Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj 2025: Check the Complete Diwali Festival Dates

Festival Calendar 2025: Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj – Know the Correct Dates Before You Celebrate!
As the festive season draws near, many people are wondering: When exactly are Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, and Diwali celebrated this year? With varying panchang (Hindu calendar) interpretations across regions, it’s no surprise that there’s often confusion about the correct festival dates. To help you plan better, here’s a clear guide to the 2025 Diwali week festival calendar from Dhanteras to Chhath Puja.

Dhanteras – Saturday, 18 October 2025

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase gold, silver, utensils, or anything new on this day, as it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi for good health and wealth.

Choti Diwali – Sunday, 19 October 2025

Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali is celebrated a day before the main Diwali. It signifies the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People light diyas, decorate their homes, and prepare sweets as the festive spirit builds up for the grand celebration.

Badi Diwali (Deepawali) – Monday, 20 October 2025

The most awaited day of the season, Deepawali or Badi Diwali, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, wisdom, and prosperity. Homes are illuminated with lamps, rangolis, and fireworks, while families come together to share sweets and joy.

Govardhan Puja – Wednesday, 22 October 2025

The day after Diwali is dedicated to Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from Lord Indra’s wrath. Devotees prepare a variety of food offerings, collectively known as Annakut, and perform rituals to express gratitude to nature and the divine.

Bhai Dooj – Thursday, 23 October 2025

The festive week concludes with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform the aarti and apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life and happiness, while brothers give gifts as a token of love and protection.

Chhath Puja – Saturday, 25 October 2025

Though not directly a part of Diwali, Chhath Puja follows soon after in many regions, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, this four-day festival involves fasting, holy dips, and offering prayers to the setting and rising sun for family wellbeing and prosperity.

Final Note:

Please note that festival dates may vary slightly depending on the local panchang and lunar timings of different regions. It’s always best to confirm with your local temple or calendar before making final arrangements.