Dhanteras to Diwali 2025: Dates, Significance & Puja Timings

October 18, 2025 Author: Tanya Singh

As autumn spreads its golden hues across India, homes begin to shimmer with flickering diyas, vibrant rangolis, and the laughter that marks the festive season. Diwali, celebrated as the Festival of Lights, is more than a single day of celebration—it is a five-day journey of devotion, renewal, and prosperity. In 2025, the core of these festivities begins with Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, culminating in the grand night of Diwali.

This article offers detailed insights into the dates, spiritual significance, and auspicious timings of these three days, helping you celebrate with devotion, clarity, and harmony.

 

Dhanteras 2025: Welcoming Wealth and Well-being

Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
Tithi: Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, Kartik Month

Dhanteras, the first day of the Diwali celebrations, is synonymous with wealth and prosperity. Derived from the Sanskrit words Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth day), Dhanteras is considered the most auspicious day to acquire gold, silver, and utensils. These purchases are believed to attract abundance and positive energy into the household.

On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Homes are adorned with fresh flowers, colorful rangoli, and oil lamps, creating an atmosphere of spiritual vibrancy. The ritual is also a reminder of the power of charity; donating food, clothes, and essentials amplifies blessings and invites divine grace.

Auspicious Timings for Dhanteras 2025

  • Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 18 October at 12:18 PM
  • Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 19 October at 1:51 PM
  • Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM – 8:19 PM
  • Vrishabha Kaal: 7:15 PM – 9:11 PM
  • Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:15 PM – 8:19 PM

The evening of Dhanteras is marked by lighting diyas near entrances to welcome divine energy and ward off negativity. Families gather for pujas seeking health, wealth, and overall well-being, making it a day of both spiritual and material significance.

 

Choti Diwali 2025: Cleansing Darkness, Inviting Light

Date: Monday, 20 October 2025
Tithi: Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, Kartik Month

Choti Diwali, also called Narak Chaturdashi, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. This day encourages spiritual cleansing and the renewal of energy before the main Diwali night.

Traditionally, devotees perform Abhyang Snan, an early morning oil bath, believed to purify the body and mind. This ritual is said to remove negativity, making one receptive to the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Homes are modestly illuminated, and sweets are exchanged among family, friends, and neighbors. Spiritually, Choti Diwali reminds us to release grudges, forgive, and let go of the past to embrace the upcoming joy of Diwali.

Panchang Details for Choti Diwali 2025

  • Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 19 October at 1:51 PM
  • Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 20 October at 3:44 PM
  • Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:12 AM – 6:25 AM (Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes)

Choti Diwali thus serves as a bridge between preparation and celebration, combining self-purification with social and spiritual harmony.

 

Diwali 2025: The Grand Celebration of Light

Date: Monday, 20 October 2025
Tithi: Amavasya, Kartik Month

Diwali, the pinnacle of the Festival of Lights, marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, when the city was illuminated with countless oil lamps to welcome him home. This festival is also a celebration of Goddess Lakshmi, who embodies wealth, grace, and prosperity.

Families come together to perform Lakshmi Puja, decorating every corner of the home with diyas, flowers, and rangolis. The lighting of lamps is not just a ritual—it is a symbolic act to invite positivity, abundance, and harmony. Fireworks fill the sky, while the aroma of traditional sweets and delicacies adds warmth to the festivities.

Auspicious Timings for Diwali 2025

  • Amavasya Tithi Begins: 20 October at 3:44 PM
  • Amavasya Tithi Ends: 21 October at 5:54 PM
  • Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM
  • Pradosh Kaal: 5:46 PM – 8:18 PM
  • Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM – 9:03 PM

The essence of Diwali lies in gratitude, spiritual reflection, and the celebration of light over darkness. Prayers are offered not only for material wealth but also for inner peace, familial harmony, and personal growth.

 

The Spiritual Flow of the Three Days

The sequence of Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, and Diwali embodies a spiritual and practical journey:

  1. Dhanteras: A day of preparation, gratitude, and welcoming abundance.
  2. Choti Diwali: A day for cleansing, renewal, and releasing negativity.
  3. Diwali: A celebration of illumination, divine blessings, and unity.

Each ritual, from lighting a simple diya to performing the grand Lakshmi Puja, reinforces the timeless message: true prosperity lies in generosity, inner peace, and spiritual awakening.

 

Final Thoughts

Diwali 2025 will be more than a festival—it will be a reflection of devotion, joy, and hope. As homes glow with diyas and laughter fills the air, these rituals remind us of a universal truth: light always returns after darkness.

May this Diwali bring health, happiness, and prosperity to your home, and may the glow of diyas illuminate your path with warmth, joy, and togetherness.