Although widely celebrated in India by Hindus, people from all over the country, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion, join in by lighting up diyas or small oil lamps to celebrate.
Read on as Wego provides you everything you need to know about Diwali 2025.
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Diwali 2025 dates
Here are the dates of Diwali 2025, along with the timings of different pujas that take place over the 5 days.
*Please note that the timings may be subject to change*
Dhanteras: 18 October 2025
Ashvija Krishna Thrayodasi (thirteenth day of the Hindu calendar in the month of Ashvija Krishna) marks the beginning of the festival of lights. Dhanteras welcomes the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Devi Laxmi. It is customary to clean the house and perform puja for the Goddess.
Dhanteras is also considered an auspicious day for buying gold and luxury goods while offering charity to the underprivileged.
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat – 07:16 PM to 08:20 PM (for New Delhi)
- Pradosh Kaal – 05:09 PM to 07:38 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal – 06:41 PM to 08:40 PM
Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali: 20 October 2025
Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali also goes by Roop Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas. On this day, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, and therefore, people make it a practice to let go of all things bad, evil, or old on this day. Choti Diwali is, in fact, also the main day of the Diwali celebration in most of South India.
- Abhyang Snan during Moonrise and Chaturdashi at 4:23 am
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 01:51 PM on Oct 19, 2025
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 03:44 PM on Oct 20, 2025
Diwali: 21 October 2025
Lightwork on streets as a part of decoration during the festival of light – © Pixabay
The third day of the festivities is the new moon day in the month of Karthik, which is celebrated in most parts of India as they welcome Lord Rama’s victory and arrival in Ayodhya.
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:06 PM to 5:54 PM
- Pradosh Kaal – 05:06 PM to 07:36 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal – 06:30 PM to 08:28 PM
Balipadyami or Govardhan Puja: 22 October 2025
According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, the fourth day of the festival is also New Year’s Day. Known for Pratipada, Govardhan Puja, or Annakut, the legend says that Lord Krishna, on this day, lifted the Govardhan Hill and provided shelter to local villagers during torrential rains.
- Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat – 6:34 AM to 8:46 AM
Bhai Dooj: 23 October 2025
The last day of this five-day celebration ends with a beautiful family moment that honors the sweet bond shared by a brother and sister. Bhai Dooj or Bhratri Ditwiya, also known as Bhau Beej (in Marathi), and Bhai Phota (in Bengali), relates to Yama (the God of death) and his sister, Yamuna, who put tilak on Yama’s forehead and showered the Akshat on him.
- Bhai Dooj Aparahna time – 12:30 PM to 02:47 PM
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 08:16 PM on Oct 22, 2025
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends – 10:46 PM on Oct 23, 2025
How is Diwali celebrated in India?
Lighting lamps or diyas is a central part of Diwali celebrations © Pickpik
Celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November), Diwali is celebrated as the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. Even the remotest parts of India celebrate this festival in the belief of numerous legends. The most commonly accepted legend, particularly in North India, is the homecoming of Lord Rama, along with wife Goddess Sita, brother Lakshman, and Hanuman, to Ayodhya after he rose victorious over Ravana.
During the festival of lights, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, and since no celebration is deemed concluded without offering a prayer to Lord Ganesha, both are worshipped side by side. The puja is followed by the distribution of sweets and gifts among relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Houses are adorned with new goods, making shopping a must-do affair before Diwali. Online stores and shopping malls offer Diwali deals, and these are deals not to be missed! Jewelry, crockery, home decor, and more get a makeover during this festive season as people also buy gifts for friends and families. Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day for making such purchases, which drives people to shop more.
Streets glow up with spectacular lighting. People decorate their homes with flowers, lights and a special art called rangoli. Sparklers and an assortment of crackers burst, adding to the illuminated environment during Amavasya (new moon). Such is the enthusiasm in the air!
Diwali festivities are exuberant in every part of the country, and if you are looking forward to a quick getaway this Diwali season, we recommend checking out our dedicated article for Diwali Travel.
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