When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 (Deepavali) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026 — the main day of Lakshmi Puja, on Kartik Amavasya. Diwali is a five-day festival: it begins with Dhanteras on 6 November and ends with Bhai Dooj on 11 November.
The five days of Diwali 2026
| Day | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | 6 Nov | Buying gold, silver and utensils; Dhanvantari and Lakshmi-Kubera puja. |
| Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | 7 Nov | Abhyanga snan at dawn; Yama Deepam lit to ward off untimely death. |
| Diwali · Lakshmi Puja | 8 Nov | The main day — Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, diyas, rangoli and fireworks. |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | 10 Nov | Worship of Govardhan hill and a mountain of food offered to Krishna. |
| Bhai Dooj | 11 Nov | Sisters pray for brothers' long life; the bond of siblings is honoured. |
Lakshmi Puja & muhurat
On the main day, families clean and light their homes with rows of diyas, draw rangoli at the threshold, and perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja in the evening Pradosh Kaal — the window after sunset when the Amavasya tithi prevails — to invite prosperity for the coming year. The precise Lakshmi Puja muhurat shifts by city and sunset time; check your local Panchang for exact timings.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali — the festival of lights — celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana, when the citizens lit rows of lamps to welcome him home. It also honours Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and for Jains marks Mahavira's nirvana, while Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas. At its heart it celebrates the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali across the regional calendars
Diwali is celebrated nationwide — from North India to the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Marathi calendars. It opens with Dhanteras 2026; see all celebrations on the 2026 Festivals hub.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 (Deepavali) with Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The five days run from Dhanteras (6 Nov) to Bhai Dooj (11 Nov).
When is Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026?
Lakshmi Puja is on the main Diwali day, 8 November 2026, in the evening Pradosh Kaal after sunset. The exact muhurat varies by city.
What are the five days of Diwali 2026?
Dhanteras (6 Nov), Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi (7 Nov), Diwali & Lakshmi Puja (8 Nov), Govardhan Puja (10 Nov) and Bhai Dooj (11 Nov).
Why is Diwali celebrated?
It celebrates Rama's return to Ayodhya and victory over Ravana, honours Goddess Lakshmi, and symbolises light over darkness.