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

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of India’s most cherished and widely celebrated festivals. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Across the country, people decorate their homes with diyas, lights, and flowers, exchange gifts, and indulge in sweets and festive delicacies.

Each day carries its own spiritual and cultural importance, making Diwali not just a festival but an emotion that binds families and communities together. Here’s a detailed look at the Diwali 2025 schedule as per the Hindu Drik Panchang calendar, highlighting the significance of each festive day.

Diwali 2025 Calendar Dates

Day 1: Dhanteras - October 18, 2025 (Saturday)

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health. Buying gold, silver, or new utensils is believed to bring prosperity.

Homes are cleaned and lit with diyas to welcome the goddess, while families perform Lakshmi and Kuber Puja in the evening. Many people also start decorating their homes and preparing festive sweets from this day.

Day 2: Choti Diwali - October 19, 2025 (Sunday)

Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

On this day, people perform Abhyang Snan, an auspicious ritual bath before sunrise, believed to remove negativity and bring good luck. Homes are decorated with rangolis, oil lamps, and flowers. Families start bursting crackers in the evening, marking the beginning of the festive energy that peaks on Diwali night.

Day 3: Diwali - October 20, 2025 (Monday)

The main Diwali celebration falls on Amavasya Tithi, when people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, wisdom, and happiness. The evening puja is the heart of the celebration, performed during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal.

Houses are beautifully lit with diyas, fairy lights, and candles. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets, and visit family and friends. Fireworks light up the sky, symbolising joy and victory of good over evil.

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Day 4: Govardhan Puja - October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)

The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut. Devotees honour Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rains.

On this day, people prepare and offer a variety of food items, known as Annakut - to God, representing gratitude for nature’s abundance. In temples, large feasts are organised, and the food is later distributed among devotees as prasad. In parts of North India, this day also marks the start of the Gujarati New Year, making it a double celebration.

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Day 5: Bhai Dooj - October 23, 2025 (Thursday)

The final day of the festival, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, pray for their long life, and offer sweets. In return, brothers give gifts as a token of love and protection.

This festival strengthens family ties and mirrors the essence of Raksha Bandhan, but with its own unique traditions. Many families reunite and enjoy home-cooked meals together, marking the joyful end of Diwali week.

Wishing you all a prosperous Diwali !!

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