Diwali 2026 · Deepavali
Diwali 2026: date, Lakshmi Puja muhurat and the five-day calendar
Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Here are the five days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for New Delhi, and what each day means.
Lakshmi Puja muhurat begins in
Diwali 2026 date
Diwali, also called Deepavali, falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. It is kept on the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartik month in the purnimanta calendar used in North India, which is Ashwin Amavasya in the amanta calendar used in Gujarat, Maharashtra and South India. Both calendars give the same date.
All timings are for New Delhi (IST). The tithi start and end are the same moment everywhere in India, but sunset, Pradosh Kaal and the Lagna change by city, so local muhurats can shift by 10 to 40 minutes.
Diwali 2026 five-day calendar
Diwali is a five-day festival that starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. In 2026 the Amavasya runs past noon on 9 November, so the five days are spread over six dates.
| Day | Date | Festival | Key time (New Delhi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fri, 6 Nov | Dhanteras · Yama Deepam | Puja 6:02 PM – 7:57 PM |
| Day 2 | Sat, 7 Nov | Choti Diwali · Kali Chaudas | Lamps after sunset (5:32 PM) |
| Day 3 | Sun, 8 Nov | Narak Chaturdashi snan + Diwali Lakshmi Puja | Snan before 6:38 AM · Puja 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| — | Mon, 9 Nov | Amavasya ends 12:31 PM (no main festival) | — |
| Day 4 | Tue, 10 Nov | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | 6:40 AM – 8:50 AM |
| Day 5 | Wed, 11 Nov | Bhai Dooj | Tilak 1:09 PM – 3:19 PM |
Why Diwali is celebrated
Diwali means "a row of lamps". In North India it marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Ravana; the people of Ayodhya lit lamps along the way to welcome him. The night is also linked to Goddess Lakshmi, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), and the evening puja invites her into the home for the year ahead.
Different regions add their own stories. In South India the focus is on Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, celebrated on Naraka Chaturdashi. In Bengal, Odisha and Assam the same night is Kali Puja. Jains remember the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.
How Diwali is celebrated
- Cleaning and decorating: homes are cleaned in the weeks before, and doors are decorated with torans, marigolds and rangoli.
- Shopping on Dhanteras: gold, silver, brass utensils and new brooms are bought for good luck. See Dhanteras 2026.
- Lakshmi-Ganesh puja: the main ritual, done in the evening muhurat. Step-by-step vidhi and samagri are on the Lakshmi Puja page.
- Diyas and lights: clay lamps are placed at the door, windows, kitchen, water source and tulsi.
- Sweets and gifts: families exchange mithai, dry fruits and gifts, and businesses often open new account books (Chopda Pujan) on this day.
A safer, greener Diwali
Many cities restrict firecrackers because of air quality in November, and some allow only green crackers for a fixed time window. Check your local rules, keep water and sand nearby if you use diyas, and keep pets indoors on the main night.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Amavasya tithi begins at 11:27 AM on 8 November and ends at 12:31 PM on 9 November, so the evening of 8 November is the Pradosh Kaal with Amavasya, which is when Lakshmi Puja is done.
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, the period when Pradosh Kaal (5:31 PM – 8:09 PM) and the fixed Vrishabha Lagna overlap. Nishita Kaal for those who worship at midnight is 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. The Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM, and Yama Deepam is lit the same evening.
Is Choti Diwali on 7 or 8 November 2026?
Both dates are used. Chaturdashi tithi runs from 10:47 AM on 7 November to 11:27 AM on 8 November. Most families light the Choti Diwali and Yama lamps on the evening of 7 November, while the Narak Chaturdashi oil bath (Abhyang Snan) is taken before sunrise on 8 November, the same day as Lakshmi Puja.
When are Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Govardhan Puja (Annakut) is on Tuesday, 10 November, with the morning muhurat from 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM. Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, 11 November; the Aparahna time for tilak is about 1:09 PM to 3:19 PM.
Why is there a gap day between Diwali and Govardhan Puja in 2026?
Amavasya continues until 12:31 PM on 9 November, so Pratipada is not present at sunrise until 10 November. Govardhan Puja is kept on Pratipada, which is why 9 November is a gap day this year.
Explore the five days
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Last updated: 2 October 2026