Diwali 2025 is coming soon, and the Diwali 2025 Calendar tells us that the festival of lights will be observed over five days, starting October 18 and ending October 23.
Diwali 2025 Calendar: Know the Five Days
The Diwali 2025 Calendar shows the sequence of festivals and pujas (prayers) that take place over five days. Each day has its own name, rituals, and legend. It is more than just lighting lamps — each day is tied to stories, family, and spiritual meaning.
On October 20, 2025, the main Lakshmi Puja happens. But to reach that big day, there are other days before and after, each with special importance.
Day 1: Dhanteras (October 18)
The festival starts with Dhanteras on October 18, 2025. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantri for health and prosperity. Many also buy gold, silver, new utensils, or electronics, as it is considered auspicious. In the evening, there is also Yama Deepam, where a diya (lamp) is lit for Lord Yama, the god of death, to reduce fear of untimely death.
For example, a family might buy a small silver coin or new kitchen utensils on Dhanteras, believing it brings wealth and well-being to the home.
Day 2: Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi (October 20, morning)
Early on October 20, people celebrate Choti Diwali (also called Narak Chaturdashi). According to legend, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed many beings. To commemorate his victory, people take ritual baths, apply oils, and do small pujas. A home might be cleaned and decorated in the early morning hours to welcome positive energy.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali (October 20, evening)
The highlight is Lakshmi Puja, on the evening of October 20. The “Amavasya Tithi” (new moon) begins at 3:44 PM and ends the next day at 5:54 PM, and the auspicious window for Lakshmi Puja is from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM. On this night, people light diyas, candles, and fairy lights all around homes to dispel darkness and welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Think of a house that is completely dark at dusk, then gradually illuminated with dozens of small lamps, rangoli at the door, and family members gathered for prayer — that is how many celebrate this moment.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (October 22)
After Diwali night’s celebrations, on October 22, people observe Govardhan Puja. The myth behind this is that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rains. On this day, offerings are made to the hillock in small symbolic forms, and children sometimes build small mounds of cow dung or soil to represent Govardhan, decorating them with flowers and sweets.
The puja timings are in the morning (6:26 AM to 8:42 AM) and evening (3:29 PM to 5:44 PM). A family might prepare a small “Govardhan hill” in the courtyard and place fruits, sweets, and little lamps around it.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (October 23)
The final day is Bhai Dooj on October 23. It is a day to honor the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ health, and brothers, in turn, give gifts to sisters and promise protection. The puja window is from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM.
Imagine a sister putting a tilak (vermilion mark) on her brother’s forehead at home, offering sweets, and receiving gifts — that is Bhai Dooj in many families.
Why the Five Days of Diwali Matter
These five days are not just celebrations — each day is symbolic. The Diwali 2025 Calendar captures the flow from wealth and protection (Dhanteras) to spiritual light (Lakshmi Puja) to community and memory (Govardhan Puja) to family bonds (Bhai Dooj).
People decorate homes, make rangoli, burst crackers (where allowed), exchange sweets and gifts, and visit friends and relatives. The rituals also encourage inner cleansing — many clean their homes, discard old items, and begin fresh.
An example: An aunt may gift sweets and a new lamp to her niece during Bhai Dooj. On Lakshmi Puja, families may open their books of accounts as a symbolic start to a prosperous financial year.
How You Can Observe (In Simple Ways)
You don’t have to do everything perfectly — even simple acts count. On Dhanteras, you might light a little diya in your room or buy a small silver coin. During Choti Diwali, take a morning bath and clean one corner of your room. On Lakshmi Puja night, light diyas, say a prayer, or even think of gratitude. For Govardhan Puja, you can prepare a small offering of fruits or decorate a small mound in a pot. On Bhai Dooj, call or meet siblings, wish them well, or send a sweet message.
In Summary
The Diwali 2025 Calendar gives us a roadmap to celebrate the five sacred days of Diwali, each day with its meaning, rituals, and joy. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, these days weave a story of prosperity, light, devotion, and love. By understanding what each day stands for and doing small, meaningful things, anyone can feel the spirit of Diwali in their heart and home.
