Diwali is one of the most loved festivals in India. Every year, millions of people celebrate it with lights, prayers, sweets, family gatherings, and fireworks. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness. Lighting diyas is one of the most important traditions of Diwali. These small oil lamps are placed around homes, temples, balconies, entrances, and courtyards to symbolise the removal of darkness and the arrival of light.
Diwali is also a time when families come together. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, exchange gifts, prepare delicious sweets, and visit relatives and friends. Businesses often begin a new financial year around this time, making it an important festival for traders as well.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is known as the Festival of Lights. The word “Deepavali” comes from the Sanskrit words Deepa, meaning lamp, and Avali, meaning row. Together, the word means “a row of lamps.”
Highlights
- Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Jains celebrate the attainment of liberation by Lord Mahavira.
- Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas around the same time, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind Ji.
- Some Buddhists also observe the occasion in different regions.
Diwali 2026 Date
In 2026, Diwali (Deepavali) will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The festival falls on the Amavasya (New Moon) of the Hindu month of Kartik. Since the Hindu calendar follows the lunar cycle, the date of Diwali changes every year according to the position of the moon.
Diwali 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday, November 9, 2026 |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
The five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, with each day having its own religious and cultural importance.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
Lakshmi Puja is considered the most important ritual of Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi mata, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, who is believed to remove obstacles and bless new beginnings.
The puja is usually performed during the Pradosh Kaal, shortly after sunset, when the evening is considered most auspicious.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
| Occasion | Date |
| Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Best Time | 08:15 to 09:05 |
The exact puja timing may vary slightly depending on your city or location. It is always a good idea to check the local Panchang before performing the rituals.
During the puja, families light oil lamps, offer flowers, sweets, fruits, incense sticks, and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. Many people also worship account books, business records, jewellery, and valuables, seeking blessings for financial growth and success.
Diwali Puja Samagri List
| Puja Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lakshmi Idol | Main deity |
| Ganesha Idol | Worship before Lakshmi |
| Oil Diyas | Lighting the home |
| Cotton Wicks | For diyas |
| Mustard Oil or Ghee | Lighting lamps |
| Incense Sticks | Fragrance during puja |
| Camphor | Aarti |
| Kumkum | Tilak |
| Haldi | Rituals |
| Akshat (Rice) | Offerings |
| Flowers | Worship |
| Garland | Decoration |
| Coconut | Offering |
| Betel Leaves | Puja rituals |
| Betel Nuts | Offering |
| Fruits | Prasad |
| Sweets | Bhog |
| Dry Fruits | Offering |
| Coins | Prosperity |
| Kalash | Sacred vessel |
| Red Cloth | Puja setup |
| Panchamrit | Ritual offering |
| Gangajal | Purification |
Decorate the Entrance
- Rangoli
- Fresh flowers
- Mango leaves
- Torans
- Diyas
Arrange the Offerings
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Dry fruits
- Coconut
- Betel leaves
- Betel nuts
- Rice
- Kumkum
- Haldi
Puja Sthal
Offer flowers and prayers to Lord Ganesha first.
Then worship Goddess Lakshmi by offering:
- Lotus flowers (if available)
- Incense
- Sweets
- Coins
- Rice
- Kumkum
Aartis
- Lakshmi Aarti
- Ganesh Aarti
- Lakshmi Ashtottara
- Shri Suktam
Five Days of Diwali
Diwali is not just a one-day festival. It is a five-day celebration, with each day having its own rituals, traditions, and importance. From buying new items on Dhanteras to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Dooj, every day adds a special meaning to the festival.
Day 1: Dhanteras
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. The word “Dhan” means wealth, while “Teras” refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight.
On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that buying valuable items on Dhanteras brings prosperity and good fortune.
Many families purchase:
- Gold and silver jewellery
- Coins
- Kitchen utensils
- Electronic appliances
- Vehicles
- New clothes
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
The second day is known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi.
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on this day, freeing thousands of imprisoned people. The victory symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
People usually begin the day with an early morning oil bath, wear fresh clothes, and perform simple prayers.
Many families also:
- Decorate their homes
- Prepare festive dishes
- Light a few diyas
- Make rangoli designs
- Complete final shopping for Diwali
Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
This is the main and most important day of the festival.
People spend the morning cleaning and decorating their homes. By evening, families gather to perform Lakshmi Puja and seek blessings for wealth, happiness, and success.
Homes are beautifully decorated with:
- Clay diyas
- Decorative lights
- Rangoli
- Fresh flowers
- Torans
- Candles
After the puja, families exchange sweets, gifts, and festive meals. Children enjoy fireworks in places where they are permitted, while many people now prefer eco-friendly celebrations.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut)
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Govardhan Puja is celebrated mainly in northern and western India.
The festival remembers the day when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rains sent by Lord Indra.
Devotees prepare a large variety of food, known as Annakut, and offer it to Lord Krishna.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
The final day of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their health, happiness, and long life.
Brothers, in return, give gifts and promise to support and protect their sisters.
The festival strengthens family relationships and brings everyone together before the festive season comes to an end.
