Diwali 2026 Date: 8 November, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & 5-Day Calendar
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The main Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM IST, 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.
Below you will find the full five-day calendar, Lakshmi Puja timings for major Indian cities, why some calendars mention 9 November, and what each day of the festival is about.
Diwali 2026 Countdown
Diwali 2026 Date: Sunday, November 8
See how many months, days, and hours are left until Diwali 2026.
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8.
Diwali 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Lakshmi Puja muhurat (New Delhi) | 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM IST |
| Pradosh Kaal (New Delhi) | 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM IST |
| Amavasya tithi | 11:27 AM, 8 Nov to 12:31 PM, 9 Nov |
| Hindu month | Kartik Amavasya |
| Festival span | Friday, 6 Nov to Wednesday, 11 Nov |
Diwali 2026 Date & Full 5-Day Calendar
Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Hindu month of Kartik. Here are the dates for every day of the festival in 2026:
| Day | Festival | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| 2 | Choti Diwali / Kali Chaudas (evening) | Saturday, 7 November 2026 |
| 2 | Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan (before sunrise) | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| 3 | Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Tuesday, 10 November 2026 |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
Regional observances such as Diwali Padwa follow the Pratipada tithi, so check your local panchang if your family follows a regional calendar.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, roughly the first two and a half hours after sunset, ideally while the fixed (Sthir) Vrishabha lagna is rising. Because it depends on local sunset, the muhurat is different in every city.
Lakshmi Puja Timings in New Delhi
- Lakshmi Puja muhurat: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM (about 1 hour 56 minutes)
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM
- Amavasya begins: 11:27 AM, 8 November 2026
- Amavasya ends: 12:31 PM, 9 November 2026
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat by City (8 November 2026)
| City | Lakshmi Puja muhurat (local time) |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:20 PM to 7:18 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 PM to 8:20 PM |
| Chennai | 6:07 PM to 8:09 PM |
| Hyderabad | 6:07 PM to 8:08 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:22 PM to 8:20 PM |
| Pune | 6:24 PM to 8:24 PM |
City timings are approximate and based on local sunset. Confirm with your local panchang or family priest a day or two before Diwali.
Is Diwali on 8 or 9 November 2026?
Diwali is on Sunday, 8 November. Some calendars mention 9 November because the Amavasya tithi lasts until about 12:31 PM that day. However, Lakshmi Puja has to be done while Amavasya is present during Pradosh Kaal in the evening, and that only happens on the evening of 8 November. By the evening of 9 November, the Amavasya has already ended.
Why Is Diwali So Late in 2026?
In 2025, Diwali fell on 20 October. In 2026, it comes about 19 days later because of an Adhik Maas, an extra lunar month added roughly every three years to keep the lunar calendar in step with the solar year. The same shift pushes Navratri, Dussehra and Karwa Chauth later than usual this year.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali, or Deepavali, means “row of lamps”. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it carries different stories in different traditions:
- In North India, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have lit rows of diyas to welcome him home.
- In South India, many families connect Deepavali with Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
- Across India, the night is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit clean, well-lit homes and bless them with prosperity.
- Jains mark the nirvana of Lord Mahavira on this day, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.
For the full story, read What Is Diwali? Meaning, Traditions & History: why Hindus celebrate Diwali.
Five Days of Diwali 2026
Diwali is a five-day festival, and each day has its own rituals.
1. Dhanteras – Friday, 6 November 2026
Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) opens the festival. People worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi and buy something new, since metal bought on this day is considered a sign of good fortune. Common purchases include:
- Gold or silver coins and jewellery
- Brass, copper or steel utensils
- A new broom, believed to sweep away poverty
- Clay diyas and puja items for Diwali night
- Home appliances or vehicles
In the evening, many families light a Yama Deepam, a lamp placed facing south, for the protection of the household.
2. Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi – 7 and 8 November 2026
Choti Diwali remembers Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. In 2026, the Chaturdashi tithi runs from 10:48 AM on 7 November to 11:28 AM on 8 November, so the observances are split across two days:
- Saturday, 7 November: Choti Diwali lamps in the evening and Kali Chaudas at night
- Sunday, 8 November: Abhyang Snan, the ritual oil bath before sunrise, followed by Lakshmi Puja in the evening
Families also finish cleaning and decorating the house, draw rangoli and prepare sweets for the main day.
3. Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali – Sunday, 8 November 2026
This is the biggest night of the festival. Families gather for:
- Lakshmi and Ganesh puja during the muhurat
- Lighting diyas at the door, windows, and around the house
- Rangoli at the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi
- Sweets, gifts and a festive family dinner
Many traders also begin new account books (Chopda Pujan) on this day.
4. Govardhan Puja – Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Govardhan Puja honours Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan from Indra’s storms. Devotees prepare Annakut, a large offering of many dishes, and shape a small Govardhan hill from cow dung or food. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, this part of the festival also includes Diwali Padwa and the Gujarati New Year.
5. Bhai Dooj – Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Bhai Dooj closes the festival. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti and pray for their long life, and brothers give gifts in return. The day is also called Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, and Bhai Phonta in different regions.
More Diwali Guides
- Best Diwali wishes for family and friends
- Diwali quotes
- Happy Diwali WhatsApp image messages
- Importance of Lakshmi Puja
- Who celebrates Diwali around the world
- Diwali festival facts
Diwali 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time on Diwali 2026?
In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM IST on 8 November. Timings for other cities are in the table above.
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026.
When is Choti Diwali in 2026?
Choti Diwali lamps are lit on the evening of Saturday, 7 November. The Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan takes place before sunrise on Sunday, 8 November.
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Is Diwali on the same day in the USA, UK and Canada?
Yes. Hindus in the USA, UK and Canada also celebrate Diwali on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The puja time follows local sunset, so check a panchang set to your own city.
Final Thoughts
Diwali 2026 runs from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 11 November, with Lakshmi Puja on the evening of Sunday, 8 November. Note your city’s muhurat, keep your puja items ready a day early, and check your local panchang if your family follows a regional calendar.
Shubh Deepavali from all of us at Hindu Festival Hub.
