Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja & Significance
The festival of lights
Diwali — also written Deepavali and known worldwide as the festival of lights — is the most widely observed festival in the Hindu year. It falls on the Amavasya, the new-moon night, of the lunar month of Kartik.
On this night homes, courtyards and temples are lined with rows of clay lamps called diyas. The lamps stand for the inner light that guards against spiritual darkness, and the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and of knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is also the principal night of Lakshmi Puja. Families clean and decorate their homes and invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, together with Lord Ganesha, to bless the year ahead.
Diwali 2026 Date
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. It is observed on Kartik Krishna Amavasya — the Amavasya tithi of the Krishna paksha in the lunar month of Kartik.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and traditions. Always confirm the date and timings with your local panchang.
The Significance of Diwali
For much of northern India, Diwali marks the homecoming of Lord Rama. After fourteen years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. The people of Ayodhya lit countless lamps to welcome their rightful king — a tradition that continues every Kartik Amavasya.
The festival is just as closely tied to Goddess Lakshmi. According to the Puranas, Lakshmi arose from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra Manthan on this very night. It is believed that on Diwali she walks the earth and enters homes that are clean, bright and welcoming — which is why the cleaning of the house and the lighting of lamps is regarded as an invitation to her.
In other regions Diwali carries its own meanings: the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Krishna, marked as Naraka Chaturdashi the day before; the start of a new financial year for many trading communities; and, for Jains, the attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavira. Across all of them the shared idea is the same — light, renewal and the welcoming of good fortune.
The Five Days of Diwali
Diwali is the centrepiece of a five-day festival. Each day has its own observance:
- Dhanteras. Day one. Dedicated to Dhanvantari and Lakshmi; considered auspicious for buying gold, silver and new utensils.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali). Day two. Marks Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura; an early-morning ritual bath is customary.
- Diwali · Lakshmi Puja. Day three. The main night — Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped and the home is lit with diyas.
- Govardhan Puja (Annakut). Day four. Commemorates Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan; a mound of food is offered to the deity.
- Bhai Dooj. Day five. Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, similar in spirit to Raksha Bandhan.
Diwali Puja Vidhi
- Clean the entire home thoroughly in the days before Diwali — a clean house is considered essential to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- On Diwali evening, decorate the entrance with a rangoli and place lit diyas at the doorway, windows and around the home.
- Set up the puja altar with idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, placing Ganesha to Lakshmi's left.
- Light a lamp and offer water, kumkum, rice, flowers, fruit and sweets; place coins or account books before the deities.
- Recite the Lakshmi aarti and the Ganesha aarti, and chant the Shri Suktam or a Lakshmi mantra if known.
- Distribute prasad among family members and keep a lamp burning through the night as a sign of welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali in 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on Kartik Amavasya.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is most widely associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bless clean, well-lit homes with prosperity on this night.
What is Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?
Lakshmi Puja is the central ritual of Diwali night, performed after sunset. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to invite wealth, prosperity and well-being for the coming year. It is traditionally done during the evening Pradosh Kaal.
Is Diwali a public holiday in India?
Yes. Diwali is a gazetted public holiday across India. Several states also observe the surrounding days, such as Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, as holidays.
What are the five days of Diwali?
The five days are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Diwali / Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj — celebrated in that order over consecutive days.