This day honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill. In regions like Gujarat, this also marks the start of the New Year.
| Region | Diwali Main Day | Special Custom | |--------|----------------|----------------| | Maharashtra | Oct 20 (Lakshmi Puja) | Vasu Baras (day before Dhanteras) for cows | | Gujarat | Oct 20 | New Year (Bestu Varas) on Oct 21 | | North India | Oct 20 | Govardhan Puja on Oct 21 | | South India (as per Kalnirnay Tamil) | Oct 20 (Narakasura Vadha) | Deepavali celebrated on Naraka Chaturdashi (Oct 19) with early morning oil bath |
are avoided for puja – Kalnirnay publishes these daily timings; always check the daily page for exact intervals.