Diwali 2026 Is on November 8: Lakshmi Puja Muhurat and the Full Five-Day Calendar
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, with Lakshmi Puja performed that evening. The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, and ends with Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, November 10.
In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:32 PM to 7:28 PM, within Pradosh Kaal, according to SmartPuja. Timings vary by city and by panchang, so check a local calendar for your exact time.
With Navratri and Dussehra behind us, India's attention turns to the biggest festival of the year. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, and because it's a Sunday, many families will be able to celebrate without juggling work.
The five days of Diwali 2026
Dhanteras, Friday, November 6: The festival opens with Dhanteras, traditionally a day to buy gold, silver, or new utensils, and to light a lamp for Lord Yama in the evening.
Choti Diwali, Saturday, November 7: Also called Naraka Chaturdashi, marking Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Many homes light the first diyas tonight.
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, Sunday, November 8: The main day. Families clean and decorate their homes, draw rangoli, and perform Lakshmi and Ganesh puja in the evening, before lighting diyas across the house.
Govardhan Puja, Monday, November 9: Commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan. In Gujarat and parts of western India, this is also the start of the new year.
Bhai Dooj, Tuesday, November 10: Sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their wellbeing, closing the festival.
Lakshmi Puja muhurat by city
Lakshmi Puja is best performed during Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset, and ideally in a stable lagna. SmartPuja gives these windows for November 8:
- New Delhi: 5:32 PM to 7:28 PM
- Mumbai: 6:05 PM to 8:04 PM
- Kolkata: 4:58 PM to 6:55 PM
- Bengaluru: 5:58 PM to 7:55 PM
Other panchangs publish slightly different windows, since they use different calculation methods, so if your family follows a particular panchang or priest, go with theirs.
A greener, safer Diwali
Diwali comes as air quality in north India turns poor for the season. Clay diyas, flowers, and rangoli bring the festival's light without the smoke, and many cities restrict firecracker types and timings, so check your local rules before buying any. Keep water and sand nearby when lighting lamps, and keep pets indoors.
Key Details
- Dhanteras: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi): Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Govardhan Puja: Monday, November 9, 2026
- Bhai Dooj: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Lakshmi Puja muhurat, New Delhi: 5:32 PM to 7:28 PM
- Pradosh Kaal, New Delhi: 5:25 PM to 8:02 PM
Historical Context
Diwali falls on Amavasya, the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is why its date shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar. For many Hindus it marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, and the evening puja honours Goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity, alongside Lord Ganesha. Jains mark the day as Mahavira's attainment of nirvana, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on the same occasion.
Key Takeaways
- Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8.
- Dhanteras is November 6, Choti Diwali November 7, Govardhan Puja November 9, and Bhai Dooj November 10.
- New Delhi Lakshmi Puja muhurat: 5:32 PM to 7:28 PM (SmartPuja).
- Muhurat timings vary by city and panchang; check your local calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?
In New Delhi, SmartPuja gives 5:32 PM to 7:28 PM on November 8. Other panchangs give slightly different windows, and timings vary by city, so check a local panchang.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, November 6, 2026.
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Bhai Dooj is on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Govardhan Puja is on Monday, November 9, 2026, the day after Diwali.
