Diwali 2025: Celebrating on October 20 or 21 in the US?

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is a time for families to gather, celebrate, and pray for prosperity. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on October 21 in India, but the date may differ for celebrations in the United States. In the US, there is some confusion regarding the timing of this festive occasion. Due to the time differences between India and the US, many are unsure whether to celebrate on October 20 or 21.

Correct Day to Celebrate Diwali in the US

According to 'Drik Panchang', Diwali should be observed in New York on October 20, with the auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja set between 7:17 PM and 8:45 PM. Another source, Pratyangira Siddhi, suggests a muhurat from 6:40 PM to 8:41 PM on the same day. For those celebrating on the Pacific Coast, the recommended time for Lakshmi Puja is between 7:38 PM and 9:01 PM, according to Drik Panchang, while Pratyangira Siddhi suggests 7:39 PM to 9:00 PM. In Central Time zones, such as Chicago, the timings for Lakshmi Puja are advised as 7:09 PM to 8:39 PM (Drik Panchang) and 5:40 PM to 7:41 PM (Pratyangira Siddhi). For those in Mountain Time zones, including cities like Denver, the timings vary from 4:40 PM to 6:41 PM (Pratyangira Siddhi) and 7:06 PM to 8:22 PM (Drik Panchang).

FAQs

When should Diwali be celebrated in the US?

Diwali 2025 should be celebrated in the US on October 20.

Do timings for Lakshmi Puja vary according to different time zones?

Yes, different time zones have varying timings for the best muhurat for Lakshmi Puja.

How many time zones are there in the US?

The mainland USA has four main time zones.