Overview
- Drik Panchang calculations underpin this year’s schedule, resolving confusion over whether the main celebration falls on October 20 or 21.
- Because Amavasya lasts from 3:44 pm on October 20 to 5:54 pm on October 21, Kolkata (5:06–5:54 pm) and Bhubaneswar (5:19–5:54 pm) will perform Lakshmi Puja on October 21.
- The puja period aligns with Pradosh Kaal (5:46–8:18 pm) and Vrishabha Kaal (7:08–9:03 pm), with citywise windows such as New Delhi 7:08–8:18 pm and Mumbai 7:41–8:41 pm.
- Dhanteras opens the five-day festival on October 18, with puja muhurat around 7:16–8:20 pm and city-specific auspicious shopping windows for gold and silver.
- Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi), Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja coincide on Monday, October 20, followed by Govardhan Puja on October 22 and Bhai Dooj on October 23.