Overview

• Diwali’s five-day season runs Oct. 18–23, with the main day on Monday, Oct. 20, and both Choti Diwali and Badi Diwali observed that day according to Drik Panchang.
• Drik Panchang lists Amavasya beginning the afternoon of Oct. 20 and ending Oct. 21, with Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh in the evening and a Nishita Kaal window near midnight.
• Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is scheduled for Sunday evening, with organizers citing plans to light 2,611,101 lamps along Ram Ki Paidi and stage an aarti with 2,100 performers, as reported by ANI.
• A political dispute intensified after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned repeated spending on diyas, drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders and a call for an apology, with Congress questioning public funds for religious displays.
• Coverage highlights Diwali’s diverse observances across Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist traditions, widespread practices such as diyas, rangoli and puja, and growing global celebrations including public events in New York City and expanding U.S. school recognitions.