When is Diwali in 2026? Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, the night of Kartik Amavasya. The five-day festival of lights begins with Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November and ends with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November. In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on Diwali evening is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, as per Drik Panchang.
If you are still planning your puja, shopping, rangoli or a Diwali trip, this guide covers everything in one place: the exact date, muhurat, a day-by-day calendar, puja vidhi, samagri list, decoration ideas, the best places in India to experience Diwali, and answers to the questions people search for most.
Diwali 2026 Date at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Diwali / Deepavali |
| Main Diwali date | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Hindu month and tithi | Kartik Amavasya |
| Lakshmi Puja muhurat (New Delhi) | 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal (New Delhi) | 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM |
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Dev Diwali (Varanasi) | Tuesday, 24 November 2026 |
Note: Muhurat timings above are for New Delhi. Panchang timings change from city to city, so always check a local panchang or consult your family pandit for Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and other cities.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
The Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is the heart of Diwali. It is traditionally performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, the twilight window after sunset, while the Amavasya tithi is in effect. Many families prefer the Sthir Lagna (Vrishabha Lagna) within Pradosh Kaal, as it is considered ideal for inviting Goddess Lakshmi into the home.
For New Delhi, the muhurat runs from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November. Some sources publish slightly different windows for the same city because of different calculation methods, so treat any single timing as a guide and follow your family tradition or local panchang. Business owners who perform Chopda Pujan or Sharda Pujan at the shop or office usually follow a similar evening window.
Diwali 2026 Five-Day Calendar: Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
| Date | Day | Festival | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 November | Thursday | Vasu Baras / Govatsa Dwadashi | Honours cows and calves, observed in Maharashtra and parts of India |
| 6 November | Friday | Dhanteras | Auspicious day to buy gold, silver or utensils and worship Lakshmi and Dhanvantari |
| 7 November | Saturday | Kali Chaudas | Rituals to ward off negativity in several regions |
| 8 November | Sunday | Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali and Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Morning oil bath, then the evening Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, diyas and rangoli |
| 9 November | Monday | Diwali Snan and Devpuja | Observed in some calendars the day after Lakshmi Puja |
| 10 November | Tuesday | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Offering of many dishes to Lord Krishna; also Bali Pratipada and Gujarati New Year in some regions |
| 11 November | Wednesday | Bhai Dooj | Sisters apply tilak and pray for their brothers |
Dates and rituals can vary by region and local panchang. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bengal, South India and North India each have their own customs for these days.
दिवाली 2026 कब है? (Diwali Kab Hai 2026)
साल 2026 में दिवाली 8 नवंबर, रविवार को मनाई जाएगी। इस दिन कार्तिक अमावस्या पर भगवान गणेश और माता लक्ष्मी की पूजा की जाती है। धनतेरस 6 नवंबर, छोटी दिवाली (नरक चतुर्दशी) 8 नवंबर की सुबह, गोवर्धन पूजा 10 नवंबर और भाई दूज 11 नवंबर को है। दिल्ली में लक्ष्मी पूजा का शुभ मुहूर्त शाम 5:54 से 7:50 बजे तक रहेगा। अपने शहर का सही समय स्थानीय पंचांग से ज़रूर देखें।
What Is the Meaning and Significance of Diwali?
Diwali, also called Deepavali, means “a row of lights.” It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Different traditions link it to different stories:
- North India: The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, when the city was lit with lamps.
- South India: Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, which is why Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated.
- Gujarat and Western India: The worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the start of the new financial and Vikram Samvat year for traders.
- Bengal and Eastern India: Kali Puja on the night of Amavasya.
- Sikh tradition: Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji.
- Jain tradition: The nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
This is what makes Diwali so special: one festival, many stories, and a shared message of hope.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Vidhi at Home (Step by Step)
- Clean and decorate the home. Declutter, clean the entrance, hang a toran of marigold or mango leaves and make a rangoli at the door.
- Set up the puja space. Place a clean cloth on a wooden chowki, and install idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. Many families also keep Kuber.
- Light the diya and begin with a sankalp. Hold water and rice in your right hand, state the date, place and purpose of the puja, then release the water.
- Worship Lord Ganesha first. Offer flowers, durva grass, sweets and a tilak.
- Invoke Goddess Lakshmi. Offer kumkum, haldi, flowers, a lotus if possible, sweets and fruits. Place coins or currency notes near the idol.
- Chant mantras and read the Lakshmi stuti or Lakshmi Chalisa. Even a simple, sincere prayer is accepted.
- Perform aarti. Sing the Lakshmi-Ganesh aarti with the whole family.
- Distribute prasad and light diyas. Place lamps at the entrance, windows, courtyard and tulsi plant.
Diwali Puja Samagri List 2026
- Idols or pictures of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Saraswati
- Clay diyas, cotton wicks, ghee or sesame oil
- Kumkum, haldi, roli, akshat (rice) and sandalwood paste
- Fresh flowers (marigold, lotus, rose) and garlands
- Betel leaves, supari, cloves and cardamom
- Fruits, coconut, batasha, sweets and dry fruits
- Incense sticks, camphor and a kalash with mango leaves
- Silver coins, new accounts books (for business owners)
Diwali Decoration Ideas That Never Go Out of Style
- Rangoli designs: Use flower petals, coloured rice or traditional patterns such as lotus, peacock and diya motifs. Rangoli at the main entrance is believed to welcome Lakshmi.
- Clay diyas and earthen lamps: Buying from local potters supports artisans and looks beautiful.
- Marigold and mango-leaf torans: Affordable, fragrant and traditional.
- Warm string lights and paper lanterns: Easy to reuse every year.
- Eco-friendly decor: Natural colours, reusable fabric decor and flower-based rangoli reduce waste.
Best Places to Celebrate Diwali in India
If you would rather experience Diwali than just celebrate it at home, India offers some of the most memorable festival journeys in the world.
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The birthplace of Lord Rama is famous for its grand Deepotsav, when the ghats of the Sarayu are lit with lakhs of diyas.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Diwali here is spiritual, but the real spectacle is Dev Diwali on 24 November 2026, when the ghats of the Ganga glow with countless lamps and evening aarti draws pilgrims from across the world.
Amritsar, Punjab. On Diwali night the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) shines with lights and reflections in the sarovar, celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas.
Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan. Illuminated bazaars, palaces and lakes make the Pink City and the City of Lakes beautiful places to see the festival of lights.
Kolkata, West Bengal. Here Diwali night is Kali Puja, with elaborate pandals, devotional energy and street food.
Gujarat. Diwali leads directly into the Gujarati New Year on Govardhan Puja day, with traditions such as Chopda Pujan, Saal Mubarak greetings and festive snacks like ghughra and mohanthal.
Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand. For a peaceful, devotional Diwali, evening Ganga aarti by the river is unforgettable. Looking for a longer spiritual journey afterwards? Explore our Char Dham Yatra packages or the Do Dham with Tungnath Chopta trip.
Goa. Diwali in Goa is known for its Narakasura effigy competitions on the eve of the festival, a very different and lively way to celebrate.
For more ideas, browse our Festivals & Culture and Spiritual Journeys sections.
Diwali Travel Tips for 2026
- Book early. Diwali week is one of the busiest travel periods in India. Trains, buses, flights and hotels fill up quickly, and prices rise, so book as far ahead as you can.
- Travel after Bhai Dooj for fewer crowds. Once the festival days are over, popular destinations are calmer and rates often ease.
- Check local timings. Temples and markets may change opening hours during Diwali, especially on Lakshmi Puja evening.
- Choose green crackers or skip them. Many cities have restrictions on firecrackers and air quality can drop sharply. Check your city’s rules, use certified green crackers where permitted and keep children and pets safe.
- Dress for the season. Early November is pleasant in most of India, but North India evenings and hill stations can be cold.
- Carry cash and keep digital payments ready. Local markets and small vendors are busiest around Dhanteras.
Planning a winter getaway after the festival? Our Himachal Pocket, Shimla Manali Couple Special and Heavenly Kashmir with Amritsar itineraries are popular choices.
Diwali Wishes and Messages 2026
Share these with family, friends and colleagues:
- Wishing you a Diwali filled with light, laughter and prosperity. Happy Diwali 2026!
- May Goddess Lakshmi bless your home with health, happiness and abundance. Shubh Deepavali!
- May every diya you light bring peace to your heart and joy to your home.
- Saal Mubarak! May the new year bring you success and good fortune.
- आपको और आपके परिवार को दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2026
When is Diwali in 2026? Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on Diwali 2026? For New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November, as per Drik Panchang. Timings differ by city, so check your local panchang.
When is Dhanteras 2026? Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026.
When is Choti Diwali 2026? Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) is observed on 8 November 2026, with Kali Chaudas on 7 November in several regions.
When is Govardhan Puja 2026? Govardhan Puja (Annakut) is on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, which is also Gujarati New Year in some regions.
When is Bhai Dooj 2026? Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
When is Dev Diwali 2026? Dev Diwali falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026 and is celebrated most grandly in Varanasi.
Why is Diwali celebrated? Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus it commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, while others honour Goddess Lakshmi, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Bandi Chhor Divas or the nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
Which day is the main Diwali day? The main day is the Lakshmi Puja day, 8 November 2026, which falls on the new moon night of Kartik Amavasya.
What should I buy on Dhanteras? Traditionally people buy gold, silver, brass or copper utensils, and new items for the home. Buy only what suits your budget, as the spirit of the day is auspicious beginnings, not spending.
Final Thoughts
Diwali is more than a date on the calendar. It is a time to clean out the old, welcome the new, spend time with family and remember that even one small diya can light up a dark room. Whether you perform Lakshmi Puja at home on 8 November or travel to the ghats of Varanasi for Dev Diwali on 24 November, we hope this guide helps you celebrate with joy and peace.
Planning a pilgrimage or festival trip across India? Explore our travel guides and tour packages and let Bharatvarsha Yatra help you plan your next journey.
Shubh Deepavali from all of us at Bharatvarsha Yatra!
Comments are closed