Diwali, the "Festival of Lights," is one of the most cherished celebrations in India and beyond. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
With its roots in Hindu traditions, Diwali encompasses rituals, pujas, and festivities spread across five days. Each day has a unique significance, and planning your puja timings in advance ensures an auspicious and spiritually fulfilling celebration.
In this blog, we provide a detailed 2025 Diwali Puja Calendar, explaining the importance of each day, its rituals, and specific muhurats (auspicious timings) to perform various pujas.
When is Diwali in 2025?
In 2025, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20. However, the festival spans five days, beginning with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj.
2025 Diwali Calendar and Dates
| Diwali Day | Festival Date | Festival Day | Festival Name |
| Deepawali Day 1 | 17th October 2025 | Friday / शुक्रवार | Ekadashi, Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Baras |
| Deepawali Day 2 | 18th October 2025 | Saturday / शनिवार | Dwadashi, Dhantrayodashi, Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Yama Deepam |
| Deepawali Day 3 | 19th October 2025 | Sunday / रविवार | Trayodashi, Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja |
| Deepawali Day 4 | 20th October 2025 | Monday / सोमवार | Chaturdashi, Narak Chaturdashi, Tamil Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Kedar Gauri Vrat |
| Deepawali Day 5 | 21st October 2025 | Tuesday / मंगलवार | Amavasya, Diwali Snan, Diwali Devpuja |
| Deepawali Day 6 | 22nd October 2025 | Wednesday / बुधवार | Pratipada, Govardhan Puja, Annakut, Bali Pratipada, Dyuta Krida, Gujarati New Year |
| Deepawali Day 7 | 23rd October 2025 | Thursday / गुरुवार | Dwitiya, Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya, Chitragupta Puja |
2025 Diwali Calendar and Dates
1. Dhanteras (Saturday, October 18, 2025)
-
Significance: Marks the beginning of Diwali, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Dhanvantari (health).
-
Key Rituals:
- Cleaning homes and offices to welcome prosperity.
- Purchasing gold, silver, or utensils as a sign of good fortune.
- Performing Lakshmi Puja for wealth and prosperity.
-
Auspicious Muhurat for Dhanteras Puja:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:43 PM to 7:14 PM
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Sunday, October 19, 2025)
-
Significance: Known as Chhoti Diwali, this day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
-
Key Rituals:
- Taking an early morning holy bath with oil and ubtan (herbal paste).
- Lighting lamps and decorating homes with rangoli.
- Performing puja to seek liberation from negativity.
-
Auspicious Muhurat for Naraka Chaturdashi Puja:
- Abhyanga Snan: 5:11 AM to 6:33 AM
3. Lakshmi Puja / Diwali (Monday, October 20, 2025)
-
Significance: The most important day of Diwali, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kubera (god of wealth).
-
Key Rituals:
- Performing Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal for maximum benefits.
- Lighting diyas (lamps) to dispel darkness and welcome prosperity.
- Preparing festive meals and exchanging gifts.
-
Auspicious Muhurat for Lakshmi Puja:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:45 PM to 7:39 PM
4. Govardhan Puja (Wednesday, October 22, 2025)
-
Significance: Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect devotees from Indra’s wrath.
-
Key Rituals:
- Creating small Govardhan Hill models using cow dung and worshipping them.
- Preparing 56 bhog (Chhappan Bhog) as offerings to Lord Krishna.
- Reciting Govardhan Leela and seeking Krishna’s blessings.
-
Auspicious Muhurat for Govardhan Puja:
-
Morning Muhurat: 9:22 AM to 11:44 AM
-
5. Bhai Dooj (Thursday, October 23, 2025)
-
Significance: A day to honor the bond between brothers and sisters.
-
Key Rituals:
- Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their well-being.
- Brothers present gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
- Sharing festive meals and sweets.
-
Auspicious Muhurat for Bhai Dooj Rituals:
- Afternoon Muhurat: 1:12 PM to 2:47 PM
Importance of Diwali Puja Timings (Muhurat)
Performing rituals during the correct muhurat enhances their spiritual benefits. The Pradosh Kaal is especially auspicious for Lakshmi Puja, as it falls during twilight. Astrologers also recommend consulting a Panchang (Hindu almanac) to determine precise timings based on your location.
How to Perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
Lakshmi Puja is the centerpiece of Diwali celebrations, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Performing this puja correctly ensures blessings of abundance, happiness, and good fortune for the family. Below is a detailed guide to performing Lakshmi Puja at home.
Preparation for Lakshmi Puja
-
Clean Your Home:
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning your house, especially the puja area, as cleanliness symbolizes inviting Goddess Lakshmi.
- Decorate the space with rangoli, flowers, and lights to create a welcoming atmosphere.
-
Set Up the Puja Area:
- Choose a quiet and clean space for the puja. Spread a clean cloth or asana on a table or floor.
- Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kubera on the altar.
-
Gather Puja Items (Puja Samagri):
- Idols/Images: Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kubera.
- Kalash (Sacred Vessel): Filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top.
- Offerings: Flowers, garlands, betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits, and sweets.
- Other Items: Diya (lamp), incense sticks, camphor, turmeric, vermillion (kumkum), rice grains, coins, and sandalwood paste.
-
Dress Traditionally:
- Wear clean, preferably new, traditional clothes to show respect and devotion.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Lakshmi Puja
1. Worship Lord Ganesha
- Begin the puja by lighting a diya and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
- Recite the Ganesh Mantra:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
2. Purify the Puja Area
- Sprinkle holy water (Ganga jal) in and around the puja area to purify the surroundings.
- Draw a small rangoli or swastika on the altar with rice flour or turmeric paste.
3. Kalash Sthapana (Installing the Sacred Vessel)
- Place the Kalash near the idols and fill it with water.
- Add a coin, some rice grains, and a few mango leaves to the Kalash.
- Place a coconut on top of the Kalash, representing abundance and fertility.
4. Invocation of Goddess Lakshmi
- Invite Goddess Lakshmi to your home by chanting the Lakshmi Mantra:
“Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah”
5. Perform Lakshmi Puja
- Offer flowers, garlands, and sandalwood paste to the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Light incense sticks and wave them in a circular motion in front of the deity.
- Offer coins and money as a symbol of wealth.
- Recite Lakshmi Ashtotram (108 names of Goddess Lakshmi) or the Lakshmi Chalisa.
6. Kubera Puja
- Worship Lord Kubera, the treasurer of wealth, by offering flowers, sweets, and prayers.
- This step is optional but considered auspicious for financial prosperity.
7. Light Diyas (Lamps)
- Light multiple diyas and place them throughout your house to dispel darkness and negativity.
8. Aarti
- Conclude the puja with an aarti (prayer song) for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Use a camphor-lit diya or aarti thali for this ritual.
Post-Puja Activities
-
Distribute Prasad:
- Share the offerings (sweets and fruits) among family members and guests.
-
Place the Diyas:
- Arrange the lit diyas around the house, at entrances, and in balconies to invite prosperity and dispel darkness.
-
Celebrate Together:
- Enjoy the festive ambiance by sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and bursting crackers responsibly.
Key Tips for Lakshmi Puja
- Timing (Muhurat): Perform Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the most auspicious time for worship on Diwali.
- Keep Calm and Focused: Maintain a peaceful and devotional mindset during the puja.
- Use Natural Ingredients: Eco-friendly decorations and offerings are encouraged.
Significance of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
- Spiritual Growth: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes spiritual and material prosperity.
- Positive Energy: The light of diyas drives away negativity and enhances positivity.
- Gratitude: The puja is an expression of gratitude for the blessings of the past year.
By following these steps and observing the rituals with devotion, you can ensure a fulfilling and prosperous Diwali for your family.
Conclusion
The 2025 Diwali Puja Calendar offers a roadmap to celebrate this joyous festival with devotion and enthusiasm. By understanding the rituals, puja timings, and cultural significance of each day, you can make the most of this auspicious occasion.
May the light of Diwali illuminate your life with happiness, prosperity, and peace!