Festival of Lights, Diwali, will fall on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the night of Kartik Amavasya, which marks the new moon in Kartik, the Hindu lunar month.
This year, Diwali is spread over five days; the festivities commence on Dhanteras on Friday, November 6 and conclude on Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11.
People across India and those in Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and some Buddhist cultures abroad will illuminate lamps, perform Lakshmi puja and indulge in feasts and revelry.
For the most fortunate muhurat of Lakshmi Puja, the auspicious period for worshipping the goddess, the timings vary from city to city.
The first source provides timings from 5:54 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. in the Pradosh Kaal and with the rising of Vrishabha lagna while Amavasya tithi is in effect for New Delhi.
The second source provides timings for some other place from about 6:29 p.m. to 8:29 p.m. Traditionally, the fixed lagna like Vrishabha is preferred because Lakshmi once invited in, does not depart from the house.
The dates for certain days may differ according to panchang and area since the festival takes place in accordance with the lunar tithis. The following calendar is most commonly used:
- Dhanteras (Friday, November 6):The day when gold, silver and utensils are bought and Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera are worshipped.
- Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi (Saturday, November 7, followed by rituals in the morning of Sunday, November 8):The celebration of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. This year, Choti Diwali coincides with Lakshmi Puja in certain calendars.
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja (Sunday, November 8):*The main night dedicated to Lakshmi and Ganesha worship and to diyas and fireworks.
- Govardhan Puja (Monday, November 9, or Tuesday, November 10, depending on source):The celebration of Krishna lifting up the Govardhan Hill to save the villagers from Indra's rains. Many people prepare Annakut – a massive food offering.
- Bhai Dooj (Wednesday, November 11): A sibling celebration where sisters pray for longevity of their brothers' lives.
Diwali means different things to different communities. In much of North India it commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, and the city was lit with lamps to welcome him.
It is also widely associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, according to Wikipedia. In some regions, it marks the start of the new year, and traders often open fresh account books.
On the night of Lakshmi Puja, people open doors and windows and place diyas on windowsills and balconies to invite the goddess into their homes.
In West Bengal and other eastern regions, the same night is Kali Puja, when the goddess Kali is worshipped. In Nepal the festival is celebrated as Tihar over five days that include honoring crows, dogs, cows and oxen before the final Bhai Tika.
Homes' Preparation
Cleaning and decoration:The houses are cleaned, and rangoli designs are created on the doorsteps to welcome Lakshmi.
- Diyas lighting:Clay diyas, candles, and lights are lit inside and outside homes and balconies.
- Puja: Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja ceremony takes place during the evening and involves sweets, flowers, and fruits.
- Wearing new clothes and giving gifts:Many people put on new clothes and exchange sweets and gifts.
- Feasting:People feast on festive foods and snacks in their families and neighborhoods.
Diwali is one of the busiest times for business in India. Shops and jewelry outlets anticipate high festive sales, while stock exchanges organize a special Muhurat Trading session in the evening/afternoon of Diwali.
In 2026, redBus has mentioned the trading session would be from 2:20 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on 8th November. Investors need to verify the timings from the exchanges. Prices of gold and silver in advance of Dhanteras are much higher than last year.
Government and safety organizations usually recommend the following while celebrating Diwali:
- Candles and lamps:They should be kept away from curtains and other decoration materials.
- Fireworks:One should abide by the local laws as restrictions for fireworks may vary according to city and state. They can be used outside, and children must be properly supervised.
- Air Quality:Asthmatic patients must limit their exposure to smoke and monitor the air quality reports in their locality.
- Electric Decorations: Certified electric decorations must be used.
Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj follow in the coming days. In Gujarat and some areas in western India, the day after Diwali is the beginning of the New Year. The next Diwali is projected to be observed on October 29, 2027, as per Wikipedia.
