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Diwali date confusion: October 20 or 21? Here’s what Puri astrologer says

As the festive season nears, uncertainty surrounds the Diwali date this year. The Jagannath Temple plans for October , but traditional sources suggest October

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Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty
Diwali date confusion: October 20 or 21? Here’s what Puri astrologer says

Diwali date confusion: October 20 or 21? Here’s what Puri astrologer says Photograph: (OTV)

As the festive season approaches, confusion has emerged over the exact date of Diwali celebrations this year. While the Jagannath Temple has scheduled Diwali observances on October 20, various traditional calendars and Panchangas suggest slightly different dates, including October 21. 

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This discrepancy has left many devotees uncertain about when to perform important rituals such as Kali Puja and Shraddha ceremonies, both of which are an integral part of Diwali celebrations in Odisha.

Astrologers explain that the differences in dates arise because Diwali coincides with Kumar Purnima and Dola Purnima phases in the lunar calendar. Since lunar timings can vary depending on the source of calculation, the exact date of Diwali can differ from one calendar to another.

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According to Pandit Harishankar Mishra, a well-known astrologer from Puri, “October 20 is meant for Goddess Kali Puja as Amabasya does not last on October 21 night. So Kali Puja cannot be performed on that day. People can perform Paya Shraddha and light diyas on October 20 night as per the Jagannath temple schedule.”

“Since Amabasya lasts till October 21 evening, Paya Shraddha can be performed before the evening on that day, if someone is unable to do it on October 20,” he added.

Also Read: Devotion fills the air in Puri as Havisyalis observe Kartik Brata

With Diwali just around the corner, clarity on the exact dates is expected to help devotees celebrate the festival with devotion and spiritual observance.

Diwali Odisha
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