Diwali 2025: When and How to Celebrate the Festival of Lights?

Diwali, spanning five days of rituals and festivities, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, resonating with millions around the globe. With each passing year, this ancient celebration gains renewed significance, offering a beacon of hope and unity in an ever-changing world.

In this article, Wego will provide all the necessary information on Diwali 2025, such as the pooja dates and timings and how to celebrate the festival of lights.

Diwali 2025 dates & timings

Here are the dates of Diwali 2025, along with the timings of different pujas that take place over the five days.

*Please note that the timings may be subject to change*

Dhanteras: 18 October 2025

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, heralds the beginning of Diwali festivities. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine embodiment of wealth and prosperity. On this day, people clean their homes and workplaces, decorate them with rangolis, and adorn entrances with garlands and torans (door hangings).

In the evening, families gather to perform the Dhanteras puja, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of wealth. Traditional rituals include lighting oil lamps, offering sweets, fruits, and flowers, and reciting hymns to invoke blessings for abundance and prosperity.

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat – 7:16 PM to 08:20 PM
Pradosh Kaal – 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM
Vrishabha Kaal – 7:16 PM to 9:11 PM

Naraka Chaturdashi: 20 October 2025

Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali over the demon Narakasura. According to legend, Lord Krishna slew Narakasura on this day, liberating the world from his tyranny. To honor this triumph of good over evil, people wake up before dawn to perform ritualistic baths (Abhyang Snan) using fragrant oils and herbal pastes.

Afterward, they offer prayers to Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali, seeking blessings for spiritual purification and protection from malevolent forces. The day is also marked by indulging in festive delicacies and exchanging sweets with friends and family.

Diwali, the main day of celebration, symbolizes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Homes and streets are illuminated with rows of diyas (oil lamps) and colorful decorations, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light and color.

The Diwali puja involves elaborate rituals, including the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities associated with wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness.

Families offer prayers, perform aarti (rituals of worship with lighted lamps), and distribute prasad (blessed offerings) among loved ones. Fireworks light up the night sky, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and adding to the festive ambiance.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM
Pradosh Kaal – 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM
Vrishabha Kaal – 6:20 PM to 8:15 PM

Govardhan Puja: 22 October 2025

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan to protect the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rains unleashed by Lord Indra. Devotees construct elaborate mountain-shaped structures made of food offerings, known as Annakut, and offer prayers to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.

The puja involves decorating these offerings with flowers, fruits, sweets, and grains, symbolizing gratitude for nature’s bounty and the importance of environmental preservation. Community feasts, known as Annakut darshan, are organized, where devotees partake in the distribution of prasad and indulge in vegetarian delicacies.

Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat – 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM
Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat – 3:29 PM to 5:44 PM
Pratipada Tithi Begins – 5:54 PM on 21 October 2025
Pratipada Tithi Ends – 8:16 PM on 22 October 2025

Bhai Dooj: 23 October 2025

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj or Bhau Beej, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, applying tilak (vermilion) on their foreheads and praying for their long and prosperous lives. In return, brothers shower sisters with blessings and gifts as tokens of their affection and protection.

The day reinforces familial ties and underscores the significance of mutual love and support.

Bhai Dooj Aparahna time – 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 08:16 PM on 22 Oct 2025
Dwitiya Tithi Ends – 10:46 PM on 23 Oct 2025

How is Diwali celebrated?

In addition to traditional rituals and pujas, Diwali celebrations reflect contemporary trends and preferences. Urban centers come alive with cultural events, including music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals showcasing regional cuisines.

Eco-conscious initiatives promote sustainable practices, encouraging communities to opt for eco-friendly decorations, LED lights, and noise-free celebrations to minimize environmental impact.

Virtual gatherings and social media platforms bridge geographical distances, enabling families and friends to connect and participate in Diwali festivities regardless of physical location. Online shopping platforms offer a plethora of Diwali gifts, traditional attire, and festive decor, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

Community service initiatives, such as food drives, clothing donations, and charitable events, underscore the spirit of seva (selfless service) and compassion, fostering a sense of unity and empathy among diverse communities.

In essence, Diwali encapsulates this ancient festival’s timeless traditions and values while embracing innovation and inclusivity. As people come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, they reaffirm their commitment to joy, harmony, and collective well-being, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.