Diwali 2025 spans five sacred days from Oct 29 to Nov 2. Main Diwali falls on Friday, October 31. Each day carries unique traditions - from wealth prayers to sibling bonds. Plan your perfect celebration.
Let me guess - you just Googled "when is Diwali 2025" and got confused by different dates floating around? Here's the thing: Diwali isn't just one day, it's a five-day marathon of celebrations, and yes, this year the main event falls on Friday, October 31, 2025. Perfect timing for a Halloween-Diwali fusion party, if you're into that sort of thing (and honestly, why wouldn't you be?).
After celebrating Diwali across three different time zones and constantly fielding "but which day is the REAL Diwali?" texts from confused friends, I've become somewhat of an accidental expert on the Diwali calendar. The confusion is real - between lunar calculations, regional variations, and US time zone adjustments, even seasoned celebrants sometimes need a refresher. This year, I'm documenting everything so you can screenshot this and silence the family WhatsApp group debates once and for all.
What makes 2025 special? The main Diwali day falling on a Friday means you get a perfect weekend for celebrations. For those of us in the US trying to balance work commitments with proper Diwali festivities, this couldn't be better timed. Plus, with Halloween on the same day, you might be the only house on the block with both jack-o'-lanterns AND diyas - talk about cultural fusion!
Navigate Your Diwali 2025 Calendar:
Complete Diwali 2025 Calendar at a Glance
Here's your screenshot-worthy Diwali 2025 calendar - all five days mapped out with US dates and Indian tithi timings. Save this table and end those "what date is Diwali?" messages forever!
🗓️ DIWALI 2025 QUICK FACTS
• Main Diwali Day: Friday, October 31, 2025
• Full Celebration Period: October 29 - November 2, 2025
• Total Days: 5 consecutive days
• Weekend Advantage: Friday-Sunday celebrations
• Coincides with: Halloween (Oct 31) in the US
| Day |
Festival Name |
2025 Date (US) |
Day of Week |
Key Rituals |
Shopping/Activities |
| Day 1 |
Dhanteras |
October 29 |
Wednesday |
Lakshmi Puja, Dhanvantari worship |
Gold, silver, utensils shopping |
| Day 2 |
Naraka Chaturdashi
(Choti Diwali) |
October 30 |
Thursday |
Early morning oil bath, Krishna puja |
Home cleaning, decoration prep |
| Day 3 |
DIWALI
(Lakshmi Puja) |
October 31 |
Friday |
Main Lakshmi Puja, lighting diyas |
Fireworks, gift exchange, feasts |
| Day 4 |
Govardhan Puja
(Padwa) |
November 1 |
Saturday |
Annakut, Govardhan worship |
Community gatherings |
| Day 5 |
Bhai Dooj |
November 2 |
Sunday |
Sister-brother ceremonies |
Family visits, tilak ceremony |
Day 1: Dhanteras - Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Dhanteras kicks off the Diwali festivities, and if you're wondering why everyone's suddenly buying kitchen utensils, welcome to the club! The name literally means "wealth thirteenth" (Dhan = wealth, Teras = thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight), and it's considered the most auspicious day for making purchases that'll last.
Significance & Mythology
This day celebrates two main events: Lord Dhanvantari (the physician of the gods) emerging from the ocean with the nectar of immortality, and the story of King Hima's son who was saved from death by his wife's cleverness with gold and silver ornaments. That's why we buy precious metals - it's literally considered life-saving!
Traditional Rituals & Modern Adaptations
Evening Lakshmi Puja: Perform between 6:00-8:00 PM local time. Light 13 diyas around your home.
Yamadeep Ritual: Light a diya outside your main door to ward off untimely death (yes, really!).
Shopping Window: Auspicious time is typically afternoon to evening. In 2025, muhurat is 2:30 PM - 8:15 PM IST (adjust for US time zones).
Modern US Twist: Order gold/silver online if you can't make it to jewelry stores. Even buying steel utensils from Target counts!
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2025
| Traditional |
Modern Alternatives |
Budget-Friendly Options |
| Gold jewelry |
Gold ETFs, digital gold |
Gold-plated items |
| Silver coins/items |
Silver jewelry |
Silver-plated puja items |
| Brass/copper vessels |
Kitchen appliances |
Steel utensils |
| New clothes |
Electronics |
Home decor items |
Living in the US? Most Indian jewelry stores have special Dhanteras promotions starting the weekend before (Oct 25-26). Call ahead to avoid the rush, or check if they offer appointments. Pro move: Many stores now do live video shopping sessions!
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - Thursday, October 30, 2025
Think of this as Diwali Eve - all the excitement, half the pressure! Naraka Chaturdashi celebrates Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. In South India, this IS the main Diwali day, which explains why your Telugu and Tamil friends might be posting "Happy Diwali" a day early.
Early Morning Rituals (Yes, REALLY Early)
The Abhyanga Snan (Oil Bath): Traditional timing is before sunrise (around 4-6 AM). Mix sesame oil with a paste of chickpea flour and turmeric. Apply, wait 15 minutes, then bathe. Can't wake up that early? Any time before noon works for us mortals in the US!
Choti Diwali Preparations Checklist
Complete deep cleaning of home (the real spring cleaning!)
Set up rangoli designs at entrance
Prepare or buy sweets for the next day
Charge all cameras and phones (trust me on this)
Do a test run of your lights and decorations
Prep clothes for the main day
Regional Variations You Might Encounter
South India: This is their main Diwali! Expect firecracker sounds if you live near South Indian communities.
Bengal: They're gearing up for Kali Puja instead, which happens on the main Diwali night.
Gujarat: Preparing for the mega Lakshmi Puja tomorrow - expect frantic last-minute shopping!
Need Help Planning Your 5-Day Celebration?
Download our Printable Diwali 2025 Calendar & Planner with daily checklists, puja timings for all US time zones, and shopping lists for each day. Never miss an important ritual again!
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Day 3: DIWALI (Main Day) - Friday, October 31, 2025
THE BIG DAY IS HERE! October 31, 2025 - when Diwali meets Halloween in the ultimate cultural crossover episode. This is Lakshmi Puja day, the main event, the reason for the season. If you do nothing else, this is the day to light those diyas!
Why October 31 is THE Day
This is the darkest night of the lunar month (Amavasya), when we literally and symbolically banish darkness with light. In 2025, this falls perfectly on a Friday, giving US celebrants the whole weekend to recover from the festivities (and the mithai-induced sugar coma).
Lakshmi Puja Timing for US Time Zones (October 31, 2025)
| Time Zone |
Pradosh Kaal
(Best Time) |
Mahanishita Kaal
(Alternate) |
Diya Lighting |
| Eastern (ET) |
6:30 PM - 8:45 PM |
11:30 PM - 12:30 AM |
After 6:00 PM |
| Central (CT) |
5:30 PM - 7:45 PM |
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM |
After 5:00 PM |
| Mountain (MT) |
4:30 PM - 6:45 PM |
9:30 PM - 10:30 PM |
After 4:00 PM |
| Pacific (PT) |
3:30 PM - 5:45 PM |
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
After 3:00 PM |
The Main Event Schedule
Afternoon (2-4 PM): Last-minute prep, setting up puja thali, arranging sweets
Early Evening (4-6 PM): Bath, wear new clothes, final decoration touches
Sunset (6-7 PM): Begin lighting diyas around the home
Puja Time (7-8 PM): Main Lakshmi-Ganesh puja
Post-Puja (8-10 PM): Gift exchange, feast, visiting neighbors
Late Evening (10 PM+): Fireworks (where legal), card games, more eating!
Halloween-Diwali Fusion Ideas for 2025
Since Diwali falls on Halloween this year, why not embrace the chaos? Here's how to manage both:
The Dual Celebration Strategy:
• 3-6 PM: Halloween trick-or-treating (kids in Indian outfits = conversation starter!)
• 6-7 PM: Transition time (quick change, light diyas)
• 7-8 PM: Lakshmi Puja (keep candy bowl outside with a note about celebrating Diwali)
• 8 PM onwards: Diwali festivities
• Give trick-or-treaters Indian sweets alongside candy = cultural ambassador mode!
Essential Elements for Main Diwali Day
Light minimum 21 diyas around your home
Keep main door and windows open during puja (inviting Lakshmi)
Place diyas in every room, especially the kitchen and safe
Create footprints with rice flour leading to your puja area
Keep some windows cracked open all night (tradition says Lakshmi visits)
Start a family gambling session (cards/dice) - it's actually auspicious!
Day 4: Govardhan Puja/Padwa - Saturday, November 1, 2025
The Saturday after Diwali in 2025 brings Govardhan Puja in North India and Padwa in Maharashtra. After the intensity of main Diwali, this day feels like a gentle exhale. Perfect timing for a weekend celebration!
The Govardhan Story & Significance
This day commemorates Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect villagers from Indra's wrath. The message? Community protection and environmental consciousness (Krishna was basically the original environmental activist, protecting farmers from divine climate catastrophe!).
Traditional Annakut Celebration
Annakut literally means "mountain of food" - and that's exactly what people create! Families prepare 56 or 108 different food items and arrange them like a mountain. In the US, this has evolved into epic potluck gatherings.
| Traditional Annakut |
US Adaptation |
Quick Version |
| 56 different dishes |
Community potluck with 20-30 dishes |
7 categories of food |
| Mountain arrangement |
Buffet-style presentation |
Tiered serving plates |
| Temple offering |
Share with neighbors |
Family feast |
| All-day preparation |
Catered + homemade mix |
Store-bought + 3-4 homemade |
Padwa Celebrations (Maharashtra/Gujarat Style)
Husband-Wife Day: Traditionally celebrates the bond between spouses with gift exchanges
Business New Year: Many Indian businesses start new account books
Community Gatherings: Perfect day for Diwali parties since it's Saturday in 2025!
Planning a party on November 1? Remember it's also Day of the Dead in Mexican culture and All Saints' Day. If you have Mexican neighbors or friends, this could be a beautiful opportunity for cultural exchange - both celebrations honor different aspects of life and spirituality!
Day 5: Bhai Dooj - Sunday, November 2, 2025
The Diwali season concludes with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Falling on Sunday in 2025, it's perfectly timed for family gatherings before everyone returns to Monday reality.
The Tradition Explained
Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity by performing an aarti and applying a ceremonial tilak. Brothers, in return, give gifts and promise protection. No brother? No problem! Many celebrate with cousin-brothers, close male friends, or even virtually across continents.
Bhai Dooj Ceremony Timeline (November 2, 2025)
Morning (9-11 AM): Sisters prepare the puja thali with roli, rice, sweets
Muhurat Time (11 AM - 1 PM): Optimal time for tilak ceremony
Ceremony: Tilak application, aarti, sweet exchange
Feast Time: Brothers traditionally eat at sister's home
Gift Exchange: Brothers give gifts (money, clothes, jewelry)
Modern Adaptations for 2025
Virtual Celebrations: Video call tilak ceremonies for long-distance siblings
Feminist Update: Many now do mutual tilak and gift exchanges
Inclusive Approach: Celebrate with chosen family, not just blood relations
US Timing: Sunday brunch Bhai Dooj parties are becoming popular!
Plan Your Perfect 5-Day Diwali Celebration
Get our comprehensive Diwali 2025 Calendar & Planner with daily schedules, shopping lists, puja timings for all US time zones, and party planning templates. Make this Diwali your most organized yet!
Download Complete Planner
US Time Zone Adjustments & Considerations
Living in the US means constantly calculating "what time is it in India?" during festivals. Here's your comprehensive guide to celebrating Diwali 2025 across American time zones.
Time Difference Quick Reference (October-November 2025)
| US Time Zone |
Hours Behind India |
When India Does Puja at 7 PM |
Your Local Time |
| Eastern (EDT) |
9.5 hours |
7:00 PM IST |
9:30 AM EDT |
| Central (CDT) |
10.5 hours |
7:00 PM IST |
8:30 AM CDT |
| Mountain (MDT) |
11.5 hours |
7:00 PM IST |
7:30 AM MDT |
| Pacific (PDT) |
12.5 hours |
7:00 PM IST |
6:30 AM PDT |
| Alaska (AKDT) |
13.5 hours |
7:00 PM IST |
5:30 AM AKDT |
| Hawaii (HST) |
15.5 hours |
7:00 PM IST |
3:30 AM HST |
Daylight Saving Time Alert!
Important for 2025: Daylight Saving Time ends on November 2, 2025 - that's Bhai Dooj day! At 2 AM, clocks "fall back" one hour. This means:
• More time for Bhai Dooj celebrations (extra hour!)
• If coordinating with India, remember the time difference changes that day
• Set multiple alarms if you have morning rituals planned
Managing Work During Diwali Week
Let's be real - most US employers don't recognize Diwali as a holiday. Here's how to manage the celebration around work:
The Strategic Time-Off Plan:
• October 31 (Friday): Take the day off or half-day for main Diwali
• October 30: Work from home if possible (prep day)
• November 3 (Monday): Consider taking off for recovery/family time
• Alternative: Save vacation days for just Friday, celebrate evenings for other days
Your Complete Diwali 2025 Planning Timeline
Success is in the planning! Here's your week-by-week countdown to a stress-free Diwali.
Two Weeks Before (October 15-21)
Book time off work (October 31 priority)
Order decorations online (Amazon delivery times!)
Plan menu and order special ingredients
Book appointments (mehendi, salon) if needed
Send party invitations if hosting
Order Diwali gifts online for India (shipping time!)
One Week Before (October 22-28)
Deep clean home room by room
Shop for Dhanteras (October 29)
Buy dry fruits, sweets ingredients
Test all lights and electrical decorations
Prepare gift wrapping supplies
Confirm guest lists and dietary restrictions
The Diwali Week Schedule
| Day |
Morning |
Afternoon |
Evening |
Oct 29
Dhanteras |
Regular routine |
Shopping for gold/silver |
Lakshmi puja, light 13 diyas |
Oct 30
Choti Diwali |
Oil bath ritual |
Decorate home, rangoli |
Prep for tomorrow |
Oct 31
DIWALI |
Final preparations |
Cooking, getting ready |
Lakshmi Puja, celebrations |
Nov 1
Govardhan |
Annakut preparation |
Community gathering |
Diwali party (if hosting) |
Nov 2
Bhai Dooj |
Tilak ceremony |
Family feast |
Rest and recovery! |
Diwali 2025 Shopping Calendar
Strategic shopping is key to a stress-free Diwali, especially when finding the best Diwali gifts in the US. Here's what to buy and when:
Week-by-Week Shopping Guide
October 1-7: Booking phase - venues, caterers, mehendi artists, photographers
October 8-14: Online orders - decorations, lights, gifts for India
October 15-21: Clothes shopping, dry goods, non-perishables
October 22-28: Fresh ingredients, flowers, last-minute items
October 29: Dhanteras shopping - gold, silver, utensils
Budget Planning for Diwali 2025
| Category |
Budget Range (USD) |
Money-Saving Tips |
| Decorations & Lights |
$50-200 |
Reuse last year's, buy LED, DIY rangoli |
| Gifts |
$200-500 |
Group gifts, homemade sweets, early shopping |
| Food & Sweets |
$100-300 |
Potluck parties, bulk buying, cook vs. cater |
| New Clothes |
$100-400 |
Sales shopping, mix traditional with fusion |
| Puja Items |
$30-50 |
Share with friends, buy from Indian stores |
| Dhanteras Purchase |
$50-1000+ |
Silver coins, steel utensils for budget option |
Regional Variations in Diwali 2025 Dates
While we've been focusing on the North Indian calendar, different regions have their own special observances:
South India Variations
Tamil Nadu/Kerala: Main celebration on Naraka Chaturdashi (Oct 30)
Karnataka: "Bali Padyami" on Nov 1 is equally important
Andhra/Telangana: Three-day focus from Oct 30-Nov 1
Other Concurrent Celebrations
Kali Puja (Bengal/Odisha): October 31 - Same night as Diwali
Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh): October 31 - Golden Temple illumination
Jain Diwali: October 31 - Marks Mahavira's moksha
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2025
What is the exact date of Diwali 2025?
The main Diwali celebration (Lakshmi Puja) is on Friday, October 31, 2025. However, the complete festival spans five days from October 29 (Dhanteras) to November 2 (Bhai Dooj).
Why does Diwali fall on different dates each year?
Diwali follows the lunar calendar, specifically falling on the new moon (Amavasya) in the Hindu month of Kartik. This typically occurs between mid-October and mid-November in the Gregorian calendar.
Is October 31 Diwali for all of India?
October 31 is the main Diwali day for North India. South Indians primarily celebrate on October 30 (Naraka Chaturdashi). Both dates are part of the same festival period.
What time should I do Lakshmi Puja in the US?
The most auspicious time (Pradosh Kaal) varies by timezone: ET 6:30-8:45 PM, CT 5:30-7:45 PM, MT 4:30-6:45 PM, PT 3:30-5:45 PM on October 31, 2025.
Can I celebrate Diwali on a different day if October 31 doesn't work?
Yes! Many US families celebrate on the nearest weekend for convenience. The five-day period gives flexibility. The intention matters more than exact timing when practical constraints exist.
How do I manage Halloween and Diwali on the same day?
Embrace both! Many families do trick-or-treating early evening (5-7 PM), then transition to Diwali celebrations. Kids can wear Indian outfits for trick-or-treating, and you can give out Indian sweets alongside candy.
What if I can only celebrate one day of Diwali?
Choose October 31 (main Diwali) for the complete experience. If that's not possible, October 29 (Dhanteras) or November 1 (Saturday) work well for US schedules.
Making Diwali 2025 Memorable
With Diwali 2025 falling on Halloween Friday and stretching through the weekend, you've got the perfect setup for an epic celebration. Whether you're planning to organize activities for kids or looking for local Diwali events in your city, this calendar gives you the framework to plan ahead.
The Ultimate Diwali 2025 Hack: Screenshot the calendar table at the beginning of this article and share it in your family WhatsApp group now. You'll be the hero who ended the "which day is Diwali?" debate before it even starts. You're welcome!
Conclusion: Your Diwali 2025 Game Plan
There you have it - every single date, time, and detail you need for Diwali 2025. From Dhanteras on October 29 through Bhai Dooj on November 2, you're now equipped with the knowledge to celebrate like a pro. The Friday-through-Sunday timing couldn't be better for us in the US, and that Halloween overlap? Consider it an opportunity for the most unique celebration ever.
Remember, while the dates and timings provide structure, Diwali is ultimately about light conquering darkness, both literally and metaphorically. Whether you manage to celebrate all five days or just light a single diya on October 31, you're part of a tradition that spans continents and centuries.
Start planning now - mark those calendars, request that time off, and begin your shopping lists. Diwali 2025 is set to be special with its perfect weekend timing. See you at the decoration shopping aisles!
Never Miss a Diwali Moment in 2025!
Download our comprehensive Diwali 2025 Calendar & Planner with printable schedules, puja timings for all US time zones, shopping lists, and daily ritual guides. Stay organized through all five days of celebration!
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