date settled based on Pradosh period calculations
This year, Diwali, the festival of lights comes with a rare celestial puzzle that has left devotees across India divided over the date of celebration. The confusion stems from an unusual planetary alignment affecting the Amavasya Tithi, the new moon phase that marks the heart of Diwali festivities.
In 2025, Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:44 pm on October 20 and ends at 5:54 pm on October 21, spanning two days. Because Diwali is observed when Amavasya coincides with the Pradosh Kaal (the twilight period after sunset), this overlap has created uncertainty over whether the festival should be celebrated on October 20 or October 21.
According to traditional texts such as Dharm Sindhu and Nirnay Sindhu, which guide Hindu calendrical calculations, the rule is clear:
- If Amavasya Tithi is present for at least 24 minutes after sunset on both days, Diwali should be observed on the second day.
- If it is present during sunset on only one day, that day is considered Diwali.
This means that cities where the sun sets before 5:30 pm such as Varanasi, Patna, and Guwahati will celebrate Diwali on October 21, as the Amavasya Tithi will be active during sunset on both days.
However, cities with later sunsets, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru, will mark Diwali on October 20, since Amavasya will be present during sunset only on that day.
To add clarity amid the confusion, the Shri Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a respected body of scholars in Varanasi, has officially declared that Diwali will be celebrated on October 20 this year. Their decision is based on the fact that October 20 includes the complete Pradosh period, which aligns with scriptural tradition for conducting Lakshmi Puja.
As per Drik Panchang, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on October 20 falls between 7:08 pm and 8:18 pm, reinforcing this date for most of India.
While the debate highlights the intricate relationship between astronomy and tradition in Hindu festivals, one thing remains certain—whether on October 20 or 21, Diwali 2025 will illuminate homes and hearts across the country with the same spirit of light, prosperity, and faith.
Disclaimer: This report is based on astrological and traditional calendar interpretations. Readers are advised to follow local temple authorities or Panchang for final timings and regional observances.
