The excitement for Diwali begins months in advance in my family. My grandmother always says, “Diwali isn’t just one day—it’s five days of blessings, each with its own magic.” As we prepare for Diwali 2025, I want to share the complete calendar and significance of each day to help you plan your celebrations and understand the beautiful traditions behind the Festival of Lights.
Diwali 2025 at a Glance
Diwali 2025 falls on Wednesday, October 22nd
But the celebrations span five beautiful days, each with unique significance and traditions. Here’s your complete calendar:
The Complete 5-Day Diwali 2025 Calendar
Day 1: Dhanteras
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Tithi: Trayodashi (13th day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month)
What to Know:
- Also called Dhanatrayodashi
- Considered extremely auspicious for buying:
- Gold, silver, and precious metals
- Kitchen utensils (especially steel)
- Electronic appliances
- Vehicles
Why We Celebrate:
According to legend, this day commemorates:
- The emergence of Dhanvantari, the physician of gods, with the nectar of immortality
- Young King Hima’s wife saving his life by keeping him awake with her ornaments
My Family Tradition:
We light a diya (lamp) at the entrance and keep it burning all night to welcome prosperity and ward off untimely death.
Day 2: Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Tithi: Chaturdashi (14th day of Krishna Paksha)
What to Know:
- Also known as Kali Chaudas
- Marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura
- People wake up before sunrise for Abhyang Snan (holy bath)
Why We Celebrate:
Commemorates the destruction of evil when:
- Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura
- Liberated 16,000 captive princesses
- Established dharma (righteousness)
My Family Tradition:
We apply ubtan (herbal paste) before our morning bath and light diyas in the evening. My mother always prepares special fried snacks that fill the house with incredible aromas.
Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Tithi: Amavasya (New Moon day)
What to Know:
- Main day of Diwali celebrations
- Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal (evening)
- Best time for puja: 6:03 PM to 8:21 PM (Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes)
Why We Celebrate:
Multiple significant events occurred on this day:
- Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile
- Goddess Lakshmi emerged during Samudra Manthan
- Lord Vishnu rescued Lakshmi from King Bali’s prison
My Family Tradition:
We clean the entire house, create beautiful rangoli designs, light countless diyas, perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, and share sweets with neighbors. The sound of fireworks and the sight of illuminated homes create magic everywhere.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut)
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Tithi: Pratipada (1st day of Shukla Paksha)
What to Know:
- Also called Padwa or Bali Pratipada
- In Gujarat, celebrated as Bestu Varas (New Year)
- Annakut – mountain of food offered to Krishna
Why We Celebrate:
Commemorates when:
- Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath
- People worshiped the hill instead of Indra
- Established the importance of nature worship
My Family Tradition:
We prepare 56 different food items (Chappan Bhog) and create a small Govardhan Hill from cow dung or food. The variety of dishes represents gratitude for nature’s bounty.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj)
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Tithi: Dwitiya (2nd day of Shukla Paksha)
What to Know:
- Also called Yama Dwitiya
- Sisters apply tilak on brothers’ foreheads
- Brothers give gifts and promise protection
Why We Celebrate:
Based on the legend where:
- Yamraj (God of Death) visited his sister Yami
- She applied tilak and fed him special food
- Yamraj declared that brothers visited by sisters on this day would be protected
My Family Tradition:
My sister and I have a special ritual where she prepares my favorite foods, and I help her with a project she’s been putting off. It’s our way of strengthening our bond beyond the traditional rituals.
Regional Variations in Diwali 2025 Celebrations
North India
- Celebrates Rama’s return to Ayodhya
- Emphasis on Lakshmi Puja and fireworks
- Business communities start new accounting books
West India (Especially Gujarat)
- Govardhan Puja as New Year
- Business openings with Chopda Pujan
- Traditional Garba dances
East India
- Kali Puja instead of Lakshmi Puja in many areas
- Strong emphasis on Choti Diwali celebrations
- Special prayers to ancestors
South India
- Celebrates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura
- Early morning oil baths
- Special focus on Naraka Chaturdashi
Planning Your Diwali 2025 Celebrations
6-Month Preparation Timeline
April-May 2025: Early Planning
- Start saving for gold/silver purchases
- Begin home renovation plans
- Research new recipes to try
June-August 2025: Shopping Phase
- Purchase clothes and jewelry during sales
- Buy decorative items gradually
- Order puja samagri (worship materials)
September 2025: Final Preparations
- Begin deep cleaning
- Finalize guest lists and invitations
- Practice new rangoli designs
October 2025: Celebration Time
- Week 1: Complete shopping
- Week 2: Home decoration
- Week 3: Cooking and final preparations
- Week 4: DIWALI CELEBRATIONS!
Important Muhurat Timings for Diwali 2025
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
- Date: October 22, 2025
- Pradosh Kaal: 6:03 PM to 8:21 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Vrishabha Kaal: 6:03 PM to 8:21 PM
Dhanteras Puja Time
- Date: October 20, 2025
- Evening Puja: 6:01 PM to 8:19 PM
Eco-Friendly Diwali 2025 Ideas
Sustainable Celebrations
- Use ghee diyas instead of electric lights
- Choose green crackers if using fireworks
- Make natural rangoli with flowers and rice flour
- DIY decorations from recycled materials
Community Initiatives
- Share sweets with underprivileged communities
- Donate to charitable causes
- Organize neighborhood cleaning drives
- Plant trees as part of celebrations
Digital Diwali 2025: Staying Connected
Virtual Celebrations
- Video calls with distant family members
- Online puja sessions for elderly relatives
- Virtual gift exchanges
- Digital greeting cards and wishes
The Spiritual Essence Beyond the Dates
While knowing the dates is practical, remembering the spiritual significance makes Diwali truly meaningful:
Dhanteras reminds us that true wealth is spiritual, not material.
Choti Diwali teaches us to conquer our inner demons.
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness in our hearts.
Govardhan Puja encourages gratitude for nature’s gifts.
Bhai Dooj reinforces the importance of family bonds.
Your Diwali 2025 Planning Starts Now!
Mark your calendars, start your preparations, and most importantly, prepare your heart for the beautiful festival of lights. Whether you celebrate all five days or focus on the main Diwali day, may Diwali 2025 bring you and your family immense joy, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
As my grandmother says, “Diwali isn’t about how many diyas you light, but about how many hearts you illuminate.” Let’s make Diwali 2025 a celebration that spreads light in every life we touch.
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