Diwali 2025 is just around the corner, and for millions of Indians living in the United States, understanding the right puja timing is crucial for welcoming Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. According to Drik Panchang, the Festival of Lights will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025, across the United States, one day earlier than India’s celebration on October 21 due to time zone differences.
Table of Contents
Quick Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2025 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| US Celebration Date | Monday, October 20, 2025 |
| India Celebration Date | Tuesday, October 21, 2025 |
| Amavasya Tithi Begins | 3:44 PM IST (Oct 20) |
| Amavasya Tithi Ends | 5:54 PM IST (Oct 21) |
| Best Puja Window | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Local Time) |
Lakshmi Puja Timings Across US Time Zones
For most North American cities, the most auspicious Lakshmi Puja window falls between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM local time. Here’s your complete timezone guide:
Eastern Time Zone (ET)
Major Cities: New York, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Atlanta
- Puja Muhurat: 6:08 PM – 8:45 PM EDT
- Peak Time: 7:09 PM – 8:39 PM EDT
Central Time Zone (CT)
Major Cities: Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
- Puja Muhurat: 5:08 PM – 7:45 PM CDT
- Peak Time: 6:09 PM – 7:39 PM CDT
Mountain Time Zone (MT)
Major Cities: Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque
- Puja Muhurat: 4:08 PM – 6:45 PM MDT
- Peak Time: 5:09 PM – 6:39 PM MDT
Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Major Cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, Portland
- Puja Muhurat: 3:08 PM – 5:45 PM PDT
- Peak Time: 4:09 PM – 5:39 PM PDT
Understanding the Sacred Timing
The puja is traditionally performed during Pradosh Kaal, the most auspicious time window that begins after sunset and lasts approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. This period is considered highly favorable for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha together.
Why Timing Matters: Performing Lakshmi Puja during Sthir Lagna ensures that Lakshmiji stays in your home, making this the best time for inviting lasting prosperity.
How NRIs Can Celebrate With Family in India
When families in India perform puja around 7-8 PM IST, it’s morning in North America. Many NRIs celebrate locally in the evening of October 20, while coordinating virtual aarti with India on IST-aligned windows.
Pro Tip: Set up a video call with your family in India during their puja time (evening IST) to participate virtually, then perform your own ceremony during the local muhurat in the US.
Essential Puja Preparation Checklist
✅ Clean and declutter your home thoroughly
✅ Create colorful rangoli at your entrance
✅ Arrange Lakshmi-Ganesha idols or pictures
✅ Gather puja items: diyas, incense, flowers, sweets, fruits
✅ Prepare traditional dishes and mithai
✅ Light oil lamps and candles throughout your home
✅ Keep new account books ready (for business owners)
For detailed puja rituals and traditional celebrations, check out our Diwali celebration guide on TechnoSports.
Why Diwali Dates Differ Between US and India
When Amavasya overlaps evening hours differently across time zones, the main Diwali day can shift by one civil date between continents. The Tithi remains the same globally, even though local clock times vary.
Learn more about Hindu festival calendars and accurate timings on Drik Panchang, a trusted resource for authentic muhurat calculations.
Community Celebrations Across America
Major US cities like New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago host grand community Diwali festivals, fireworks shows, and temple pujas. Public landmarks such as Times Square often light up to honor the Festival of Lights.
Discover local Diwali events and Indian community celebrations in your area through TechnoSports’ events section.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Diwali on different dates in the US and India in 2025?
The celebration date shifts due to time zone differences. While the Amavasya Tithi (new moon phase) remains the same globally, the evening celebration falls on October 20 in the US and October 21 in India. Always follow the local sunset-based muhurat for your location.
Q2: Can I perform Lakshmi Puja outside the recommended muhurat window?
While the prescribed muhurat times offer maximum spiritual benefits, sincere devotion matters most. If you cannot perform puja during the peak window, any time during the evening of Amavasya is considered auspicious. However, avoid performing the puja after midnight.
