Deepavali (Diwali) in 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, October 20. This date is confirmed by religious authorities including the Kashi Vidwat Parishad, resolving earlier confusion caused by the lunar phase known as Amavasya (new moon), which spans from late afternoon on October 20 till the afternoon of October 21. The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja, a central ritual of Deepavali, falls on October 20 during the Pradosh Kaal (dusk period), reaffirming this as the primary day of celebration across most of India. Some eastern cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar, however, observe Lakshmi Puja a day later on October 21 due to local sunset timings. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness, commemorating Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya.