Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with the main Lakshmi Puja in the evening Pradosh Kaal. The five-day festival of lights begins with Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November and ends with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November. Here is the complete Diwali 2026 calendar, puja muhurat, samagri list, step-by-step Lakshmi Puja vidhi and how each day is celebrated.
Diwali 2026 Date: 5-Day Festival Calendar
| Day | Festival | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali | Saturday, 7 November 2026 |
| 3 | Diwali – Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Tuesday, 10 November 2026 |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
Note: in 2026 the Amavasya tithi stretches into 9 November, so there is a one-day gap before Govardhan Puja on 10 November.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
| Amavasya tithi begins | About 11:28 AM, 8 November 2026 |
| Amavasya tithi ends | About 12:31 PM, 9 November 2026 |
| Pradosh Kaal (New Delhi) | About 5:31 PM – 7:55 PM |
| Vrishabha Lagna (most auspicious) | About 5:56 PM – 7:52 PM |
| Nishita Kaal | About 11:55 PM – 12:45 AM |
For most households, the best time for Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja is the overlap of Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna — roughly 5:56 PM to 7:52 PM in Delhi. Times shift by city, so check a local panchang. Families abroad in the US, UK and Canada also celebrate on 8 November local time.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
- Return of Lord Rama: Ayodhya lit rows of diyas to welcome Rama, Sita and Lakshmana after 14 years of exile and the defeat of Ravana.
- Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali night honours the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to visit clean, well-lit homes.
- Lord Krishna: the day before Diwali marks Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
- Jainism: Diwali marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
- Sikhism: Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from Gwalior Fort.
At its heart, Diwali 2026 celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Lakshmi Puja Samagri List
- Idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Red or yellow cloth for the chowki
- Kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut
- Diyas, ghee or mustard oil, cotton wicks
- Roli, kumkum, haldi, akshat (unbroken rice)
- Flowers (lotus and marigold), garlands
- Kheel-batashe, sweets (laddoo), fruits, dry fruits
- Silver or gold coins, new account books (bahi-khata) for businesses
- Incense, camphor, supari, paan leaves, cloves, elaichi
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Vidhi (Step by Step)
- Clean and decorate the home; make rangoli at the entrance and draw small footprints of Lakshmi walking in.
- Set up the chowki in the north-east corner with a red cloth; place Ganesha on the left of Lakshmi.
- Place the kalash and a small heap of rice beside it.
- Purify by sprinkling Gangajal and take sankalp (a vow) for the puja.
- Worship Lord Ganesha first, then Goddess Lakshmi, Kuber and Saraswati.
- Offer flowers, kumkum, akshat, sweets, kheel-batashe and coins.
- Chant the Lakshmi mantra “Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed” or read the Shri Suktam.
- Perform aarti (“Om Jai Lakshmi Mata”) with the whole family.
- Light diyas across the house, balconies and entrance; keep one lamp burning through the night.
How Each Day of Diwali 2026 Is Celebrated
Dhanteras – 6 November
People buy gold, silver or new utensils, and light a Yam Deepak facing south for protection. Send loved ones our Dhanteras wishes.
Choti Diwali – 7 November
An early-morning oil bath (abhyang snan), fewer lamps, and preparations for the main night.
Diwali – 8 November
Lakshmi Puja, diyas, rangoli, sweets, family gatherings and fireworks. Share our happy Diwali wishes and captions.
Govardhan Puja – 10 November
Annakut – a “mountain” of food offered to Lord Krishna, remembering how he lifted Govardhan Hill.
Bhai Dooj – 11 November
Sisters apply tilak and pray for their brothers; brothers give gifts. See our Bhai Dooj wishes.
Diwali 2026 Safety and Eco-Friendly Tips
- Choose clay diyas and LED lights over plastic decorations.
- Use natural rangoli colours made from flower petals, turmeric and rice flour.
- If you light firecrackers, follow local rules, keep water nearby and supervise children.
- Keep pets indoors; loud crackers frighten animals.
- Never leave diyas near curtains or unattended.
Diwali 2026 FAQ
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time on Diwali 2026?
Roughly 5:56 PM to 7:52 PM in New Delhi (Pradosh Kaal with Vrishabha Lagna). Check local timings for your city.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Friday, 6 November 2026.
Is Diwali 2026 on a weekend?
Yes — the main day falls on a Sunday, which makes travel and family plans easier.
The festival season starts earlier with Karva Chauth 2026 (29 October) and Sharad Purnima 2026. Learn more about Diwali’s history on Wikipedia.
Also this season: Karwa Chauth wishes 2026 (29 October), Dussehra quotes and wishes and Navratri wishes.
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