Diwali 2025 calendar: Dates and Muhurat timings for all five festive days

As the festival of lights rolls through, homes across India gear up for the celebration. Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most significant and celebrated festivals, as it is believed to mark victory over darkness and good over evil. The five-day-long festival starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, and it carries deep meaning in Hindu culture.

Here’s a detailed look at the Diwali 2025 calendar, including muhurat timings according to Drik Panchang.

DHANTERAS 2025: THE BEGINNING OF FESTIVE

The five-day-long Diwali festival starts with Dhantrayodashi, also known as Dhanteras. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, the day marks the worship of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising health, wealth, and prosperity. It is considered highly auspicious to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day, as they are believed to bring good fortune into the home.

Hence, Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Kubera, who is the God of wealth, is worshipped on the auspicious day of Trayodashi. However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya, after two days of Dhantrayodashi, is considered more significant.

CHOTI DIWALI 2025: DAY OF LIGHTS

Following Dhanteras comes Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, which celebrates after Dhanteras. This day is believed to celebrate the victory of lord Krishna over Narakasura. People light diyas and decorate their homes, preparing for the grand Diwali night that follows.

LAKSHMI PUJA 2025: THE MAIN DIWALI NIGHT

Among these five-day festivals, the third day, Lakshmi puja, is the most significant one; this day is referred to as Diwali Puja itself.

Homes across India light up diyas and candles, and families gather to perform puja rituals, exchange sweets, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. It’s also a day when business owners close their annual accounts and begin the new year with blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

GOVARDHAN PUJA 2025: A DAY OF GRATITUDE

The day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja (also known as Annakut) will be celebrated after Diwali. This day honours Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the Govardhan parvat(hill) to protect villagers from torrential rains, teaching humility and devotion.

BHAI DOOJ 2025

The festive week concludes with Bhai Dooj which celebrate after Govardhan Pooja.

This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti, apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, and pray for their happiness and long life. In return, brothers give gifts and promise lifelong protection. The day beautifully wraps up the Diwali celebrations with love and togetherness at its core.

Every day of Diwali carries a different meaning and its own significance, from invoking prosperity and gratitude to celebrating family and relationships. Beyond lights, it is also about the inner glow, joy and hope.