Diwali – one of India’s biggest festivals (possibly the world’s) is actually not just a 1 day festival. It is, in-fact, a week-long festival.

This year, Diwali actually starts today – October 17, 2025.

The many days of Diwali:

Day 1 – Vasu Baras / Govatsa Dwadashi – Worshipping the cow which represents Kamdhenu – the giver of life and nutrition to humanity. 17th October, 2025

Day 2 – Dhantrayodashi / Dhanteras / Dhanvantari Trayodashi / Yama Deepam – Worshipping wealth symbolised by Goddess Lakshmi, Kuber, Dhanvantari & Yamraj. This is also the day to buy new jewellery & utensils. October 18, 2025.

Dhanatrayodashi puja time – 7:15pm to 8:15pm.

Day 3 – Narakchaturdashi / Kalichaudas – Worshipping Goddess Kali, celebrating her defeat of Narakasur. 20th October, 2025

Given the lack of alignment of the Vikram Samvat (lunar based Hindu Calendar) with the solar-based Gregorian calendar which we commonly use, we skip a day in between.

Day 4 – Lakshmi Puja – Worshipping goddess Lakshmi for bringing wealth into the house. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every home during Diwali to bless them with prosperity and wealth. It also heralds the eve bringing of the new financial year (Samvat) as per the Hindu calendar. 21st October, 2025.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 07:07 PM to 09:02 PM

Day 5 – Padva / Balipratipada / Govardhan Puja – It is the first day of the Hindu Samvat’s financial year. It is also about worshipping the earth for protecting the people who live on it and also celebrating Lord Krishna’s act of denting the pride of Lord Indra. 22nd October, 2025

Day 6 – Bhaubeej / Bhaidooj – Celebrating the sacred bond between a brother & sister. 23rd October, 2025

Since the above ‘days’ are based on tithis of the Hindu calendar Vikram Samvat (lunar based) & the Panchang (Hindu calendar and almanac), they don’t always align with the Gregorian calendar (solar based), with one tithi starting on one day & ending on the next. Some years the calendars get misaligned, so we have a ‘gap’ day (on 19th October this year).

Have a Shubh Deepawali everyone!!! 🪔🎇🪔

————————–

---