New York, NY – As the vibrant festival of lights, Diwali, approaches on Monday, October 20, 2025, millions across the United States are preparing to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Central to the festivities is Lakshmi Puja, a sacred ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. This year, the observance of the shubh muhurat (auspicious timings) for Lakshmi Puja across different US time zones is a key focus for devotees seeking to invoke divine blessings for the year ahead.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated annually during the new moon (Amavasya) of the lunisolar month Kartik. In 2025, the Amavasya Tithi begins on October 20th at 3:44 PM IST and concludes on October 21st at 5:54 PM IST. While the spiritual significance of Diwali spans across multiple days, the main Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed on the evening of the Amavasya day, a period often enhanced by the presence of Sthir Lagna (a fixed and auspicious astrological period) which is considered most potent for invoking prosperity.
The Spiritual Heart of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja
The legend behind Diwali often narrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, a victory that symbolizes the restoration of dharma and righteousness. Alongside this narrative, Diwali is profoundly linked with Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to emerge from the cosmic ocean and bestow wealth and fortune. Performing Lakshmi Puja is an act of inviting her blessings into homes, seeking not only material abundance but also spiritual well-being, peace, and prosperity.
While the festival’s roots are ancient, its celebration in the United States has evolved significantly, becoming a vibrant part of the cultural tapestry. For many Indian-Americans, Diwali is a cherished time to connect with heritage, family, and community, often marked by cleaning and decorating homes, creating colorful rangoli designs, lighting diyas (oil lamps), sharing festive meals, and exchanging gifts. Public events and community gatherings have also become a prominent feature, with celebrations expanding beyond private homes to public spaces.
Navigating Auspicious Timings Across US Time Zones
The observance of shubh muhurat for Lakshmi Puja is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the ritual. Due to the significant time difference between India and the United States, devotees in North America often perform the puja in the evening of October 20th, aligning with the Indian Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) and Vrishabha Lagna (a specific astrological window considered highly auspicious for Lakshmi Puja). These timings are critical for spiritual efficacy and are widely shared as top news for the festive season.
Here are the key Lakshmi Puja shubh muhurat timings for Monday, October 20, 2025, across major US time zones:
Eastern Time (ET): The most auspicious window for Lakshmi Puja is generally between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM ET. Specific city timings may vary slightly, for example, New York City and Washington D.C. often observe the puja from approximately 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM ET. This timing allows for the essential Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna* alignment.
Central Time (CT): In the Central Time Zone, the shubh muhurat* is expected to be between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM CT. Cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Houston will likely see devotees performing the puja within this timeframe, for instance, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM CT.
* Mountain Time (MT): For those in the Mountain Time Zone, the auspicious period for Lakshmi Puja falls between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM MT. This translates to local timings around 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM MT in cities like Denver and Calgary.
Pacific Time (PT): On the West Coast, the shubh muhurat* for Lakshmi Puja is anticipated between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM PT. This could range from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM PT in major hubs such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
It’s important to note that while some sources might indicate morning timings for the US, these are often direct conversions of Indian times and may not align with the traditional Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna. The evening window is widely considered the most potent for invoking Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
Diwali’s Growing Footprint in the US
Diwali’s recognition in the US continues to grow, with states like California, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut officially acknowledging the festival. This increasing acceptance fosters a sense of belonging for the Indian diaspora and promotes cultural exchange. From large-scale public events like ‘Diwali at Times Square’ to intimate community gatherings and temple celebrations, the festival offers numerous ways to partake in its joyous spirit. Many families also opt for simplified home pujas, using online resources and guided videos to conduct the rituals, emphasizing the core values of gratitude, renewal, and togetherness.
As Diwali 2025 unfolds, the emphasis remains on the spiritual significance of the festival and the warmth of community. Whether observed with elaborate rituals or simple acts of devotion, the lighting of lamps and the prayer to Goddess Lakshmi serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring victory of light and goodness. The trending news surrounding Diwali this year highlights not just the timings but the spirit of unity and cultural enrichment it brings to diverse communities across America.
