When is Dipawali: 20th or 21st October 2025? What do Sanatan Scriptures and Panchang say? Just like in the previous Samvat 2081 (year 2024), there is again a doubt among devotees in Samvat 2082 (year 2025) about when to celebrate the sacred festival of lights - Dipawali, the day devoted to the worship of Bhagwati Mahalakshmi. The confusion arises: Should Dipawali be observed on 20th or 21st October 2025? Let us examine this question based on authentic scriptural referencesand astrological calculations from key Sanatan Dharma texts such as Dharmasindhu, Nirnayasindhu, Tithi Nirnaya, Bhavishya Purana, and Purushartha Chintamani. Respecting the scholars who support 20th October, let’s understand, based on the scriptures, which day is correct - 20th or 21st October 2025. Amavasya Timings: Amavasya Begins: Monday, 20 October 2025, 3:45 PM Amavasya Ends: Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 5:55 PM Thus, Amavasya will prevail during the evening (Pradosh Kaal) on both days - 20th and 21st October -across almost all of India. Every festival has its specific ritual period (Karm Kaal) that defines it. For Dipawali, Dharmasindhu prescribes: On Amavasya Tithi, one should first perform Pitru Shraddh (ancestral offerings) in the afternoon (Aparahna), then during Pradosh Kaal (evening), show light to the ancestors (Ulka Daan), and finally perform Mahalakshmi Puja During Pradosh Kaal. Now, if you celebrate Dipawali on 20th October, Amavasya will not prevail during the afternoon (Aparahna Kaal). Therefore, Pitru Shraddh cannot be performed properly that day - you would end up doing Lakshmi Puja on 20th and Shraddh on 21st, which goes against the ritual sequence prescribed by the scriptures. As per Dharmasindhu: If Amavasya is present in the evening (Pradosh) on the first day and also continues until sunrise and for 3.5 Prahars (approx. 10.5 hours) on the next day - with Pratipada slightly exceeding (VruddhiGamini) Amavasya - then Dipawali should be celebrated on the second day. In This year, Pratipada Tithi exceeds Amavasya by Some minutes, therefore, according to Dharmasindhu, Dipawali is to be observed on 21st October 2025. Across Bharat, devotees establish the “Gaddi” (seat for Lakshmi) and draw “Pagaliya” (footprints of the Goddess) during Brahma Muhurtaon the day of Amavasya. If someone celebrates Dipawali on 20th October, they would be doing this ritual during Chaturdashi Tithi (not Amavasya), which is incorrect. Those celebrating on 21st October will perform these rituals at the correct time - during sunrise on Amavasya Tithi, as per tradition. Scriptural verse: “Yām tithim samanupāpya udayam yāti bhāskaraḥ, sā tithi sakalā jñeyā snāna-dāna-vratādiṣu.” Meaning: The tithi that continues for at least 3 muhurtas after sunrise is considered the complete and valid tithi (SakalyaPadit Tithi) for rituals, fasting, and worship. Therefore, as per this principle too, devotees across Bharat can perform Mahalakshmi Puja on 21st October 2025, even at midnight during Simha Lagna , without any doubt. The Tithi Nirnaya text further says: “Dvinadvaye satvā’satve parā.” If Amavasya prevails in Pradosh Kaal on both days, Lakshmi Puja should be done on the second day. Since in most regions of Bharat (except a few western parts) Amavasya is present during the evening on both days, it confirms that Dipawali should be celebrated on 21st October 2025. Purushartha Chintamani also supports this: If Amavasya prevails during three night divisions on the second day and Pratipada follows with an excess, then Dipawali must be observed on that second day. Supporting Panchang References: Besides scriptural evidence, the Shri Venkateshwar Shatabdi Panchang, which has guided crores of Sanatan followers for years, clearly marks 21st October 2025 as Dipawali. Prominent and widely used Panchangs such as Nirnayasagar Panchang, Date Panchang, Panchang Diwakar, and Vishva Vijay Panchang, along with more than 65 Panchangs, also confirm 21st October 2025 for Dipawali and Lakshmi Puja. Final Conclusion: Based on all above scriptural references, astrological calculations, and traditional customs, it is Shastra Sammata to celebrate Dipawali and perform Shri Maha Lakshmi Puja on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, throughout Bharat. Note: The Shubh Muhurat for Dipawali Mahalakshmi Puja will be shared soon. Stay connected for complete details on Puja Vidhi, Samagri, and auspicious timings. Request: Please repost this tweet to help spread the spiritual essence of our Sanatan Shastra.