One of the grandest Indian festivals spans five full days, and Diwali 2025 carries unique meaning and significance on each day. Homes all over India will light up on October 20, 2025, the main celebration day. This auspicious occasion will bring families together in joyous celebration with tremendous pomp and show nationwide. The Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas is central to JKYog's Diwali celebrations: https://www.radhakrishnatemple.net/diwali-mela-dallas.

Below are all the key details about Diwali 2025's start and end dates. Dhanteras marks Deepawali celebration's official beginning. The main Lakshmi Puja muhurat takes place on Monday, October 20, with worship timings set between 7:08 PM and 8:18 PM. This piece covers each day's significance - from Dhanteras' opening celebrations to Bhai Dooj's sibling bonds. You'll find everything you need to know about this magnificent festival.

Diwali 2025 Calendar Overview

The festival of lights follows the lunar calendar, which creates a fresh schedule of celebrations yearly. Next year's auspicious occasion arrives in October 2025. People will come together to celebrate with prayers, festivities and cultural traditions in India and around the world.

When is Diwali 2025?

Looking to mark your calendar for the festival of lights? The main Diwali celebration happens on Monday, October 20, 2025. Some people might feel confused because the Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) spans two days. The Amavasya Tithi starts at 3:44 PM on October 20 and lasts until 5:54 PM on October 21 as per Drik Panchank.

Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, and its exact dates shift slightly each year. Learn the Diwali Amavasya tithi start and end time in Dallas in 2025:

For Dallas, Texas

• Main Diwali Day: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Amavasya Tithi (New Moon): Begins at 5:14 AM on Oct 20 and ends at 7:24 AM on Oct 21
• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 8:06 PM – 9:22 PM on Oct 20

For New Delhi, India

• Main Diwali Day: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Amavasya Tithi (New Moon): Begins at 3:44 PM on Oct 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on Oct 21
• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM on Oct 20

The five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj:

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Start and end dates of the 5-day festival

Diwali festival spans five days, and each day honors specific deities and rituals. The festivities start with Dhanteras on Saturday, October 18, 2025, and end with Bhai Dooj on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Here's a complete calendar for the five main days of Diwali 2025:

1. Day 1: Dhanteras - Saturday, October 18, 2025
2. Day 2: Choti Diwali - Sunday, October 19, 2025
3. Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja - Monday, October 20, 2025
4. Day 4: Govardhan Puja - Wednesday, October 22, 2025
5. Day 5: Bhai Dooj - Thursday, October 23, 2025

Day 1: Dhanteras – October 18, 2025

The five-day Diwali celebration starts with Dhanteras, a day that celebrates wealth, prosperity, and new beginnings. This first milestone in the festival sets a joyous tone for all celebrations that follow. Sacred rituals and traditions on this day build the perfect foundation for the spiritual experience of Diwali 2025.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras falls on Saturday, October 18, 2025, and holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning in Hindu tradition. The name tells its story—"Dhan" means wealth and "Teras" points to the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month.

The festival celebrates several mythological events. It honors Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged from the ocean during the cosmic churning (Samudra Manthan) with a pot of amrit, the nectar of immortality. His role as Ayurveda's patron deity highlights the importance alongside wealth.

Goddess Lakshmi also rose from this cosmic churning. Her emergence from turbulent waters shows how prosperity and abundance come into our lives. Lord Kubera, the gods' treasurer, stands with her. These three deities represent prosperity's complete spectrum—wealth, security, and well-being.

Dhanteras kicks off the Diwali festivities perfectly. Families across India clean their homes really well, create colorful rangoli at entrances, and light up their houses with oil lamps and electric lights. This cleaning ritual makes way for divine energies and prepares homes for Goddess Lakshmi's arrival.

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat

Timing plays a vital role in maximizing spiritual benefits from rituals. The sacred timeframe for Dhanteras puja in 2025 happens mostly in the evening hours.

The best time to perform Dhanteras puja in 2025 runs from 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM in India and 8:14 PM to 9:23 PM in the USA. These 64 minutes offer the perfect window to conduct rituals and make offerings to wealth and prosperity deities.

The cosmos determines this timing through:

For USA

For India

• Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: 7:16 PM to 9:11 PM
• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:51 PM on October 19, 2025
• Shubh Puja Muhurat (India): 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM

Day 2: Choti Diwali – October 19, 2025

Choti Diwali, the second sacred day of the Diwali festival, fills homes with spiritual energy through rituals that prepare devotees for the main celebration. The day is officially called Naraka Chaturdashi and falls on Sunday, October 19, 2025. It bridges the opening Dhanteras celebrations with the grand Lakshmi Puja that follows. This special day carries deep spiritual meaning and has unique observances that make it stand out in the five-day festivities.

Why Choti Diwali is celebrated

"Small Diwali" or Choti Diwali serves as preparation for the main Diwali festivities. The celebration happens on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in Kartik month. Naraka Chaturdashi's celebration in 2025 will be on October 19. 

Tithi Timings:

• For Dallas, Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 3:21 AM on Oct 19 and ends at 5:14 AM on Oct 20.
• For New Delhi, India, Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 1:51 PM on Oct 19 and ends at 3:44 AM on Oct 20.

The festival celebrates good's triumph over evil, specifically Lord Krishna's victory over demon Narakasura. This victory represents removing inner darkness and ignorance from our lives. The festival goes beyond its mythological roots. Devotees clean themselves spiritually and physically to receive divine blessings during the main Diwali celebration.

Indian families start their final preparations for the grand Diwali festivities. They decorate their homes with lamps and rangoli designs that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Many people make traditional sweets and light small fireworks to mark the day. These activities set the stage for bigger celebrations ahead. Choti Diwali's festivities help devotees transition mentally and spiritually toward the main event.

Naraka Chaturdashi story

The story centers on a powerful demon who spread terror on Earth and in heaven. Narakasura came from noble origins - some say he was Vishnu's son in his boar form - but power and arrogance corrupted him. His cruel rule spread fear everywhere.

Hindu mythology tells us that Narakasura imprisoned thousands of women and looted both Earth and Devalok, the heavenly realm. His power grew so much that even Lord Indra couldn't stop him. The desperate gods asked Lord Vishnu for help. He promised Narakasura's defeat through his Krishna incarnation.

Lord Brahma's special boon made this story unique. No male could kill the demon - only a woman could cause his death. This protection made Narakasura believe he was untouchable and fueled his tyranny.

The final battle came when Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama (Mother Earth's incarnation) faced the demon. Krishna cleverly brought Satyabhama into the fight. Some versions say Krishna pretended Narakasura hurt him, which made Satyabhama angry. She shot the arrow that ended up killing the demon.

Narakasura found clarity as he died. He saw how he wasted his life chasing darkness instead of light. He made an unusual request to Krishna: "You're not just killing me today, but all my wrongs—this deserves celebration". He wanted his death anniversary to mark light's victory over darkness and ignorance.

Krishna granted this wish, starting what we now call Naraka Chaturdashi. This story reminds us that Diwali 2025 means more than just celebration - it's about changing ourselves by removing negativity and ignorance.

Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja – October 20, 2025

Key Muhurat timings for Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja stands out as the highlight of Diwali celebrations. People perform this puja to seek blessings from the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Religious texts say that performing the puja at the most auspicious time brings maximum spiritual benefits.

The best Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in 2025 falls between 7:08 PM and 8:18 PM on Monday, October 20. This 70-minute window offers the perfect time for rituals and offerings to Goddess Lakshmi.

🌸 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2025

For Dallas, Texas

• Main Diwali Day: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 8:06 PM – 9:22 PM on Oct 20
• Amavasya Tithi (New Moon): Begins at 5:14 AM on Oct 20 and ends at 7:24 AM on Oct 21
• Pradosh Kaal: 06:48 PM to 09:22 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: 08:06 PM to 09:59 PM

For New Delhi, India

• Main Diwali Day: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM on Oct 20
• Amavasya Tithi (New Moon): Begins at 3:44 PM on Oct 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on Oct 21
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:58 PM – 8:25 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM – 9:03 PM

These specific timings connect to a belief that certain cosmic alignments create stronger spiritual energy. This careful attention to timing shows how deeply spiritual Diwali celebrations are, where prayers and astronomical calculations work together to create the perfect environment for worship.

Devotion and Diwali: Bhakti practices

Diwali carries deep spiritual meaning. The festival brings light not just to homes but also to hearts through devotional practices based on ancient wisdom.

The Bhagavad Gita shows us what true wealth means: "brahmanyadhaya karmani sangam tyaktva karoti yahlipyate na sa papena padma-patram ivambhasa" (BG 5.10)—"Those who dedicate their actions to God, abandoning all attachment, remain untouched by sin, just as a lotus leaf is untouched by water".

People express devotion by reciting sacred verses, lighting their inner wisdom lamp, and practicing detachment from material things. One text suggests looking at a single candle's flame to meditate on inner brilliance and open hearts to inner light.

Spiritual practices that deepen devotion include:

• The Lamp of Knowledge (Gyan Deep)—studying scriptures
• The Lamp of Discipline (Tapa Deep)—maintaining prayer routines
• The Lamp of Seva (Seva Deep)—serving others selflessly
• The Lamp of Satsang (Satsang Deep)—keeping spiritual company

Family gatherings and sweets

Homes come alive with happy gatherings after rituals end. Everyone wears new clothes, gives gifts, and shares big meals together. 

Traditional sweets play a special role in these gatherings. Families make laddus, barfi, and kheer with love and share them freely. This sharing means more than just enjoying treats—it shows how people pass on blessings and love.

Indian-American families keep traditions alive through mithai boxes. Popular Diwali sweets include Kaju Katli, Besan Ladoo, Motichoor Ladoo, and Gulab Jamun. "Every box opened brings laughter, every bite taken feels like a return to cherished traditions".

Swami Mukundananda recommends meaningful family activities. Each person can light a diya while naming a virtue they want to develop—love, patience, forgiveness, truth—and discuss how they'll help each other grow these qualities throughout the year.

Illuminated homes at nightfall show more than just celebration. They represent inner change—light conquering darkness, wisdom overcoming ignorance, and devotion rising above materialism.

Day 4 & 5: Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj

The final phase of Diwali brings special focus to Lord Krishna's worship and celebrates the beautiful bond between siblings. These last celebrations add meaningful depth to the five-day festival through special customs and heartfelt traditions.

Govardhan Puja significance

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 marks Govardhan Puja, the fourth day of Diwali celebrations. The festival commemorates how Lord Krishna protected the villagers of Vrindavan by lifting Govardhan Hill on his little finger to shield them from Lord Indra's fierce rains. 

🕰️ Govardhan Puja Muhurat

For Dallas, Texas (Date - 22nd October)

• Morning: 07:36 AM – 09:50 AM
• Evening: 04:33 PM – 06:47 PM
• Pratipada Tithi: 07:24 AM (Oct 21) – 09:46 AM (Oct 22)

For New Delhi, India (Date - 22nd October)

• Morning: 06:26 AM – 08:42 AM
• Evening: 03:29 PM – 05:44 PM
• Pratipada Tithi: 05:54 PM (Oct 21) – 08:16 PM (Oct 22)

Annakut and food offerings

Annakut, meaning "mountain of food," takes center stage during Govardhan celebrations. Devotees create beautiful food arrangements that look like Govardhan Hill and offer either 56 or 108 different dishes to Lord Krishna. This grand presentation features Kadhi and Annakut ki Sabji, a mixed vegetable dish that represents unity and nature's bounty. Seasonal autumn vegetables make up these special preparations, showcasing the harvest's abundance. Many households prepare Chappan Bhog—a special feast of 56 foods that Lord Krishna loves.

Bhai Dooj rituals and sibling bond

The Diwali festivities end with Bhai Dooj (Bhau Beej) on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The celebration stems from the story of Lord Yama visiting his sister Yamuna. Sisters place tilak on their brothers' foreheads, perform aarti, and pray for their wellbeing. Brothers show their love through blessings and gifts, which strengthens family ties.

For Dallas, Texas (Date - 23rd October)

• Muhurat Timings: 02:18 PM – 04:32 PM
• Dwitiya Tithi: 09:46 AM (Oct 22) – 12:16 AM (Oct 23)

For New Delhi, India (Date - 23rd October)

• Muhurat Timings: 01:13 PM – 03:28 PM
• Dwitiya Tithi: 08:16 PM (Oct 22) – 10:46 PM (Oct 23)

Conclusion

Diwali 2025 brings a great chance for spiritual renewal, family bonding, and cultural celebration. This detailed piece explores each aspect of the five-day festival, starting from the auspicious Dhanteras to the heartwarming Bhai Dooj. The festival represents much more than just celebrations - it marks a meaningful experience from darkness to light, ignorance to wisdom, and spiritual emptiness to divine fulfillment.

Between October 18 and October 23, 2025, families in India and around the world will come together to share traditions passed down through generations. The specific muhurat times help perfect the timing of rituals, but Diwali's essence goes beyond these technicalities. The festival invites everyone to light up their inner selves along with their decorated homes.

Diwali's charm lies in its many aspects. People welcome prosperity through meaningful purchases on Dhanteras. Naraka Chaturdashi follows with spiritual purification rituals. The main Diwali celebration brings families together in devotion to Goddess Lakshmi. Govardhan Puja honors Lord Krishna's divine protection next. The festival ends with Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the special bonds between siblings that sustain us.

This detailed guide should help you prepare for Diwali 2025, whether you celebrate all five days or focus on specific celebrations. Let your homes glow with diyas, hearts shine with devotion, and lives sparkle with Diwali's eternal light. The festival reminds us that whatever life throws our way, light will triumph - a timeless message worth celebrating every year.

Swami Mukundananda teaches us that Diwali's true meaning is about internal spiritual illumination, not just external celebrations. He emphasizes lighting the inner "lamp" of bhakti (devotion) and knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance, ego, and greed. He connects this to the homecoming of Lord Ram, urging us to welcome God into our hearts as the ultimate celebration. 

Key Takeaways

Diwali 2025 spans five meaningful days from October 18-23, each with unique significance and rituals that create a complete spiritual journey from prosperity to family bonds.

• Main Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, with optimal Lakshmi Puja timing between 7:08-8:18 PM, New Delhi, for maximum spiritual benefits.

• Start with Dhanteras on October 18 by purchasing gold, silver, or utensils during evening hours to invite Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for prosperity.

• Perform Abhyang Snan on October 19 between 5:13-6:25 AM, New Delhi, using sesame oil and herbs for spiritual purification before the main celebrations.

• Five-day festival structure: Dhanteras (wealth), Choti Diwali (purification), main Diwali (devotion), Govardhan Puja (protection), and Bhai Dooj (sibling bonds).

• Regional unity in 2025: North and South India celebrate on the same dates, creating nationwide synchronized festivities for enhanced cultural connection.

The festival transforms homes into sacred spaces while illuminating hearts through devotional practices, making Diwali 2025 both a cultural celebration and spiritual awakening that honors ancient wisdom in modern times.

FAQs

Q1. What are the dates for the 5 days of Diwali in 2025? The 5 days of Diwali in 2025 are: Dhanteras on October 18, Choti Diwali on October 19, main Diwali/Lakshmi Puja on October 20, Govardhan Puja on October 22, and Bhai Dooj on October 23.

Q2. When is the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja during Diwali 2025? The most favorable Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali 2025 falls between 7:08 PM and 8:18 PM, New Delhi, on Monday, October 20.

Q3. What are some key rituals observed during Diwali? Key Diwali rituals include cleaning and decorating homes, lighting diyas, creating rangoli designs, performing Lakshmi Puja, exchanging gifts, and sharing sweets with family and friends.

Q4. How does the significance of each Diwali day differ? Each day of Diwali has a unique focus: Dhanteras for wealth, Choti Diwali for spiritual purification, main Diwali for devotion to Goddess Lakshmi, Govardhan Puja for honoring Lord Krishna, and Bhai Dooj for celebrating sibling bonds.

Q5. Are there regional variations in Diwali celebrations across India? Yes, there are regional variations in Diwali celebrations. For example, in Gujarat, celebrations start earlier and continue until Labh Panchami. In Bengal, Kali Puja is emphasized, while in North India, Ram's return to Ayodhya is a central theme.

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Diwali Mahotsav 2025 at Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas

A Celebration of Lights, Devotion & Festivities

October 17–21, 2025

Special Events: 24-Hour Akhand Ramayan Paath (Oct 11) | Govardhan Pooja (Oct 21)

राम

💡 Click to light a diya

“Diwali is not just about external lights, but about lighting the lamp of knowledge within our hearts.” — Swami Mukundananda

🚫 No outside fireworks allowed. Only authorized fireworks are permitted.