Confusion Over Deepawali Date Leaves Residents Perplexed
Priests Divided Between October 20 and 21
DEHRADUN: The uncertainty over the date of this year’s Deepawali celebrations has left residents confused and concerned, as religious scholars and priests continue to differ in their opinions. While some Pandits advocate observing the festival on October 20, others insist that October 21 is the correct day for the auspicious occasion.
The disagreement stems from differing interpretations of the Hindu Panchang (almanac) and the timing of Amavasya, the new moon day traditionally associated with Deepawali and Mata Lakshmi Pooja.
It is worth recalling that similar confusion arose last year regarding the timing of Lakshmi Pooja, which caused unease among devotees and disrupted festival preparations. This year, residents once again find themselves in a dilemma, unsure which day to prepare for the festival of lights.
According to several astrologers and priests, Amavasya Tithi will begin on the evening of October 20 and conclude at 5 PM on October 21. They argue that since the night of Amavasya falls on October 20, Deepawali and Lakshmi Pooja should be celebrated on that evening, with the auspicious time (muhurat) for Lakshmi Pooja between 7 PM and 9 PM.
However, another group of religious scholars contends that Amavasya will prevail throughout October 21, making that day more appropriate for celebrating Deepawali and performing Lakshmi Pooja. They maintain that worship and festivities should be held when Amavasya is in effect for the entire day, which, according to their calculations, is October 21.
Meanwhile, Pandit K P Chamoli emphasized that Ayodhya and Badrinath Dham, two of the most revered religious sites, will celebrate Deepawali on October 20. He has appealed to devotees across the state to follow the same date, calling for unity in the celebration.
