As per the Hindu lunar calendar and Drikpanchang, Diwali is observed on the Amavasya Tithi during the month of Kartik. This year, the Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:44 p.m. on Monday, October 20, and ends at 5:54 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21.
Since Diwali Puja is traditionally performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening hours) and the Tithi is active during this time on the first day, the correct day to celebrate Diwali in most of India will be Monday, October 20, 2025.
A commonly cited Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for this auspicious evening is from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM (for New Delhi/North India), which falls during the most auspicious Vrishabha Kaal (Sthir Lagna).
However, a few states may celebrate Diwali on October 21, as per regional calendars. In some Eastern regions like Kolkata and Odisha (Bhubaneshwar), the festival is celebrated on Tuesday, October 21, as the timings for Kali Puja (which coincides with Diwali in these regions) or the most favourable time for Lakshmi Puja are considered to fall later as per their regional calendars.
