Diwali 2025 Schedule: Dhanteras, Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja & Bhai Phonta
The festival of Diwali, one of the most cherished and widely celebrated occasions in India, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This grand celebration spans five days, beginning with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj — each day carrying its own religious and cultural importance.
In the days leading up to Diwali, families across the country prepare by cleaning, painting, and adorning their homes with lights, flowers, and rangoli designs. Many also buy new clothes, utensils, or gold ornaments as part of festive traditions. During Diwali, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the divine symbol of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Across India, homes and streets glow with countless lamps, representing hope, positivity, and spiritual awakening.
While Diwali is the highlight, the days surrounding it, from Dhanteras to Bhai Phonta, are equally meaningful, each observed with its own set of customs and prayers.
Dhanteras 2025 (Dhantrayodashi)
The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, which falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. On this day, devotees honor Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, and Goddess Lakshmi. Purchasing metal items — especially gold, silver, or brass — is believed to bring prosperity.
Trayodashi Tithi: Begins at 12:18 PM on October 18 and ends at 1:51 PM on October 19 Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM to 9:11 PMNaraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali or Bhoot Chaturdashi)
The second day, known as Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, signifying the triumph of good over evil. In several parts of India, it is referred to as Chhoti Diwali. The day is marked by lighting lamps, cleaning homes, and offering prayers to Lord Hanuman.
Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins at 1:51 PM on October 19 and ends at 3:44 PM on October 20
Lakshmi Puja 2025 (Main Diwali Day)
The main Diwali celebration falls on Kartik Amavasya, which in 2025 will be observed on Monday, October 20. On this night, devotees across the country perform Lakshmi Puja, seeking the goddess’s blessings for wealth, happiness, and success. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped for wisdom and fortune. In West Bengal and parts of eastern India, the same day is observed as Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali is worshipped during the night of Deepanvita Amavasya.
Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM Pradosh Kaal: 5:46 PM to 8:18 PM Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM to 9:03 PMGovardhan Puja 2025 (Annakut)
The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, symbolizing gratitude towards nature and divine protection. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to shield the people of Gokul from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra’s wrath. Devotees prepare and offer a wide variety of food items — known as Annakut — to honor this divine act. In 2025, Govardhan Puja will fall on Wednesday, October 22.
Bhai Phonta 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
The festive season concludes with Bhai Phonta or Bhai Dooj, a celebration of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply a phonta (tilak) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long and prosperous lives, while brothers offer gifts in return. The festival reflects love, protection, and family unity. In 2025, Bhai Phonta will be observed on Thursday, October 23.
Dwitiya Tithi: Begins at 8:16 PM on October 22 and ends at 10:46 PM on October 23
A Festival of Light, Faith, and Togetherness
From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, every day of Diwali carries a timeless message — of cleansing the mind, spreading joy, and celebrating divine blessings. As families gather to light diyas and share sweets, Diwali 2025 will once again illuminate homes and hearts across India, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the everlasting victory of light.
Also read: Diwali 2025: Top 12 Places in India for a Family Holiday