Happy Deepawali! Understanding the Correct Puja Dates and Muhurtha
Pundit Mahesh Shastriji
Dear mypanchang.com Subscriber,
As the festival of lights approaches, we extend our warmest wishes for a deeply blessed and prosperous Deepawali! May the light of Lakshmi Maa guide you to success and happiness.
Important Clarity on Deepawali Dates
We understand there is often confusion surrounding the precise date, particularly when observing the festival in different time zones.
Based on the precise calculations and adherence to the principles of Dharma Shastra:
For the USA: Deepawali is observed on October 20th.
For India: Deepawali is observed on October 21st.
The Dharma Shastra Justification
Our calculations, rooted in both Ganita (mathematics) and Dharma Shastra (scriptural rules), confirm this difference.
The general rule for Deepawali is the observance of Pradosha Kala Vyapini Amavasya (Amavasya Tithi prevailing during the sunset period). However, the sacred texts, including the Purushartha Chintamani, outline specific exceptions:
When the Amavasya Tithi on the second day extends beyond 3.5 Prahara (Yaam), and the subsequent Pratipada Tithi is Vriddhigamini (increasing or prevailing long), the Deepawali Puja is correctly performed on this second day.
This specific condition is met this year, establishing October 21st (in India) as the correct Tithi for the main Lakshmi Puja.
The decision for Madhyaratri Lakshmi Puja also follows the determination of the main Deepawali day, as mentioned in texts like Dharmasindhu.
Trust the Panchang Karta
We recognize and respect that Astrologers do exceptional work on Kundli (horoscope) analysis, accurate predictions, and prescribing remedies, and Pundits perform the Puja. However, for the foundational task of determining the correct Tithi (date) for the festival, the Panchang Karta—the Ganitagya (mathematician) and Dharmashastri—must be trusted, as they are solely responsible for calculating the precise intersection of Tithi, day, and Nakshatra.
To provide further confidence, we note that over 60+ renowned Panchang Kartas across India have also selected October 21st for Deepawali.
If you find major differences in Tithi ending times from Drishya Ganit Panchangs and others, it is because many others still rely on Surya Siddhanta based calculations, which have not been astronomically updated in over 300 years. Paradoxically, these same panchangs often copy modern eclipse information from Drishya Ganit Panchangams. This inconsistency highlights why accurate Ganita is paramount.
As Panchang Kartas, we confirm that the above dates are determined using the most accurate and traditional rules.
Find Your City's Exact Muhurtha & Watch the Explanation
To help you perform the Puja at the most auspicious moment, please use our comprehensive city-finder:
Find correct date of Deepawali for your city along with Deepawali Muhurtha: https://mypanchang.com/diwali
For a detailed, precise explanation of the Dharma Shastra rules and specific Puja times, watch this video. Share it fast before everyone else! 🙏
Video Explanation of Dates and Puja Times: https://youtube.com/live/1g2JUwjbYig
Wishing you a joyful, prosperous Deepawali, and a Happy New Year (Vikram Samvat) filled with success and spiritual fulfillment.
Sincerely,
The mypanchang.com Team