‘Diwali pujan should be done during Amavasya’s Pradosh Kaal on October 20’

October 20, Kartik Krishna Amavasya, is the correct day to celebrate Diwali. ”Bhai Dooj should undoubtedly be celebrated on October 23, and Dev Prabodhini (Dev Uthani) Ekadashi on November 1, 2025, is scripturally correct,” according to Acharya Durgesh Tare, a renowned astrologer from the holy city of Ujjain.

Clearing confusion over Diwali dates with different interpretations, Acharya Tare, also the Convener of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT)’s Veda and Jyotish Committee, said October 20, Kartik Krishna Amavasya, is the correct day to celebrate Diwali during Pradosh Kaal.

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According to the scriptures, Lakshmi Pujan should be performed when Amavasya prevails during Pradosh Kaal. This year, Amavasya is prevalent during Pradosh Kaal and will continue through midnight of October 20, which makes it the most auspicious period for Diwali celebrations across India.

After studying the scriptures thoroughly and consulting other learned scholars, Acharya Tare concluded, ”This year, celebrating Diwali on October 20, 2025, is fully in accordance with the scriptures.”

He explained that on October 20, during the Arunodaya Kaal (early dawn, around 5 am), one should perform Abhyang Snan, followed by Kartik Snan, Yam Tarpan, and Deep Daan—all considered highly auspicious rituals.

He further clarified that on October 21, Amavasya exists only momentarily — for less than one ghatika (approximately 24 minutes) —during Pradosh Kaal, making it unsuitable for performing Diwali rituals. Therefore, Diwali should not be celebrated on October 21. Since Amavasya extends through Pradosh Kaal and the entire night on October 20, all Dharmashastra authorities unanimously agree that Diwali should be celebrated on that day.

Acharya Tare also clarified the sequence of all related festivals:

Dhan Trayodashi and Dhanvantari Jayanti – October 18, Narak Chaturdashi (Yam Deep Daan) – October 19, Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) – October 20, Govardhan Puja – October 22, Bhai Dooj – October 23, and Dev Prabodhini (Dev Uthani) Ekadashi – November 1.

CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk Praveen Khandelwal said CAIT urges all traders across India to follow this Shastra-based guidance and celebrate Diwali on October 20, in full adherence to India’s traditional and spiritual values, according to a CAIT statement here on Tuesday.