The much-awaited confirmation of Diwali 2025 dates is finally here! The Kashi Vidwat Parishad, a respected council of Hindu scholars based in Varanasi, has announced that Diwali will be celebrated on two different days this year — October 20 and October 21, 2025. The rare two-date celebration has been decided due to Amavasya (new moon) spanning across both days.
According to the Parishad, the division depends on local sunset timings:
- Cities where the sun sets after 5:30 PM will celebrate Diwali on October 20, 2025.
- Cities where the sun sets before 5:30 PM will celebrate it on October 21, 2025.
This means that different regions of India — and even some Indian communities abroad — may observe Diwali on slightly different days, depending on their geographical location.
Why Two Diwali Dates This Year?
Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated on the Amavasya Tithi of the Kartik month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This is the darkest night of the year and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
However, in 2025, Amavasya begins on October 20 and ends on October 21, causing a rare overlap across two solar days. The Kashi Vidwat Parishad explained that the correct Diwali date should be based on when Amavasya coincides with sunset, as that marks the time for performing Lakshmi Puja, the festival’s most important ritual.
In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, where the sunset occurs after 5:30 PM, Amavasya will still be active in the evening of October 20. Therefore, these cities will celebrate Diwali on October 20.
On the other hand, regions such as Kolkata, Guwahati, and parts of the Northeast, where sunset occurs before 5:30 PM, will observe Amavasya primarily on October 21 — hence, Diwali celebrations will fall on that day.
How to Check Your City’s Sunset Time
To find out your city’s exact Diwali date, you can check the sunset time on October 20, 2025 through the India Meteorological Department (IMD) website or popular Panchang (Hindu calendar) apps. If the sun sets after 5:30 PM, celebrate on October 20; if it sets before, then your Diwali falls on October 21.
Astrologers also advise verifying the Amavasya Tithi’s ending time for accurate puja muhurat. For example, some cities might perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening of October 20, while others might do it on the evening of October 21, depending on when Amavasya prevails.
What This Means for Households and Businesses
The two-date Diwali celebration may bring some confusion, especially for businesses, schools, and public offices that typically declare a single holiday. State governments are expected to issue official holiday notifications closer to the festival after consulting local astrologers and Panchang experts.
Retailers and e-commerce platforms are already preparing for extended festive sales across both days, ensuring no region misses the festive spirit. Similarly, travel agencies expect a surge in bookings across the weekend preceding Diwali, as families plan for celebrations in different cities.
A Unique Celebration Ahead
Such dual-date Diwali celebrations have happened before — most notably in 2011 and 2014, when Amavasya timing caused similar overlaps. The Kashi Vidwat Parishad clarified that this is a natural occurrence in the lunar calendar and doesn’t affect the religious sanctity of the festival.
No matter which date you celebrate, the essence of Diwali remains the same — decorating homes with diyas, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, sharing sweets, and lighting fireworks to mark the victory of light over darkness.
As Diwali 2025 approaches, it’s best to confirm your city’s exact sunset time and follow local tradition for an auspicious celebration.
Source:
Kashi Vidwat Parishad announcement cited in The Times of India, October 2025.
