Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals worldwide. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
If you’re wondering about the exact Diwali 2025 date, whether it’s October 20 or 21, how it’s observed in the USA, or what the five days of Diwali mean — this post covers it all.
What is the real date of Diwali in 2025?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, occurring on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartika month.
In 2025, the main Diwali night (Lakshmi Puja) will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Amavasya tithi begins on October 20 at 3:44 PM IST and ends on October 21 at 5:54 PM IST.
Because the lunar phase overlaps two dates, some communities celebrate rituals extending into October 21.
Summary:
The most widely accepted date for Diwali 2025 is October 20, 2025, when the main Lakshmi Puja and diya lighting take place.
Is Diwali on 20 or 21 October 2025?
This is one of the most common questions. Both dates are technically linked to Diwali:
- October 20, 2025 – Main Lakshmi Puja (the primary Diwali celebration).
- October 21, 2025 – Govardhan Puja / Bali Pratipada, the day following Diwali.
The overlap happens because the Amavasya tithi continues across both days.
💡 In short: Diwali 2025 will be celebrated on the evening of October 20, with rituals extending into October 21 in some regions.
What is the Diwali holiday in the USA?
In the United States, Diwali is not a federal holiday, but recognition is growing every year.
- New York City public schools now officially close for Diwali.
- Pennsylvania recognizes Diwali as a state holiday starting 2025.
- California passed a bill to make Diwali a state-recognized holiday beginning in 2026.
Across states like New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, and Georgia, schools and workplaces often allow excused absences or host community Diwali Melas (festivals).
Many U.S. landmarks — including the White House, Empire State Building, and San Francisco City Hall — are lit up with golden lights to mark the occasion.
🎇 Summary: Diwali is widely celebrated in the USA, though not a national holiday yet.
For the Dates and Times of Diwali in the USA please refer to this blog post.
What are the 5 days of Diwali?
Diwali is more than a single day — it’s a five-day festival that celebrates health, wealth, gratitude, and family. On dwadashi It is known as Vasubaras- worship the cow and the calf. In the country where farming is main source of food – all resources related to farming are worshipped. From the next day Diwali festivities Start. Follow all traditions for all days of Diwali. If you don’t have information about what to do follow the following table.
| Day | Festival Name | Meaning & Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Dhanteras | Marks the start of Diwali. People buy gold, silver, or utensils and pray to Lord Dhanvantari and Kubera for prosperity and health. | Dhana seeds and jaggry offered to god and puja |
| Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) | Celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. | Homes are cleaned, oil baths are taken, and diyas are lit early.early morning before sun rise bath. |
| Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) | The most important day. The Main day of Diwali | Families worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kuber, light diyas, exchange sweets, and celebrate with fireworks. Chant laxmi and kuber stotra. |
| Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Padwa | Devotees offer Annakut (mountain of food) to Lord Krishna in gratitude. | Married couples celebrate Padwa, symbolizing love and partnership. |
| Day 5 – Bhai Dooj | Honors the bond between brothers and sisters. | Sisters perform tilak rituals and pray for their brothers’ well-being. Brothers bring gifts for them and stand by them all life. |
Each day represents a spiritual theme — from cleansing and health to prosperity, gratitude, and family unity.
How Diwali Is Celebrated Abroad
Around the world, Diwali shines as a global festival of light and unity.
- In the USA, Indian communities gather at temples, cultural centers, and city events in Houston, Edison, Fremont, and Chicago.
- In the UK, Leicester’s “Golden Mile” hosts Europe’s largest Diwali light display.
- In Singapore and Malaysia, Deepavali is a public holiday, celebrated with temple processions, lights, and sweets.
- In the Caribbean (Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname), Diwali is a national holiday with parades, fireworks, and Indian food.
Everywhere, Diwali carries one message — light will always overcome darkness.
Quick Recap
- Main Diwali Date (Lakshmi Puja): Monday, October 20, 2025
- 20 vs 21 October: Diwali on Oct 20; Govardhan Puja on Oct 21
- USA Holiday: Not a federal holiday, but recognized in several states
- Five Days of Diwali: Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj
Final Thoughts
Diwali 2025 is not just a festival — it’s an opportunity to bring more light into your home and heart.
Wherever you are in the world, let the glow of diyas remind you of this truth:
“When you light one lamp of kindness, you illuminate a hundred hearts.”
