New Delhi – As India prepares to celebrate Diwali this year, confusion over the exact date of the festival has sparked a lighthearted debate—one that even the French embassy in India joined with a humorous video on Friday.

The confusion stems from the timing of the tithi, or auspicious day, for Diwali in 2025, which falls across two days: October 20 and 21. While some believe the festival should be celebrated on October 21, others argue for October 20, leading to playful debates among friends, families, and social media users.

Joining in on the fun, the French embassy released a video showcasing its staff attempting to navigate the uncertainty of the dates. In the video, members are seen cross-checking calendars, comparing notes, and ultimately getting more confused than before. One staff member even purchased two ethnic outfits to be prepared for both days, while another divided her order of marigold flowers to cover celebrations on October 20 and 21.

Adding to the charm of the video, one embassy member excitedly shared that she had been invited to her first Diwali party, but faced confusion as the host did not specify the date. Her colleague humorously resolved the dilemma with a simple solution: “Dono din mana lo,” which translates to “Celebrate it on both days.” The video ends on a cheerful note, emphasizing the spirit of joy, lights, and sweets that Diwali brings, regardless of the exact day.

The dual dates this year are explained by the alignment of the Hindu calendar. Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is observed a day before Diwali and will fall on October 20, Monday. The Chaturdashi tithi begins at 1:51 pm on October 19 and lasts until 3:44 pm on October 20, followed by Amavasya (Krishna Amavasya), the main day of Diwali. Traditionally, the night of Amavasya is when Lakshmi Puja and other Diwali rituals are performed, which has led some households to observe Choti Diwali on October 19 instead of October 20.

Drikpanchang.com, the widely referred online Panchang, has confirmed the timings, highlighting why different communities may choose either day for celebration. The French embassy’s video not only highlights the global interest in India’s festivals but also reflects the inclusivity and fun surrounding Diwali traditions.

In the end, whether celebrated on October 20 or 21, the embassy’s message is clear: Diwali is a time for lights, joy, and togetherness. The humorous video reminds everyone that, amid debates over dates, the true essence of the festival lies in sharing happiness and celebrating with loved ones.