Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is around the corner. For the Indian diaspora in the United States, this means, week long celebrations. It’s the season of lights, sweets, sumptuous food, and family gatherings. Here’s everything you need to know about Diwali date, puja timings, festivities and more.
When is Diwali 2025?
Diwali aligns with the Hindu lunar calendar’s Amavasya (new moon) tithi in the month of Kartik. In the United States, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, this year, 2025. The festival falls on the same day across the US, including in major cities like New York, and the primary puja (worship) timings fall within this day after sunset. On of the major rituals for this day is the highly auspicious Lakshmi puja, where devotees offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.In the New York City, the Lakshmi puja Muhurat starts at 7:17 pm, and lasts till 8:45 pm, according to drikPanchang. The puja timings are:
- Pradosh Kaal – 06:08 pm to 08:45 pm
- Vrishabha Kaal – 07:17 pm to 09:06 pm
- Amavasya Tithi begins – 06:14 am on Oct 20, 2025
- Amavasya Tithi ends – 08:24 am on Oct 21, 2025
What is Diwali?
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India. The festival gets its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepawali’. This five-day festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festivities begin with Dhanteras, which falls on Saturday, Oct 18, followed by Narak Chaturdashi/ Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja/ Annakut, and concludes with Bhai Dooj on Oct 22.
Significance and legend linked to Diwali
The festival of light is linked to many legends and is celebrated different based on regional traditions. One of the most popular legend is from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to this legend, the festival marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. Rama’s father King Dasharatha exiles them, and the three live in the forest, where they face multipl challenge. Once, a powerful demon king Ravana kidnaps Sita, and, takes her across the sea to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama, with the help of Sugriva, the king of the Vanaras, and his trusted general Hanuman, crosses the sea, fights Ravana, and rescues Sita. Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and the former’s wife Sita returns to Ayodhya following this victory. People in Ayodhya, welcome them by cleaning their houses and place oil lamps to light their path. The tradition of lighting lamps stems from this ritual, and Diwali marks their victorious return.
How to celebrate Diwali in the US ?
- Clean: You can start the festivities with cleaning your home. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits only clean and well-organized homes. Declutter your home. Dusting, mopping, dishwashing, doing the laundry – all are part of this cleaning ritual. Well, its easier said than done, but, the perks? Clean home.
- Decorate: Once your home is clean, you can set up a mandap (altar) with the idol of Goddess Lakshmi. To decorate your home, you can buy earthen diyas, or make one yourself and paint, along with other paper or sustainable materials to decorate your home. LED light and oil-free lamps are also available in the market, which can reduce environmental impact.
- Puja: Light the diya, chant mantras, and offer prayers on the auspicious occasion.
- Cook/ order Indian meals and sweets: Diwali is also the occasion where you enjoy a feast with your family and friends. Ask your family and friends to share their recipes with you. You can prepare the dishes at home. Those who cannot, can order in.
- Participate in local celebrations: Many cities have cultural groups and Indian associations hosting Diwali celebrations. Join them for the festivities, and you will feel more at home.
