Diwali 2025 Calendar: When Is Diwali, Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj?

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Last Updated:January 01, 2025, 13:00 IST

Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. This year it will be celebrated on October 20.

Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. (Image: Shutterstock)

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous and vibrant celebration in India that represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time for families to come together, light lamps, decorate their homes, and exchange sweets, all while celebrating the spiritual significance of the occasion.

In 2025, Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on October 20, marking Diwali. It will be preceded by Dhanteras on October 18 and followed by Choti Diwali on October 19.

Diwali History

Diwali, a significant Hindu festival, has its roots in ancient traditions, dating back to the era of Lord Rama and even earlier, during the churning of the Milky Ocean when Goddess Lakshmi emerged as a blessing for the gods and humanity. Known also as Deepavali, the festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.

The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, which marks the first day of the five-day festival and honours Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth.

During this period, Abhyang Snan, an ancient Ayurvedic ritual, is practiced on three days—Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and Pratipada—to cleanse both body and mind, with the most significant bath occurring on Chaturdashi, also known as Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali.

This day is believed to protect individuals from Narak, or hell. Lakshmi Puja, performed on the third day during the new moon, venerates the goddess of prosperity.

The following day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan from a storm sent by Indra, as described in the Bhagavata Purana.

The final day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between siblings, where brothers receive a tilak from their sisters, ensuring a long and prosperous life, as per the mythological story of Yamaraj and his sister, Yamuna.

Diwali Rituals And How It Is Celebrated

The five-day Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to honoring Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi.

On this occasion, people clean and decorate their homes, purchase new items like gold, silver, or utensils, and perform a puja to invite wealth and prosperity, lighting diyas around the house to welcome good fortune.

Choti Diwali, or Narak Chaturdashi, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. People take part in Abhyang Snan in the early morning to purify themselves and eliminate negativity, while homes are decorated with rangolis and diyas to bring positive energy.

On Lakshmi Puja, the most significant ritual of Diwali, families clean and adorn their homes with flowers and diyas. This evening, prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi, asking for wealth and prosperity in the coming year, with offerings such as sweets, fruits, and coins placed near her idol or image.

Govardhan Puja, observed the day after Diwali, marks Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan. Devotees create small hillocks from cow dung, decorate them with flowers, and offer prayers, food, and sweets, particularly panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar).

The final day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, offer sweets, and pray for their well-being, while brothers return the gesture with gifts, marking the day with joyous family gatherings, feasts, and blessings.

Diwali 2025 Shubh Muhurat

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (October 18, 2025)
Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM (October 20, 2025)
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM (October 20, 2025)
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat: 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM (October 22, 2025)
Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat: 3:29 PM to 5:44 PM (October 22, 2025)
Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM (October 23, 2025)

Diwali 2025: Bank Holidays

Bank holidays in India during Diwali vary by state and local customs, but generally banks are closed for at least two to three days:

Dhanteras: Banks are typically open on Dhanteras, as it’s an auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and other valuables.
Choti Diwali: Banks may be closed in some states on Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi.
Lakshmi Puja: Banks may be closed on the day of Lakshmi Puja.
Govardhan Puja: Banks may be closed on Govardhan Puja, which is the day after Lakshmi Puja.
Bhai Dooj: Banks may be closed on Bhai Dooj, which is two days after Diwali in some regions

Diwali 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of Dhanteras?

Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and healing. It’s a day for buying new items, especially metal, to bring prosperity.

Are Diwali, Dhanteras, and other related days public holidays in India?

Yes, Diwali and Dhanteras are public holidays in many states of India, though it varies regionally. Other days like Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj may be observed as holidays in certain regions.

How is Govardhan Puja celebrated?

Govardhan Puja is celebrated by worshipping the Govardhan Hill, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Gokul from torrential rains. Devotees offer food, sweets, and prepare a symbolic hill made of cow dung.