Diwali 2003 Date — Saturday, October 25, 2003
When is Diwali in 2003? Diwali 2003 falls on Saturday, October 25, 2003.
Observance: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja). City calendars may vary slightly by sunrise and amanta or purnimanta tradition — confirm with your local mandir.
Diwali 2003 — full list of dates
| Observance | Date & day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Thu, 23 October 2003 | Buy metal, light the first lamp |
| Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Fri, 24 October 2003 | |
| Diwali — Lakshmi Puja | Sat, 25 October 2003 | Main day |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Sun, 26 October 2003 | |
| Bhai Dooj | Mon, 27 October 2003 |
About Diwali
Diwali (Deepavali) is the festival of lights marking the return of Rama to Ayodhya in many traditions, and Lakshmi Puja for prosperity in others. Homes are cleaned, oil lamps and LEDs are lit, and families gather for evening Lakshmi–Ganesha worship. Regional calendars place the main Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya in the month of Kartika.
How to observe
Clean and decorate the home, set a Lakshmi–Ganesha altar, light diyas at dusk, offer sweets and fruits, and perform aarti. Many businesses begin new account books on Diwali. Confirm the exact Lakshmi Puja muhurta for your city — related observances fall on nearby days on the Kartika calendar.
Why we celebrate
Return of Rama to Ayodhya; worship of Lakshmi-Ganesha for prosperity and removal of Alakshmi. New year in many business communities.
How it is celebrated
Diyas, rangoli, Lakshmi puja, fireworks, family gatherings, annakut in temples.
Puja timing
Lakshmi puja during Pradosh kaal of Amavasya (after sunset, fixed muhurta varies by city).
Foods & offerings
Sweets (ladoo, barfi), savory snacks, annakut bhog; vegetarian feast.
Rituals
- Clean home; draw rangoli and light diyas.
- Lakshmi-Ganesha puja with coins, account books.
- Aarti and distribute prasad.
- Exchange gifts; light lamps at entrance.
Diwali dates by year
| Year | Date & day |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Mon, 4 November 2002 |
| 2003 | Sat, 25 October 2003 |
| 2004 | Fri, 12 November 2004 |
| 2005 | Wed, 2 November 2005 |
| 2006 | Sun, 22 October 2006 |
Hindu festivals around Diwali 2003
- Naraka Chaturdashi 2003 date — Fri, 24 October 2003
- Govardhan Puja 2003 date — Sun, 26 October 2003
- Dhanteras 2003 date — Thu, 23 October 2003
- Bhai Dooj 2003 date — Mon, 27 October 2003
- Chhath Puja 2003 date — Thu, 30 October 2003
- Skanda Sashti 2003 date — Thu, 30 October 2003
- Karva Chauth 2003 date — Tue, 14 October 2003
- Tulsi Vivah 2003 date — Wed, 5 November 2003
- Kartik Purnima 2003 date — Sat, 8 November 2003
- Sharad Purnima 2003 date — Fri, 10 October 2003
- Dussehra 2003 date — Sun, 5 October 2003
- Durga Puja 2003 date — Fri, 3 October 2003
