Dhanteras and Diwali 2025: Dates, Puja Timings, and Auspicious Muhurats Explained
New Delhi | October 16, 2025 As India gears up for the festival of lights, the countdown to Diwali 2025 begins with Dhanteras on October 18 (Saturday) and culminates with Lakshmi Puja on October 20 (Monday). According to Drik Panchang, the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat this year falls between 7:16 PM and 8:20 PM, while the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on the main Diwali night is from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM.
The auspicious timings, known as Pradosh Kaal and Nishita Kaal, are considered spiritually potent for invoking Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, the guardian of treasures.
When Are Dhanteras and Diwali in 2025?
- Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi): October 18, 2025 (Saturday)
- Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (Deepavali): October 20, 2025 (Monday)
The five-day Diwali festival traditionally begins with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali), Govardhan Puja (Annakut), and Bhai Dooj. This year, the celebrations will run from October 18 to October 22, filling homes with lights, prayers, and festive cheer.
Dhanteras 2025: Puja Timing, Muhurat, and Significance
According to Drik Panchang, the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat for 2025 is:
- Main Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 6:13 PM to 8:49 PM
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 2:48 AM on October 18
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: Early October 19 (exact end varies by region)
In some regional almanacs, extended Pradosh Kaal slots are mentioned — such as 7:27 PM to 8:49 PM — particularly for western and southern Indian cities.
City-Wise Indicative Dhanteras Puja Timings
- Delhi: 7:16 PM – 8:20 PM
- Mumbai: 7:27 PM – 8:40 PM
- Bengaluru: 7:39 PM – 8:25 PM
- Chennai: 7:25 PM – 8:29 PM
- Kolkata: 6:50 PM – 8:00 PM
(Note: Local timings may vary slightly depending on sunrise, sunset, and longitude. Devotees should verify with their local temple or regional panchang.)
Why Dhanteras Marks an Auspicious Beginning
The word Dhanteras comes from Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth day). The day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, who is believed to have emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of nectar during the Samudra Manthan (cosmic churning of the ocean).
On this day, devotees purchase gold, silver, new utensils, or gadgets, believing it brings long-term prosperity. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli and diyas, and the Dhanvantari and Lakshmi-Kubera Puja is performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal.
As per Mumbai-based astrologer Dr. Radhika Joshi,
“Dhanteras is not just about wealth accumulation but about invoking health, balance, and abundance. The act of lighting lamps symbolizes dispelling darkness—both external and internal.”
Diwali 2025: Lakshmi Puja Muhurat and Rituals
The main Diwali night—also known as Maha Lakshmi Puja—will be celebrated on October 20 (Monday).
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:58 PM to 8:25 PM
- Amavasya Tithi: Begins 6:40 AM (October 20) and ends 5:38 AM (October 21)
During this period, families perform Ganesh Puja, Lakshmi Puja, and Kubera Puja sequentially. Diyas are lit in every corner of the house, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
How Diwali Is Celebrated Across India
In North India:- Homes are decorated with lamps, candles, and flowers. The night sky glows with fireworks, while families exchange sweets and gifts. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav attracts global attention for lighting millions of diyas along the Saryu riverbanks.
- Gujarat observes Diwali as the end of the business year. Traders perform Chopda Pujan—a ritual worshipping account books—to invoke prosperity for the coming year.
- The festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over demon Narakasura, known as Naraka Chaturdashi. Celebrations start a day early, emphasizing early-morning oil baths and prayers.
- In Eastern India:
- West Bengal and Assam observe Kali Puja on Diwali night, honoring Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil. Temples are lit with candles and recitations of the Chandi Path.
Ritual Sequence on Diwali Night
House Cleaning and Decoration: Cleanliness symbolizes purity. Homes are decorated with flowers, torans, and colorful rangolis at entrances to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.Family Gatherings and Fireworks: The night concludes with fireworks, family dinners, and distribution of sweets, symbolizing joy and community.
Key Notes and Tips for Devotees
Check Local Panchang: Timings can differ slightly based on geographical location and local lunar calculations.Economic and Cultural Impact of Diwali 2025
Diwali is not only a religious festival but also one of India’s largest economic seasons. According to Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates, festive sales during the Diwali period are expected to cross ₹3 lakh crore in 2025, spanning gold, consumer goods, electronics, and automobiles.
E-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart witness record-high transactions, while local artisans and small traders benefit from heightened demand for traditional décor, diyas, and sweets.
Sociologist Prof. Ananya Rao notes:
“Diwali reinforces cultural continuity while supporting micro and small businesses. It’s both a spiritual and socio-economic event for India.”
Reader Takeaway
Dhanteras 2025: Saturday, October 18
- Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM – 8:20 PM
Diwali 2025 / Lakshmi Puja: Monday, October 20
- Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM
- Best Time for Worship: During Pradosh Kaal in the evening
- Ideal for Purchases: Gold, silver, utensils, and new assets
- Festival Duration: October 18 – October 22, 2025
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
As Diwali 2025 approaches, the festival continues to remind India of the power of light, prosperity, and renewal. Whether through ancient rituals or modern traditions, Dhanteras and Diwali remain timeless celebrations of hope.
For millions across the country and abroad, these days are not just about wealth or worship—but about reaffirming faith, community, and the enduring spirit of light over darkness.
