2025 Diwali Date Calculator
Deepawali Festival Dates & Timings
About Diwali
History & Significance
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the most celebrated Hindu festival worldwide. The word "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit term "Dipavali" meaning "row of lights." This five-day festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Mythological Origins:
- Ramayana Connection: Celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and victory over Ravana. People lit diyas to welcome their beloved prince home.
- Krishna's Victory: Marks Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, freeing 16,000 women from captivity.
- Goddess Lakshmi: Celebrates the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) and her marriage to Lord Vishnu.
- Pandavas' Return: Commemorates the Pandavas' return from 13 years of exile in the Mahabharata.
Regional Variations
North India
Celebrated on Amavasya (New Moon Day) of Kartika month. Five-day celebration from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj.
South India (Tamil Nadu)
Celebrated on Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before North Indian Diwali. Starts with pre-dawn oil bath and new clothes.
Maharashtra
Begins with Govatsa Dwadashi, making it a six-day celebration. Special emphasis on cattle worship.
Gujarat
Extends to Labh Panchami, celebrated as the new year. Important for business community.
The Five Sacred Days of Diwali
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanatrayodashi - Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. People buy gold, silver, and new utensils. Homes are cleaned and decorated. Oil lamps are lit to ward off evil.
Day 2: Kali Chaudas
Naraka Chaturdashi - Also called Choti Diwali. Commemorates Krishna's victory over Narakasura. People wake up early, apply oil, and take ritual baths. Small diyas are lit.
Day 3: Diwali
Lakshmi Puja - Main festival day on Amavasya. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped. Houses are illuminated with diyas and rangoli is made. Fireworks and sweets are shared.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
Annakut - Celebrates Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. Food offerings are made to deities. In some regions, cow dung is used to make Govardhan mountain replicas.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
Yama Dwitiya - Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti and apply tilaka on brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity.
Business Significance
Diwali holds special importance for Hindu businessmen and traders. It marks the beginning of the new financial year in traditional Indian business.
- Account Books (Bahi-Khata): New ledgers are sanctified by worshipping Goddess Saraswati
- Ink & Pen (Davat & Lekhani): Writing instruments are blessed by invoking Goddess Kali
- Wealth Worship: Cash, jewelry, and business assets are offered to Goddess Lakshmi
- New Ventures: Auspicious time to start new business partnerships
Puja Timings & Muhurat
The most auspicious time for Diwali Puja is during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset) when Amavasya Tithi prevails.
- Pradosh Time: Generally 1.5-3 hours after sunset
- Duration: Minimum 1 Ghati (24 minutes) is considered sufficient
- Best Time: When both Pradosh and Amavasya overlap
- Regional Variations: Timing varies by geographical location
Note: Exact timings depend on local sunset time and should be confirmed with local panchang for your specific location.
Traditional Customs & Rituals
Diya Lighting
Earthen lamps filled with mustard oil or ghee are lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and dispel darkness. Each diya represents the removal of spiritual ignorance.
Rangoli Making
Colorful patterns made with colored powders, flowers, and rice at house entrances. These designs are believed to bring good luck and welcome deities.
Gift Exchange
Family members exchange sweets, dry fruits, and gifts. It strengthens relationships and spreads joy throughout the community.
House Cleaning
Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated before Diwali. This purification process is believed to invite prosperity and positive energy.
Sweet Preparation
Traditional sweets like laddu, barfi, and kheer are prepared at home. These offerings are made to deities and shared with neighbors and friends.
Fireworks
Crackers and fireworks symbolize the celebration of victory over evil. However, eco-friendly celebrations are increasingly encouraged.