Diwali 2025 Festival Calendar: When Is Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, and Bhai Dooj? Know Full Dates and Puja Timings

Diwali, also called Deepawali, is one of India’s most loved and celebrated festivals. Every year, millions of homes across the country light up with diyas, lanterns, and joy. It’s a time when families come together, sweets are shared, and prayers are offered for happiness and prosperity. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the 15th day of Kartik, which is the darkest night of the year, making it even more special, as people fill this night with light and love.

Diwali 2025 Dates and Shubh Muhurat

According to the Drik Panchang, the five days of Diwali in 2025 will be celebrated from October 18 to October 23. Each day has its own meaning and rituals, with special timings (muhurats) for prayers and pujas.

• Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM on October 18, 2025
• Abhyang Snan Muhurat (Choti Diwali): 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM on October 20, 2025
• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (Main Diwali): 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM on October 20, 2025
• Govardhan Puja (Morning Muhurat): 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM on October 22, 2025
• Govardhan Puja (Evening Muhurat): 3:29 PM to 5:44 PM on October 22, 2025
• Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM on October 23, 2025

These timings are considered the most auspicious for each ritual, believed to bring prosperity, protection, and positivity into one’s home.

The Beginning

The festival begins with Dhanteras, which marks the start of the five-day celebration. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, the gods of wealth and prosperity. Families clean their homes, decorate entrances with rangolis, and light diyas to invite good luck. Many also buy gold, silver, or new utensils, as it’s believed that purchasing something valuable on Dhanteras brings fortune and growth. It’s the first sparkle of the festival, filling homes with excitement and hope.

Choti Diwali

Next comes Naraka Chaturdashi, or Choti Diwali, a day that celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Early in the morning, people perform the Abhyang Snan, an ancient Ayurvedic bath believed to cleanse both body and soul. The fragrance of oils, the glow of diyas, and the colors of rangoli fill the surroundings with positivity. It’s a symbolic reminder that light and purity always conquer darkness and negativity.

Diwali

The third day is Diwali, the brightest and most awaited day of the festival. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. People welcomed them by lighting rows of earthen lamps, a tradition that continues even today. Homes shimmer with diyas and fairy lights, families dress up in new clothes, and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat. Sweets, gifts, laughter, and fireworks fill the evening, reminding everyone that light, faith, and goodness can drive away even the deepest darkness.

Govardhan Puja

The day after Diwali is Govardhan Puja, celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the people of Mathura from heavy rains sent by Lord Indra. To honour this act, people make offerings of food known as annakoot and worship Govardhan Parvat. Families come together to express gratitude for nature’s blessings, showing that true devotion is about care and humility, not just rituals.

Bhai Dooj

The last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, pray for their happiness, and offer sweets, while brothers promise to protect their sisters always. The story behind this day comes from the love between Lord Yamaraj and his sister Yamuna, who blessed brothers everywhere with long lives and happiness. It’s a heartwarming end to the festival, filled with affection and laughter.

Each day of Diwali tells a story, from welcoming wealth and good fortune to cleansing, celebrating victory, showing gratitude, and cherishing love. Together, they remind us that light is not just something we see, but something we carry within. When Diwali 2025 arrives, homes across India will glow once again, spreading the timeless message that light, kindness, and goodness will always find their way, no matter how dark the night.