Diwali 2025 — Lakshmi Puja Timings

📅 5-Day Diwali Schedule

Diwali is celebrated over 5 days, each with its own significance and rituals.

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Dhanteras

Worship of Dhanvantari. Buy gold, silver, utensils. Light diya for Yamaraj.

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Choti Diwali

Narak Chaturdashi. Abhyanga snaan before sunrise. Victory over Narakasura.

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🪔 Diwali — Lakshmi Puja

Main day. Lakshmi-Ganesha puja during Pradosh Kala. Light diyas everywhere.

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Govardhan Puja

Annakut offering. Gujarat: Bestu Varas (New Year), Chopda Pujan.

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Bhai Dooj

Brother-sister bond. Sister applies tilak, brother gives gifts.

🕯️ Shubh Hora & Choghadiya on Diwali Evening

Other good times for puja on Diwali evening, from sunset to midnight, as the printed panchang lists them.

Shubh Hora

Shubh Choghadiya

🪔 Significance of Diwali

Diwali (Deepavali) is the most celebrated Hindu festival — the Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

The festival celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit thousands of earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome him, illuminating the entire city.

Diwali is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi — the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi visits clean, well-lit homes on Diwali night. The main ritual is Lakshmi Puja performed during Pradosh Kala (twilight after sunset).

🙏 Lakshmi Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)

Clean and decorate the house thoroughly. Lakshmi enters clean homes.

Draw rangoli at the entrance using colored powder, flowers, or rice flour.

Set up the puja area facing East or North. Place Lakshmi-Ganesha murti on a clean cloth with rice spread underneath.

Light a diya (earthen lamp with ghee/oil) and incense sticks.

Perform Ganesha puja first — offer modak, durva grass, and red flowers. Chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah".

Then perform Lakshmi puja during Pradosh Kala muhurat. Offer lotus flowers, kumkum, turmeric, coins, and sweets.

Recite Lakshmi Chalisa or Lakshmi Aarti. Offer arghya (water) to Goddess Lakshmi.

Distribute prasad to family members. Keep diyas burning throughout the night.

✅ Do's and Don'ts

✅ Do's

Clean the entire house before Diwali
Light earthen diyas (not just candles)
Wear new clothes on Diwali
Give gifts and sweets to family and neighbors
Donate to the needy (Daan)
Perform puja during prescribed muhurat
Keep account books ready for Chopda Pujan

❌ Don'ts

Don't leave the house dark on Diwali night
Avoid lending or borrowing money
Don't burst crackers excessively
Avoid non-vegetarian food during the 5 days
Don't perform puja outside the muhurat window
Avoid negative speech and arguments

🌍 Regional Celebrations

Gujarat Bestu Varas (New Year) on Govardhan Puja day. Chopda Pujan — worship of new account books. Rangoli competition tradition.

Bengal Kali Puja on Diwali night instead of Lakshmi Puja. Goddess Kali is worshipped with tantric rituals.

South India Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) is the main day. Oil bath (abhyanga snaan) before sunrise is essential.

Punjab / Sikh Bandi Chhor Divas — celebrates Guru Hargobind Sahib's release from Gwalior Fort along with 52 kings.

Maharashtra Padwa — husband-wife celebration on the day after Diwali. Oil bath and festive meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali?

The date for the year shown, with muhurat timings for your city, is at the top of this page. Lakshmi Puja is performed during Pradosh Kala in the evening.

What is the best time for Lakshmi Puja?

Lakshmi Puja should be performed during Pradosh Kala — the twilight period after sunset. The exact muhurat varies by city and year.

Why do we celebrate Diwali?

Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

What are the 5 days of Diwali?

Dhanteras, Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi), Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

Can we do Lakshmi Puja after 12 AM?

The ideal time is during Pradosh Kala (early evening after sunset). Late night puja is associated with tantric practices, not standard Lakshmi worship. Perform during the recommended muhurat for best results.

🪔 Diwali 2025 — Festival of Lights