Curious about the next Diwali and when it lights up calendars worldwide? If you love festivals that center on light, family, and food, Diwali is one of the most luminous. In this guide I’ll tell you when is the next Diwali, why the date shifts each year, and a few simple ways people celebrate across regions.
When Is the Next Diwali — Quick Answer
The next Diwali (the main night of Lakshmi Puja) falls on Monday, October 20, 2025. Local observances may vary because the festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar and the key new-moon tithi (Amavasya) can span evening into the following day. That means some communities may time rituals slightly differently based on local sunrise and sunset.
Why the Date Moves Each Year
Diwali follows a lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, so it lands in October or November and shifts annually.
The festival is anchored to the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartik; exact puja timings depend on when that tithi begins and ends.
Time zones and regional practices influence whether the main worship happens the evening the tithi starts or later that night.
The Typical Five-Day Flow
Diwali is best understood as a season, not a single evening. The usual sequence is:
Dhanteras — shopping for prosperity and new household items.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) — early-morning rituals and preparatory cleaning.
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja — the central night of lights, prayers for abundance, and family gatherings.
Govardhan Puja — celebrated in some regions to honor Krishna’s legend.
Bhai Dooj — siblings bless and share a meal, similar to Raksha Bandhan’s sibling focus.
Some regions add local days or shift emphasis; in certain years an extra day is observed where lunar timing makes sense.
Cultural Notes and Interesting Facts
Deepavali is the older Sanskrit name used widely in South India; both terms mean “row of lights” and echo the festival’s visual core.
Stories vary by region: Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, and the worship of Lakshmi are all linked to Diwali.
Rangoli, diyas, and sweets are common across India, but ingredients, motifs, and rituals differ from state to state.
Many businesses close financial books and begin new accounting cycles during Diwali, especially on Dhanteras.
In diaspora communities, Diwali has become a public cultural moment with parades, concerts, and interfaith events.
Did You Know? In some regions Diwali celebrations include community lighting of lamps along rivers and lakes to symbolically send wishes downstream.
Practical Tips for Attending or Observing
Ask hosts about customs before attending a puja; arriving with a small sweet or fruit is usually appreciated.
If you plan to light diyas, place them on a stable, non-flammable surface and never leave candles unattended.
Try a simple rangoli: use chalk or dry rice flour if you’re short on colored powders.
If fireworks are used where you live, follow local safety rules and keep pets indoors.
Mini Q&A — Common Questions
Q: Can non-Hindus join Diwali events? A: Yes. Many families and community centers welcome guests. Respectful participation and asking about customs is appreciated.
Q: Is Diwali a public holiday everywhere in India? A: Diwali is a public holiday in most Indian states and several countries with large Hindu populations, but exact observance varies.
Q: How long should I expect celebrations to last? A: Core festivities usually span five days, but gatherings and public events can happen throughout the month in many communities.
Personal Touch
I remember the hush just before lamps are lit, then the collective glow that filled a street—neighbors leaning out of doors to share sweets. That mixture of quiet ritual and communal warmth always feels like a tiny reset. Diwali teaches you the small power of light: a single diya invites a hundred more.
Final Thoughts
If you want a quick answer to when is the next Diwali, mark October 20, 2025, and check local timings because lunar tithis can shift observance into October 21 in some places. Whether you join a formal puja, make sweets at home, or simply enjoy neighborhood lights, Diwali is a moment to celebrate renewal and connection. Will you try a new Diwali tradition this year?