Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on Kartik Amavasya. Also known as Deepawali, the festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light diyas and share festive meals. The celebrations include Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
When Is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed in the evening during the auspicious muhurat. The Amavasya tithi continues into 9 November, which is why some people may see both dates mentioned in calendars.
Diwali 2026 Date and Amavasya Tithi
| Detail | Date and time |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Amavasya tithi begins | 11:27 AM, 8 November |
| Amavasya tithi ends | 12:31 PM, 9 November |
| Source | Drik Panchang, New Delhi |
These timings are location-specific. Check your local Panchang before planning the puja. Drik Panchang
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
For New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026. The evening period falls within Pradosh Kaal, when many families traditionally worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
Pradosh Kaal Muhurat (New Delhi)
- Lakshmi Puja: 5:54 PM–7:50 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM–8:09 PM
Nishita Kaal Muhurat
The listed Nishita Kaal window is 11:39 PM on 8 November to 12:31 AM on 9 November. Some traditions observe additional midnight worship during this period. Drik Panchang
Lakshmi Puja Timing in Major Cities
| City | Lakshmi Puja muhurat |
| New Delhi | 5:54 PM–7:50 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:20 PM–7:18 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:27 PM–8:27 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 PM–8:20 PM |
| Chennai | 6:07 PM–8:09 PM |
Timings are local to each city. Check the latest local Panchang before beginning the puja. Drik Panchang
For the complete worship procedure, see our guide to Lakshmi Puja vidhi.
5 Days of Diwali 2026: Complete Calendar
The Diwali festival calendar includes five major observances. Here are the dates used in this series.
| Festival | Date | Significance |
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November | Worship and traditional festive shopping |
| Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi | Sunday, 8 November | Krishna’s victory over Narakasura |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November | Worship of Goddess Lakshmi |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Tuesday, 10 November | Devotion to Lord Krishna and food offerings |
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November | Celebration of the bond between siblings |
Explore our detailed guides to Dhanteras 2026, Choti Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated for different religious and cultural reasons. In the Ramayana tradition, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Many Hindus also worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Jain communities observe Mahavira’s nirvana, while Sikhs commemorate Bandi Chhor Divas. Read more about why Diwali is celebrated.
Diwali Puja Samagri List
Prepare these items before beginning your Diwali puja:
- Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Puja chowki and clean cloth
- Kalash
- Earthen diyas
- Oil or ghee and cotton wicks
- Roli or kumkum
- Akshat (uncooked rice)
- Fresh flowers
- Garlands
- Fruits and sweets
- Coins
- Supari (betel nuts)
- Camphor
- Panchamrit
- Incense sticks and a bell
Items may vary by family and regional tradition. Follow your customary puja method.
Diwali Day Checklist: What to Do Before, During and After Puja
Before puja
- Clean the home and prepare the puja area.
- Arrange the samagri and decorate the entrance.
- Make rangoli and prepare diyas.
During puja
- Offer flowers, sweets and traditional offerings.
- Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha according to family custom.
- Light diyas and recite prayers or aarti.
After puja
- Share prasad with family.
- Visit or call loved ones.
- Keep lamps in safe places and extinguish them before leaving them unattended.
Diwali Do’s and Don’ts
- Do: Keep your puja space clean and arrange the samagri beforehand.
- Do: Follow your family’s customs and local muhurat.
- Do: Place diyas on stable surfaces away from flammable materials.
- Don’t: Feel pressured to spend beyond your budget on festive purchases.
- Don’t: Leave burning lamps or candles unattended.
- Don’t: Treat regional beliefs about auspicious and inauspicious activities as universal rules.
Diwali Decoration, Rangoli and Diya Ideas
Decorate your entrance with a colourful rangoli, marigold garlands and rows of earthen diyas. Lotus patterns, traditional footprints and geometric designs are popular choices. Warm lights can brighten balconies and windows, while a simple puja arrangement creates a peaceful space for prayer.
How Is Diwali Celebrated Across India?
Diwali celebrations vary across India. In North India, families often associate the festival with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. Many households in western India perform Lakshmi Puja and celebrate with sweets and lights. In parts of South India, Deepavali traditions include an early morning oil bath and festive meals. Jain and Sikh communities also mark important religious events around this period.
Diwali Bhajans and Aarti to Play During Puja
Create a devotional atmosphere with Lakshmi bhajans, Ganesh aarti and prayers to Lord Rama. Listen to popular Hindi bhajans or read the lyrics and meaning of Shri Ram Stuti. You can also explore Soulful Bhajans devotional videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which date is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, according to the New Delhi calendar. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time on Diwali 2026?
The New Delhi Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM–7:50 PM. Timings differ by city, so consult your local Panchang.
How many days is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is commonly celebrated over five main observances: Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Dates and regional customs can vary.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is associated with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and other religious traditions. Its meanings differ across Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities.
What is needed for Diwali puja?
Common items include Lakshmi-Ganesha idols, a kalash, diyas, oil or ghee, cotton wicks, roli, akshat, flowers, sweets, coins, supari, camphor and panchamrit.
What is the difference between Dhanteras and Diwali?
Dhanteras is an earlier festival day associated with traditional shopping and worship of Lord Dhanvantari. Diwali is the main festival day associated with Lakshmi Puja and lighting diyas.
Is Diwali a public holiday in 2026?
Diwali is listed as a gazetted holiday for central government administrative offices in Delhi on Sunday, 8 November 2026. However, state holidays, workplace schedules and substitute holidays can differ. Check the relevant official holiday list for your location. CGCA
