Diwali is a time when homes glow with rows of diyas, families come together, and communities celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Known as the Diwali festival of lights, this cherished Hindu festival symbolizes hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. From decorating homes and exchanging sweets to performing Lakshmi Puja, every tradition carries a deeper spiritual meaning.
Diwali 2026 promises to bring the same joy and devotion as millions of people across India and around the world prepare to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Also known as the Deepavali festival 2026, the five-day celebration includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, with each day holding its own religious and cultural significance.
When is Diwali in 2026?
If you’re wondering when is Diwali in 2026, the answer is Sunday, November 8, 2026. The November 2026 Diwali date falls on Kartik Amavasya, the sacred new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, which is observed as the most important day of the Diwali celebrations. This Deepavali Amavasya date is considered highly auspicious for performing Lakshmi Puja and seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
As the Diwali countdown begins, families across India prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes, shopping for new clothes and gifts, lighting diyas, and planning festive gatherings. The main Diwali celebrations take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, when homes, temples, and streets come alive with lights, rangoli, prayers, sweets, and joyful celebrations. Being the third and most significant day of the five-day festival, it is regarded as the ideal time to perform Lakshmi Puja for prosperity, happiness, and abundance.
Also read this blog: Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran Puja: Everything You Need to Know
Understanding the Five Days of Diwali 2026
The five days of Diwali 2026 celebrate prosperity, devotion, and togetherness. While Lakshmi Puja is the highlight, each day has its own religious importance and traditions, reflecting how Deepawali is celebrated across different parts of India.
Day 1 - Dhanteras 2026: Friday, November 6
The celebrations begin with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, 2026. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi for health and prosperity. Buying gold, silver, utensils, or other valuables on this day is considered auspicious. Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli, and illuminated with the first diyas.
Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2026: Saturday, November 7
Observed on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali, marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Families decorate their homes, prepare festive sweets, light diyas, and complete preparations for the main Diwali celebration.
Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) 2026: Sunday, November 8
The main Diwali celebration falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during Kartik Amavasya. Families perform Lakshmi Puja, worship Lord Ganesha, light diyas, exchange gifts and sweets, and gather with loved ones to celebrate prosperity and new beginnings.
Day 4 - Govardhan Puja 2026: Monday, November 9
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on Monday, November 9, 2026, in honor of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Devotees prepare Annakut, a grand offering of food, and visit temples to seek blessings.
Day 5 - Bhai Dooj 2026: Tuesday, November 10
The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Sisters apply tilak, perform aarti, and pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers offer gifts and reaffirm their love and support, ending the Diwali celebrations on a joyful note.
Lakshmi Puja Timings and Muhurat
The Lakshmi Puja Timings and Muhurat are considered the most auspicious period to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh during Diwali. If you’re wondering what is today Diwali puja time, refer to the official muhurat below for Sunday, November 8, 2026, and perform the puja during this window for the best spiritual significance.
| Lakshmi Puja 2026 Details | Timings |
| Lakshmi Puja Muhurat | 05:17 PM - 07:16 PM on November 8th, 2026 |
| Duration | 1 Hour 58 Minutes |
| Pradosh Kaal | 04:53 PM - 07:27 PM |
| Vrishabha Kaal | 05:17 PM - 07:16 PM |
| Amavasya Tithi Begins | 11:27 AM on November 8, 2026 |
| Amavasya Tithi Ends | 12:31 PM on November 9, 2026 |
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi
Performing the Lakshmi Puja Vidhi during Diwali 2026 is one of the most important rituals of the Deepavali Festival 2026. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to seek blessings for wealth, prosperity, wisdom, and happiness in the year ahead.
Follow these simple steps for the puja:
Clean the puja area and place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean, decorated platform.
Light a diya and incense sticks to purify the surroundings.
Place a kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, near the idols.
Offer kumkum, turmeric, rice, flowers, fruits, sweets, betel leaves, and coins to the deities.
Chant Lakshmi Mantras, recite the Lakshmi Aarti, and pray with devotion.
Offer prasad and perform the final aarti with family members.
End the Lakshmi Puja Vidhi by lighting diyas throughout your home to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
Many families also worship their business account books, safes, and valuables during Diwali 2026, praying for financial prosperity and success in the coming year.
How is Diwali Celebrated Across India?
If you’ve ever wondered how is Diwali celebrated across India, the answer lies in the country’s incredible cultural diversity. While the festival is observed nationwide, how Deepawali is celebrated varies from one region to another, with each state adding its own customs, traditions, and rituals.
North India
In states like Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Lakshmi Puja is the main highlight. Families decorate their homes with diyas and rangolis, perform evening prayers, exchange sweets and gifts, and celebrate with fireworks. Business owners also worship their account books, praying for prosperity in the coming year.
South India
In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of Kerala, Naraka Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja are often the primary celebration. The day begins with an early morning oil bath, followed by prayers, new clothes, festive meals, and lighting diyas. Families prepare traditional sweets and snacks while spending the day together in celebration.
East and West India
In West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Kali through elaborate rituals and beautifully decorated pandals. Maharashtra celebrates with festive delicacies known as Faral and Lakshmi Puja, while Gujarat welcomes the Hindu New Year with Chopda Pujan, business rituals, and family gatherings, making Diwali both a spiritual and cultural celebration.
Book Pandit for Lakshmi Puja Now
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