Plan your Diwali 2025 celebrations with this in-depth guide covering the five sacred days of festivities. Discover the auspicious muhurat (timing), traditional rituals, and the spiritual significance behind each day of the Festival of Lights. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, this article provides everything you need to prepare your home, heart, and community for a memorable and deeply meaningful celebration.

🗓️ Why Diwali Is So Special

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and across the world. Rooted in ancient spiritual traditions, Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The glowing rows of diyas, the fragrance of sweets, the sound of devotional bhajans, and the warmth of family gatherings make this festival an unforgettable spiritual experience.

In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated with great enthusiasm from October 18 to October 23, with the main celebration day on Monday, October 20, 2025. Homes and temples will be illuminated, communities will come together in unity, and millions will participate in puja, singing, dancing, and feasting.

At Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas, Diwali is not just a festival, it’s a heartfelt spiritual journey. Join the annual Diwali Mela Dallas and experience devotion and culture in a vibrant community setting.

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🌟 Diwali 2025 Calendar Overview

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:

🪙 Day 1: Dhanteras – Welcoming Prosperity (October 18, 2025)

The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras, the day of prosperity and auspicious beginnings. The word Dhanteras combines “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (13th day of Krishna Paksha), signaling the perfect moment to welcome abundance into one’s home.

✨ Spiritual Significance

This day commemorates the emergence of Dhanvantari, the divine physician, during the Samudra Manthan (cosmic churning of the ocean). He appeared holding a pot of amrit (nectar of immortality). On this same occasion, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, also emerged, symbolizing prosperity that follows inner churn and purification.

🕯️ Traditions and Rituals

• Deep cleaning the home and workplace to invite positive energies
• Decorating entrances with Rangoli and lighting lamps
• Purchasing gold, silver, or utensils, believed to attract wealth
• Performing Dhanteras Puja to honor Lakshmi, Dhanvantari, and Kubera, the treasurer of the gods.

🕰️ Dhanteras Puja Muhurat (2025)

For Dallas, Texas (Date - 18th October)

• Best Puja Time: 8:14 PM – 9:23 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: 6:50 PM – 9:23 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: 8:14 PM – 10:07 PM

For New Delhi, India (Date - 18th October)

• Best Puja Time: 7:16 PM – 8:20 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM – 8:20 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: 7:16 PM – 9:11 PM

During this sacred period, devotees light the first diya of the festival, symbolizing the light of divine wealth entering their lives.

🌿 Day 2: Choti Diwali – Naraka Chaturdashi (October 19, 2025)

Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, bridges the opening celebrations with the main Diwali puja. It is a day of spiritual and physical purification.

📖 Historical Story

According to legend, the powerful demon Narakasura had become invincible due to a boon that only a woman could defeat him. His reign of terror was ended when Satyabhama, aided by Krishna, shot the arrow that ended his tyranny. His defeat symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and righteousness over arrogance.

🌼 Rituals

• Abhyanga Snan: Devotees bathe early in the morning with sesame oil and herbs for spiritual cleansing.
• Lighting lamps to dispel darkness, both literal and symbolic.
• Preparing the home for the next day’s Lakshmi Puja.
• Offering prayers to remove inner negativity and ignorance.

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.

Choti Diwali creates a devotional, reflective mood, reminding devotees to let go of inner shadows before welcoming divine light.

🪔 Day 3: Main Diwali & Lakshmi Puja (October 20, 2025)

This is the most celebrated day of the festival, when homes glow with diyas, families gather, and the goddess of wealth and abundance, Lakshmi, is invoked.

🌸 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

During this time, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, light diyas, recite mantras, and perform rituals with flowers, sweets, and incense.

🙏 Bhakti & Inner Illumination

Swami Mukundananda often reminds us that Diwali is more than external celebration, it’s about lighting the lamp of devotion within our hearts. When we remove ego, greed, and ignorance, divine light naturally enters our lives.

Many devotees meditate on a diya flame, chant Bhagavad Gita verses, and engage in bhajans and satsang.

“Those who dedicate their actions to God, abandoning all attachment, remain untouched by sin, just as a lotus leaf is untouched by water.”
— Bhagavad Gita 5.10

🍬 Family Gatherings & Sweets

Once the puja concludes, families:

• Exchange gifts and blessings
• Enjoy festive feasts with sweets like laddus, barfi, kaju katli, motichoor ladoo, and gulab jamun
• Light sparklers and lamps outside their homes
• Share stories of Rama’s return to Ayodhya, the spiritual roots of Diwali.

This day embodies abundance, joy, and deep spiritual connection.

🏔️ Day 4: Govardhan Puja – Celebrating Protection (October 22, 2025)

The fourth day celebrates Krishna’s protection of the villagers of Vrindavan. When Lord Indra unleashed heavy rains, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to shelter everyone.

🍲 Annakut Offering

• Annakut, meaning “mountain of food,” is the centerpiece of Govardhan Puja.
• Devotees prepare 56 or 108 dishes, symbolizing gratitude for divine protection.
• Foods typically include kadhi, sabzi, sweets, puris, and seasonal vegetables arranged to resemble a hill.

🕰️ 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)

This day also reminds us of eco-spirituality — honoring nature as divine, being humble, and relying on faith over pride.

👩‍👦 Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebrating Sibling Bonds (October 23, 2025)

The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. It is rooted in the story of Yama and his sister Yamuna, whose love and hospitality became a timeless tradition.

🕰️ Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj) Muhurat

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)

💝 Rituals

• Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti, and pray for their well-being.
• Brothers give gifts and blessings in return.
• Families gather for a final festive meal, ending the five-day celebration with love and gratitude.

This day emphasizes the importance of family ties, mutual respect, and shared devotion.

🏡 The Deeper Spiritual Message of Diwali

Though Diwali is marked by grandeur, its true essence is spiritual illumination. As Swami Mukundananda teaches:

“Diwali is not merely about external lights; it’s about lighting the lamp of knowledge and devotion within.”

Each day carries a symbolic message:

• Dhanteras — Welcoming abundance (inner and outer).
• Choti Diwali — Purification and letting go of darkness.
• Lakshmi Puja — Inviting divine light and prosperity.
• Govardhan Puja — Gratitude for divine protection.
• Bhai Dooj — Strengthening bonds of love and family.

Together, these create a journey from material preparation to spiritual realization.

🪔 Key Takeaways for Diwali 2025

• 🗓 Festival Dates: October 18 – 23, 2025
• 🌼 Main Celebration: Monday, October 20 - Lakshmi Pooja and Diwali Celebration
• 🏡 5-Day Journey: From prosperity and purification to devotion, protection, and family bonding.
• 🪙 Dhanteras Tip: Shop for gold, silver, or utensils during the evening muhurat to invite prosperity.
• 🧘 Choti Diwali: Perform early Abhyanga Snan to purify body and mind.
• 🪔 Lakshmi Puja: Decorate, chant, and meditate during the muhurat for maximum spiritual benefit.
• 🌿 Govardhan Puja: Offer Annakut as gratitude for divine protection.
• 👩‍👦 Bhai Dooj: Celebrate sibling love and blessings.

🌍 Regional Variations in Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is celebrated differently across regions:

• North India: Celebrates Ram's return to Ayodhya.
• Gujarat: Begins early with Labh Panchami.
• Bengal: Celebrates Kali Puja on the main day.
• South India: Marks victory of Krishna over Narakasura.
• Diaspora Communities (USA, UK, etc.): Celebrate through temple events, cultural programs, and satsangs.

This regional diversity highlights the unity in devotion that Diwali represents.

🕉️ How to Celebrate Diwali Mindfully

• Light diyas not just outside your home, but also in your heart.
• Offer gratitude for what you have.
• Engage in seva (selfless service) to spread light in others’ lives.
• Involve children and youth in traditions to pass on cultural values.
• Limit fireworks and embrace eco-friendly celebrations.

🛕 Celebrate Diwali at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas

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.

📖 FAQs About Diwali 2025

Q1. What are the 5 days of Diwali in 2025?

• Dhanteras: October 18
• Choti Diwali: October 19
• Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali: October 20
• Govardhan Puja: October 22
• Bhai Dooj: October 23

Q2. What is the best time for Lakshmi Puja in 2025?

The most auspicious time is between 7:08 PM and 8:18 PM on October 20, during Pradosh and Vrishabha Kaal.

Q3. What are common rituals during Diwali?

Cleaning homes, lighting diyas, creating rangoli, Lakshmi Puja, sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and devotional gatherings.

Q4. How does each day of Diwali differ in meaning?

• Dhanteras: Prosperity
• Choti Diwali: Purification
• Main Diwali: Devotion
• Govardhan Puja: Protection
• Bhai Dooj: Family bonding

Q5. How can I celebrate Diwali?

Visit local temples, attend cultural events, light diyas at home, join satsangs online or in person, and share traditions with your community.

✨ Final Thoughts

Diwali is more than a festival, it’s a journey of transformation. It invites us to turn inward, shed ignorance, and shine our inner light. While lamps illuminate the night sky, devotion illuminates the soul.

Between October 18 and 23, 2025, as diyas glow across homes, let us also light the inner lamp of bhakti.