Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & Vidhi
When is Diwali 2026 — Sunday, 8 November. Lakshmi Puja shubh muhurat, the full five-day calendar, puja vidhi and the meaning behind Deepavali.
Diwali — the festival of lights — marks the victory of light over darkness, dharma over adharma, and hope over despair. In 2026, Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November.
Date & muhurat at a glance
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Sunday, 8 November 2026 · Kartik Amavasya
Lakshmi Puja muhurat: approx. 6:29 – 8:29 PM (New Delhi)
Pradosh Kaal: approx. 6:01 – 8:40 PM
The muhurat depends on sunset and changes by city — always confirm with your local panchang.
Diwali 2026 — the five days
| Day | Festival | Date (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras | 6 November · Friday |
| 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | 7–8 November (varies by panchang) |
| 3 | Diwali · Lakshmi Puja | 8 November · Sunday |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja | 10 November · Tuesday |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | 11 November · Wednesday |
A note on the Naraka Chaturdashi date
In 2026 the Chaturdashi tithi runs from ~10:47 AM on 7 November to ~11:27 AM on 8 November — which is why some panchangs place Choti Diwali on 7 November and others on 8 November. Abhyanga Snan (the pre-dawn oil bath) is performed on the day when Chaturdashi prevails at sunrise. Please confirm with your local panchang.
See every date of the year in our 2026 Hindu festival calendar.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
- Rama's return to Ayodhya: After 14 years of exile and victory over Ravana, when Lord Rama returned, the people of Ayodhya lit ghee lamps to welcome him — that became Deepavali.
- The worship of Lakshmi: The new-moon night of Kartik is believed to be when Goddess Lakshmi visits; homes are cleaned and lamps lit to welcome her.
- The message of light: Lighting a lamp on the darkest night of the month — that is the essence of this festival.
Lakshmi Puja vidhi (simple steps)
- Clean the home; decorate the entrance with rangoli and diyas.
- Spread a red cloth on a chowki and place the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha (Ganesha on the right).
- Place a kalash filled with water; light a diya and incense.
- Worship Ganesha first — "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah".
- Offer roli, akshat, lotus or marigold flowers, sweets and kheel-batashe to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Chant the Lakshmi mantra and perform the aarti.
- Light lamps throughout the home — especially at the main door and near the tulsi plant.
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद
श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥
Meaning: O Mahalakshmi, seated upon the lotus — be pleased, be pleased. Salutations to you.
Samagri checklist
Chowki & red cloth · Lakshmi-Ganesha idols · diyas with ghee/oil · roli, akshat · lotus or marigold flowers · sweets, kheel-batashe · coconut · kalash with water · incense · dakshina
A thought for this Diwali
Light the lamp not only in your home but in your mind. Share sweets with someone in need, and celebrate with diyas and rangoli rather than firecrackers — that is the truest, and most modern, Deepavali.
Related reading
Shubh Deepavali! 🪔 May your life be filled with happiness, prosperity and light.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. It is celebrated on the night of Kartik Amavasya, the new moon of the month of Kartik.
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?
As per the New Delhi panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is approximately 6:29 PM to 8:29 PM, with Pradosh Kaal running roughly 6:01 PM to 8:40 PM. The muhurat depends on sunset, so it differs by city — confirm with your local panchang.
How many days is Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day festival — Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali), Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
It is believed that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day after 14 years of exile, and the people lit rows of lamps to welcome him. It marks the victory of light over darkness and dharma over adharma; Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this night.
What samagri is needed for Lakshmi Puja?
A chowki with red cloth, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, diyas and ghee, roli, akshat, lotus or marigold flowers, sweets, kheel-batashe, coconut, a kalash with water, incense and dakshina. Ganesha is always worshipped first.
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