Diwali Date Confusion Sparks Debate as French Embassy Joins with Lighthearted Video

Diwali Date Confusion Sparks Debate as French Embassy Joins with Lighthearted Video

New Delhi | October 19, 2025 — A wave of confusion has taken over households across India as people continue to debate the actual date of Dhanteras and Diwali in 2025. While some temples and astrology councils claim the festival begins on 18 October, others insist the auspicious day falls on 19 October — triggering massive curiosity, memes, and discussions on social media.

Amid this uncertainty, the French Embassy in India has unexpectedly stepped into the conversation — not with a clarification, but with a humorous video that has now gone viral.

Confused about the Diwali date? So are we!
But one thing’s certain: lights, joy, and sweets await!

Watch our special video on Deepavali – the festival of lights:

🪔🇫🇷🤝🇮🇳 #HappyDiwali #शुभदीपावली pic.twitter.com/LgY2igoNWO

— French Embassy in India 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinIndia) October 17, 2025

✅ Why the Diwali Date Confusion Happened

The confusion stems from differences in Panchang (Hindu lunar calendars) and Tithi timings observed by different regions and sects. Here are the key factors:

• Dhanteras aligns with the Trayodashi Tithi, but its start and end times vary by region.
• Amavasya and Chaturdashi overlap, causing further disagreement.
• Priests across North and South India have issued conflicting guidance.
• Astrology bodies have split opinions on the correct muhurat.

As a result:

• Some households began Dhanteras shopping on 18th October,
• Others are celebrating it on 19th October, linking it to Choti Diwali.

✅ French Embassy’s Viral Response

Instead of issuing a greeting or avoiding the topic, the French Embassy in India released a witty video on social media platforms like Instagram and X.

🎬 What’s in the Video?

• Embassy staff are seen humorously debating whether Dhanteras is “today or tomorrow.”
• They struggle to finalise dates for gifting and greetings.
• The clip ends with a playful note:
  “Whether it’s the 18th or 19th — joy doesn’t need a date!”

The video has gained thousands of shares, with users applauding the creativity and relatability.

✅ Social Media Reaction

The confusion has turned into a full-blown trending topic, especially on X, WhatsApp statuses, and Instagram reels.

Common reactions include:

• 🛍️ Shoppers asking, “Do we buy gold today or tomorrow?”
• 🪔 Meme pages joking: “Even Diwali needs Aadhaar verification now.”
• 🏛️ Diplomats, influencers, and brands using the moment for creative content.

The French Embassy video has been quoted as:

“A perfect mix of diplomacy, humour and timing.”

✅ What Priests and Astrologers Are Saying

Different religious bodies have issued their own timing breakdowns:

🔹 Group 1: Dhanteras on 18 October

• Based on Trayodashi Tithi starting late evening on the 17th.
• Custom followed in parts of North India.

🔹 Group 2: Dhanteras on 19 October

• Considerations of sunrise Tithi and muhurat duration.
• Popular in Maharashtra, South India, Gujarat.

🔹 Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) Date

Despite the confusion over Dhanteras:
✅ Most astrologers agree that Lakshmi Puja is on October 20, 2025.

✅ What You Should Do

To avoid the chaos, here’s a practical approach:

• Follow your regional or family tradition.
• Buy gold/silver or make new purchases on either date — both are considered shubh.
• Perform puja according to local muhurat timings.
• Enjoy the festive spirit rather than stress about dates.

✅ Conclusion

Whether you light your diyas on October 18 or shop for gold on October 19, the spirit of Diwali remains unchanged. The French Embassy’s video has turned a confusing national debate into a moment of collective laughter — proving that festivals don’t just unite communities, they invite the world to join in.