Uncertainty over Diwali dates:Ujjain astrologers announce ‘Pradosh Amavasya’ falls on 20th; doubts over festival timing

Like last year, confusion over Diwali dates has returned. Different calendars show the festival on different days—some say October 20, others October 21. Astrologers in Ujjain say Diwali should be celebrated on October 20. They note that Pradosh Kaal Amavasya lasts only until the night of October 20, and scriptures say the festival is valid in this period. This year, Amavasya tithi starts at 3:45 PM on October 20 and ends at 3:35 PM on October 21. Experts explain that Diwali is considered correct in Pradosh Kaal only if Amavasya continues for at least 24 minutes after sunset. There will be no Pradosh on October 21, while Pradosh Kaal will be present on October 20. This is why celebrating Diwali on October 20 is being considered appropriate. Roop Chaudas until 3:45 PM, followed by Amavasya Ujjain’s astrologer Pandit Amar Dibbewala said that Diwali festival is celebrated on Kartik Paksha Amavasya. The manifestation of Mahalakshmi is considered during Pradosh Kaal, therefore it is appropriate to celebrate Diwali festival on Amavasya during Pradosh Kaal. In Indian astrology, two concepts of Panchang have been described. Graha Laghav and Graha Chaitra. The Chaitra method is related to visual mathematics, while Graha Laghav is based on subtle mathematics. This is why differences of opinion are seen among scholars. According to Panchangs, the calculation of date and day is determined. This time the date falling in Pradosh Kaal is on October 20 only, therefore celebrating Diwali on that day is considered best. Mother Lakshmi will go on her journey on October 20 Astrologer Akshay Vyas said that the festival of Diwali will be on Chaturdashi, that is, on the evening of October 20. There is a difference of about one hour in the time of sunrise and sunset in different cities, so the time of Diwali should be decided by consulting local almanac and astrologers. There are two opinions on this subject in religious texts – one is Purusharta Chintamani and the other is Dharma Sindhu. According to Dharma Sindhu, if Diwali has two days of Pradosh contact, then the first one should be followed for Lakshmi Puja. Purusharta Chintamani’s view is that if there are two days of Amavasya and even one ghadi (24 minutes) of Pradosh the next day, then Diwali should be celebrated the next day. Both opinions are prevalent. Due to Goddess Lakshmi’s wandering at night, it is appropriate to celebrate Diwali on the night of Amavasya, which is October 20. Therefore two days of date Astrologer Akshay Vyas explained that the value of the date is not fixed. The duration of a date can generally range from 55 ghatikas to 65 ghatikas. Religious texts describe four types of years. Lunar year, Savan year, Solar year and Jupiter year. Festivals are usually celebrated according to the lunar year, which is approximately 354 days long. Due to the uncertain value of the lunar year’s date, there are differences in dates according to India’s geographical position. There was also uncertainty for two days during Diwali festival last year Last year also, astrologers could not agree on when to celebrate Diwali. In a meeting of astrologers and scholars council in Indore, it was decided to celebrate Diwali on November 1, while astrologers in Ujjain said it was correct to celebrate Diwali on October 31 itself according to scriptures. Last year, Amavasya began after 4:03 PM on October 31. On November 1, Amavasya was until 5:38 PM and sunset occurred at 5:46 PM. Diwali worship and traditional celebrations happen at night. From this perspective, Amavasya was on October 31 instead of November 1, and the festival of Diwali was celebrated on this day. ​