Deepawali, also known as Diwali, is India’s grand festival of lights. It marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The celebration extends over five days, including Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. The festive period also impacts financial and business calendars, as markets observe the traditional Muhurat Trading session and bank holidays.
Dhanteras 2025: Day, Date & Story
In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. It marks the beginning of the five-day Deepawali festival. On this day, devotees worship Lord Kuber (the God of wealth) and Lord Dhanvantari (the deity of health). Buying gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras is considered auspicious, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the year ahead.
The name “Dhanteras” originates from the Sanskrit words *Dhan* (wealth) and *Teras* (thirteenth day). It is believed that on this day, the ocean churned to reveal the divine physician, Dhanvantari, holding a pot of nectar, signifying eternal health and life.
Deepawali (Diwali) 2025: Day, Date & Story
The main Deepawali 2025 (Lakshmi Puja) will fall on Monday, October 20. It is the most significant day of the festival when families perform rituals to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
The five-day Deepawali schedule for 2025 is expected to be:
- October 18 – Dhanteras
- October 19 – Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi
- October 20 – Deepawali / Lakshmi Puja
- October 22 – Govardhan Puja
- October 23 – Bhai Dooj
Deepawali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. Homes and streets are lit with diyas (lamps), symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance through light and knowledge.
Deepawali Muhurat Trading 2025: Date & Timing
In 2025, Muhurat Trading—the special one-hour trading session conducted by stock exchanges to mark the start of the new financial year as per the Hindu calendar—will take place on Tuesday, October 21.
The session is scheduled between 1:45 PM and 2:45 PM. The pre-open session begins at 1:30 PM, and post-trade adjustments continue till 2:55 PM. Traditionally, this symbolic trading hour is believed to bring prosperity and success to investors for the upcoming year.
Investors consider Muhurat Trading an auspicious opportunity to make new investments or hold symbolic trades as part of the Diwali Lakshmi Puja rituals.
Bhai Dooj 2025
Bhai Dooj will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters apply a ceremonial tika on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long and prosperous lives. Brothers, in return, offer gifts and blessings.
The festival is also known as *Bhaiya Dooj* or *Bhau Beej* in different regions of India and marks the conclusion of the five-day Deepawali festivities.
Bank Holidays During the Festival
Several states and financial institutions will observe bank holidays during this festive week. As per the RBI and exchange holiday calendar for October 2025:
- October 20, 2025 (Monday): Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – banks and markets closed nationwide.
- October 22, 2025 (Wednesday): Balipratipada / Govardhan Puja – holiday in select states.
- October 23, 2025 (Thursday): Bhai Dooj – restricted holiday in many regions.
Most private and public sector banks will remain closed on the main Diwali day, while services such as online banking and ATMs will function as usual. Stock markets, including NSE and BSE, will also remain closed on the Diwali holiday except for the Muhurat Trading hour.
Disclaimer
This article is meant for informational purposes only. The dates and timings mentioned above are based on the Hindu calendar and may vary depending on regional customs and local panchangs. Readers are advised to verify details from official sources before planning financial or religious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is Diwali (Deepawali) in 2025?
Deepawali 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, with Lakshmi Puja performed in the evening.
Q2: What is the timing for Muhurat Trading 2025?
Muhurat Trading 2025 will be held on Tuesday, October 21, from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM on both NSE and BSE.
Q3: When is Bhai Dooj in 2025?
Bhai Dooj will fall on Thursday, October 23, 2025, marking the final day of the Diwali festival cycle.
Q4: Will banks remain closed during Diwali 2025?
Yes. Banks across India will be closed on October 20, 2025, for Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), with additional holidays in some states on October 22 and 23.
