Diwali Celebrations in Los Angeles, USA 2025: A Complete Guide

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Embrace the Festival of Lights with Unity in Diversity – The Voice of Hindus Worldwide

Diwali 2025, the radiant Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. In Los Angeles and Southern California, this cherished Sanatana Dharma festival unites Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in a vibrant, multicultural embrace. From humble family gatherings in the 1980s to dazzling public spectacles today, Diwali has grown with the Indian diaspora, fueled by the 1965 Immigration Act. With over 150,000 South Asians in LA—the fourth-largest such community in the U.S.—the region hosts some of the West Coast’s most spectacular Diwali events, blending Bollywood glamour, sacred pujas, fireworks, and intricate rangoli. As California’s first official state holiday for Diwali, 2025 marks a historic milestone, offering state employees paid time off and amplifying festivities against Hollywood’s glittering backdrop.

This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, with celebrations spanning October 18–23 (Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj). All timings follow Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), with Lakshmi Puja ideally performed during Pradosh Kaal (sunset to midnight). Expect bustling crowds on Little India’s Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia, vibrant temple gatherings, and school recognitions across LAUSD. Book tickets, parking, and rideshares early to immerse yourself in this transformative journey of devotion and dharma.

Diwali 2025 Dates and Auspicious Timings in Los Angeles

Diwali unfolds over five spiritually significant days. Below is the complete calendar for Los Angeles, based on the Hindu Panchang via Drik Panchang, adjusted for PDT:

Day	Date (2025)	Significance	Key Rituals & Timings (PDT)
Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Trayodashi)	October 18 (Sat)	Worship of Lord Dhanvantari (health) and Goddess Lakshmi (wealth). Ideal for purchasing gold, silver, or utensils.	Puja Muhurat: 6:30 AM–8:00 AM. Shopping until sunset.
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)	October 19 (Sun)	Lord Krishna’s victory over demon Narakasura. Ritual oil baths for purification.	Yama Tarpan: 5:15 PM–5:45 PM. Evening diya lighting.
Diwali (Amavasya/Lakshmi Puja)	October 20 (Mon)	Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya; birth of Goddess Lakshmi. Core day of prosperity and illumination.	Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:30 PM–8:15 PM. Deepavali Amavasya: 12:00 AM–11:59 PM.
Govardhan Puja (Annakut)	October 21 (Tue)	Lord Krishna’s Govardhan Hill miracle. Gratitude to nature; lavish vegetarian feasts.	Puja: 6:45 AM–8:45 AM. Balipratipada (Gujarati New Year/Chopda Pujan).
Bhai Dooj (Yam Dwitiya)	October 22 (Wed)	Celebration of sibling bonds; Yamraj’s visit to sister Yami. Sisters apply protective tilak on brothers.	Auspicious Muhurat: 8:45 AM–10:45 AM.

Pro Tip: Download the Drik Panchang app for personalized timings. Prepare by deep-cleaning your home to purify the soul and creating vibrant rangoli to welcome Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.

Top Diwali Events in Los Angeles & Southern California 2025

Los Angeles blends coastal glamour with heartfelt devotion, from Cerritos’ lively melas to Chino Hills’ temple extravaganzas. Most events are free or public, accessible via Metro, rideshares, or I-5. Here’s a curated list of highlights:

1. SoCal Diwali Festival (4th Annual)

• Date: October 11, 2025 (Saturday)
• Time: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Location: Don Knabe Regional Park, Cerritos (SE of LA)
• Details: Hosted by Radha Krishna Mandir with LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Enjoy fashion shows, live Bollywood music, garba dancing, shopping stalls, and a food bazaar featuring chaat and jalebi. Family-friendly with a spectacular fireworks display. Free entry; expect over 10,000 attendees.

2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Diwali Festival

• Date: October 18–21, 2025 (Multi-day)
• Time: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM daily
• Location: 14300 Olson Rd, Chino Hills (45 min from LA)
• Details: A multi-day extravaganza featuring Lakshmi Puja, a light-and-sound show on unity and peace, a cricket play experience (tied to LA Knight Riders for the 2028 Olympics), devotional music, and an immersive “Bharat Experience” with festivals, bhakti traditions, and spice market tastings. Free entry; Annakut feast on October 21.

3. Five-Day Diwali Festivities at Jain Center of Southern California

• Date: October 18–22, 2025
• Time: Varies (full schedule online)
• Location: 8072 Commonwealth Ave, Buena Park
• Details: Jain-focused celebration with daily pujas, cultural performances, rangoli workshops, and prasad distribution. Highlights include Chopda Pujan (Oct. 20) and an extended Annakut (Oct. 26). Free and open to the public.

4. Diwali Celebration at Los Angeles Public Library, Pacoima Branch

• Date: October 9, 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
• Location: 13605 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima
• Details: A family-oriented event with educational talks on Diwali’s significance, diya crafting, rangoli sessions, and tea light giveaways. Free; ideal for newcomers to the festival.

5. Diwali: Festival of Light at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

• Date: October 19, 2025 (Sunday)
• Time: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
• Location: 3741 W 27th St, Los Angeles
• Details: A spiritual gathering featuring ghee lamp lighting, meditation, bhajans, and teachings on Diwali’s unifying message: Tamaso maa jyotir gamaya (Lead me from darkness to light). Free or donation-based; bring diyas to light at home.

6. Robina Benson Diwali Gala

• Date: October 25, 2025 (Saturday)
• Time: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Location: West Hollywood (venue TBA)
• Details: An elegant fundraiser with dance performances, Indian fusion cuisine, and cultural showcases. Tickets ($50–$100); proceeds support South Asian community initiatives.

7. Temple Celebrations (Devotional Heart)

• Sri Ashta Lakshmi Temple (Malibu): October 18–20; grand Lakshmi Puja and aarti. Free.
• Malibu Hindu Temple: October 19–21; Ramayana enactments and prasad distribution. Free.
• Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple (LA): October 18–22; week-long rituals, music, and blessings. Free.

8. Family & Kid-Friendly Events

• Diwali Mela Workshops (AllEvents.in): October 18–20; rangoli making, henna, and storytelling at various LA libraries and parks. Free.
• Asia Society Texas Center (SoCal Extension): October 26; Ramayana plays and crafts (3:00 PM–7:00 PM). Free.
• Culinary Cookout – Diwali Festival (Dana Point): October 28; modern Indian dishes by Chef Sanjay Rawat. Ticketed.

9. Evening Parties & Nightlife

• Diwali Garba Nights (Sulekha Events): October 18; dandiya and DJ at Buena Park venues. $20–$40.
• Bollywood Diwali Bash (Eventbrite): October 20; dances and fusion beats in Downtown LA. $30+.
• Diwali Dinner Specials: October 18–22 at Badmaash (DTLA) or Spice Affair (Beverly Hills); reservations required.

Safety Note: Fireworks are restricted to professional displays. Opt for rideshares to navigate heavy traffic.

Cultural Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Traditions

• Sweets & Savories: Indulge in gulab jamun and barfi at Samosa House or Bharat Bazaar (Artesia), or savor Diwali buffets at Tandoori Eats. Popular prasad includes besan ladoo and kheer.
• Shopping: Shop for gold on Dhanteras along Pioneer Boulevard (Little India). Find diyas and rangoli supplies at India Sweets and Spices (Los Feliz or Culver City).
• Decor Ideas: Embrace eco-conscious celebrations with LED diyas and flower-based rangoli. Arrange 108 lamps for universal harmony.
• Mantras for Puja: Chant Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah 108 times during Lakshmi Puja to invoke prosperity.

Why Diwali in LA Matters

From Cerritos’ festive parks to Chino Hills’ sacred spectacles, Los Angeles’ Diwali celebrations radiate inclusivity, reflecting Sanatana Dharma’s timeless wisdom: Tamaso maa jyotir gamaya (Lead me from darkness to light). As California’s first official state holiday, Diwali honors immigrant roots and shared light, uniting communities in joy and reflection.

Happy Diwali! Shubh Deepavali! May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with endless abundance.

For more on Hindu festivals, temples, and mantras, visit Hindutone.com. Share your SoCal celebrations at info@hindutone.com.

Sources: Compiled from Drik Panchang, LA Times, BAPS.org, AllEvents.in, Sulekha Events, IndianEagle, and organizers as of October 16, 2025.