Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha Declares October 20 as the Correct Date for Diwali

Bhubaneswar: The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha has officially announced that Diwali and Paya Shraddha will be celebrated on October 20, ending the confusion over the festival’s date this year.

The decision comes after widespread debate, as some Hindu almanacs (panjikas) had listed October 20, while others marked October 21 as the day of celebration.

During a press conference, the priests of the Mukti Mandap Pandit Mahasabha clarified that the Amavasya (new moon) phase will occur for only 14 minutes on October 21, rendering it inauspicious for Diwali celebrations according to Hindu tradition.

Hence, the Sabha concluded that October 20, beginning from 3:23 pm, will be the appropriate time to perform Paya Shraddha and Diwali rituals.

The Sabha has also urged the Odisha government to declare October 20 a public holiday to ensure that people across the state can observe the festival on the auspicious date. The government’s decision on the matter is expected to align with the Sabha’s recommendation.