Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening, and the best muhurat in New Delhi is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, within Pradosh Kaal (5:31 PM to 8:09 PM). The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November (some regions keep Bhai Dooj on 10 November).
Why Is Lakshmi Puja on 8 November and Not 9 November?
Lakshmi Puja must be done in the evening, during Pradosh Kaal, while Amavasya is present. In 2026, Amavasya begins at 11:28 AM on 8 November and continues until 12:32 PM on 9 November. That means Amavasya covers the whole of Pradosh Kaal on the evening of the 8th, but is already over by the evening of the 9th. For this reason, Diwali is on Sunday, 8 November.
Why Is Diwali Late This Year?
Diwali was on 20 October in 2025 and is on 8 November in 2026. The Hindu calendar follows both the moon and the sun, so festival dates move across the Gregorian calendar every year. A leap month (Adhik Maas) is added periodically to keep the two in step, and 2026 includes one, which pushes festivals later than the previous year.
The Five Days of Diwali 2026
Day 1, Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November. The festival opens with the worship of Lord Dhanvantari (the god of Ayurveda), Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera. It is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver, utensils or other new items. A lamp is also lit in the evening for Yama, the god of death, for the protection of the family.
Day 2, Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi / Kali Chaudas): Saturday, 7 November. Lamps are lit in the evening. Some panchangs also place the traditional Naraka Chaturdashi oil bath at dawn on 8 November, since Chaturdashi continues until 11:28 AM that day. Follow the custom of your family or local priest.
Day 3, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Sunday, 8 November. The main day, with Lakshmi and Ganesha puja in the evening, rows of diyas, rangoli and fireworks. In Bengal and parts of eastern India the same night is celebrated as Kali Puja.
Day 4, Govardhan Puja (Annakut): Tuesday, 10 November in most panchangs. It honours Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to shelter the people of Braj. Some calendars list 9 November, and many panchangs list Monday, 9 November for the USA and Canada, so check a panchang for your city.
Day 5, Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, 11 November in most North Indian panchangs. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life. Some regions observe it on 10 November.
Why do calendars disagree? A festival is tied to a tithi, and a tithi can begin or end partway through a civil day. Different panchangs choose the day differently, especially for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. This is normal and not an error.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
The recommended time for Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal, ideally when the fixed (sthira) Vrishabha lagna is also active. In New Delhi, both coincide from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November. This is the preferred window for the main puja.
The muhurat changes with your location. As an example, one published listing gives Ahmedabad a later window of 6:22 PM to 8:20 PM. Check the Drik Panchang or a trusted local panchang for your city a few days before Diwali, or ask your family priest.
Business owners often perform Chopda Puja, the traditional worship of new account books, on Diwali. Stock exchanges usually hold a short Muhurat Trading session on Diwali evening, but the timing is announced by NSE and BSE close to the date, so wait for their official notice.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali means “row of lamps”, from the Sanskrit words deepa (lamp) and avali (row). Different traditions celebrate different stories:
- In much of North India, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have lit lamps to welcome him.
- Many families honour Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to visit clean and well-lit homes on Diwali night.
- In many regions, the festival recalls Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Naraka.
- Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is lit with thousands of lamps.
- Jains observe the day as the nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
Across these traditions, the shared message is the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Lakshmi Puja Samagri (Items Needed)
- Idols or pictures of Lakshmi and Ganesha (and Saraswati and Kubera if your family worships them)
- Clay diyas, ghee or oil, and cotton wicks
- Roli, rice (akshat), turmeric, kumkum
- Flowers and garlands (marigold and lotus are popular)
- Puffed rice (khil), batashe, sweets and fruits
- Coins or currency notes, and new account books for business owners
- Kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut
- Incense, camphor and a bell
- Rangoli colours for the entrance
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi: Simple Steps
- Clean the house before Diwali and decorate the entrance with rangoli, flowers and lights.
- Take a bath and wear fresh clothes before the puja.
- Set up a clean platform with a cloth. Place Lakshmi on the right of Ganesha, and set up the kalash.
- Light a lamp and take a sankalp (resolve) for the puja.
- Worship Lord Ganesha first.
- Offer flowers, roli, rice, sweets and fruit to Goddess Lakshmi, and recite her mantra or the Shri Suktam.
- Offer prayers to Kubera and, if you wish, to Saraswati.
- Read or listen to the Lakshmi Puja katha, then perform the aarti with a lit lamp or camphor.
- Place lamps at the entrance, windows, balcony and courtyard.
- Share prasad with family and neighbours.
Families follow different customs, so use this as a general guide.
Dhanteras 2026 Shopping Tips
Dhanteras is a day many people buy gold, silver or utensils. A few practical tips:
- Buy only from a licensed jeweller and check for the BIS hallmark on gold.
- Take the bill and keep it safe.
- Set a budget in advance and avoid taking on debt for festival purchases.
- If you cannot buy metal, a broom, a new utensil, or a donation to charity are also considered auspicious.
Safe and Eco-Friendly Diwali
Diwali comes at the start of winter, when air quality in many northern cities is already poor. A few simple choices make a real difference:
- Follow local rules on firecrackers. Some cities, such as Delhi NCR, restrict or ban certain crackers, and violations can carry penalties.
- Prefer clay diyas over plastic decorations. They are biodegradable and support local potters.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand near the fireworks area and keep children under adult supervision.
- Never leave diyas unattended near curtains, clothes or decorations.
- For a minor burn, run cool tap water over it for several minutes. Seek medical help for serious burns.
- People with asthma, heart or breathing problems should limit exposure to smoke.
- Be considerate to pets, babies and elderly neighbours who may be distressed by loud noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Diwali in 2026?
A: Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Q: What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on Diwali 2026?
A: In New Delhi, 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. Pradosh Kaal runs from 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.
Q: When is Dhanteras 2026?
A: Friday, 6 November 2026.
Q: When is Choti Diwali 2026?
A: Saturday, 7 November 2026 (evening lamps), with the Naraka Chaturdashi bath at dawn on 8 November in some panchangs.
Q: When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
A: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 in most panchangs. Some calendars list 9 November.
Q: When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
A: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 in most North Indian panchangs. Some regions observe it on 10 November.
Q: Why is Diwali on 8 November in 2026?
A: Because Amavasya is present throughout the evening Pradosh Kaal on that day, which is the condition for Lakshmi Puja.
Q: Is Diwali on the same date everywhere in India?
A: The main Lakshmi Puja day is the same in most regions, but muhurat timings differ by city, and neighbouring festival days can differ by one day.
Q: Is Diwali on a different date in the USA, UK or Canada?
A: The main day is 8 November in most places, but local tithi timings can move the days around it. Many panchangs list Govardhan Puja on 9 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November for the USA. Check a panchang for your own city.
Conclusion
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November, with Lakshmi Puja in the evening between 5:54 PM and 7:50 PM in New Delhi. Note your city’s local muhurat, plan your Dhanteras purchases on 6 November, keep your puja items ready a day early, and celebrate safely and with care for the environment. Wishing you and your family a bright and prosperous Diwali.