Diwali 2026: 8 or 9 November? Date, Puja Muhurat and Celebrations
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026 in the referenced Indian festival calendar. Although Amavasya Tithi continues until 9 November, Lakshmi Puja is observed on 8 November because Amavasya is present during the evening Pradosh period.
Also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The festival is associated with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, Goddess Lakshmi worship and several regional traditions.
When Is Diwali 2026 in India?
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The main Diwali celebration falls on Kartik Amavasya in the North Indian lunar calendar.
If you are searching for "Diwali kab hai 2026?" or "2026 mein Diwali kab hai?", the answer is 8 November 2026, Sunday (रविवार).
The date changes every year because Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian calendar date.
Diwali 2026 Date and Important Details
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Diwali / Deepavali |
| Date | 8 November 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Hindu Tithi | Kartik Amavasya (North Indian calendar) |
| Main Puja | Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha |
| Lakshmi Puja Muhurat | 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, New Delhi |
| Amavasya Begins | 8 November, 11:27 AM |
| Amavasya Ends | 9 November, 12:31 PM |
| Main Message | Victory of light over darkness |
The puja timings above are for New Delhi according to the referenced Drik Panchang timings. Muhurat timings depend on location, so families in other cities should check their local Panchang.
Diwali 2026: Is Diwali on 8 or 9 November?
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November, not 9 November, according to the referenced calendar.
Amavasya Tithi begins at 11:27 AM on 8 November and ends at 12:31 PM on 9 November 2026.
Since Amavasya Tithi is present during Pradosh Kaal on the evening of 8 November, this is the day observed for the main Diwali festival and Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja.
For New Delhi, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026.
Diwali 2026 Puja Muhurat and Amavasya Timing
The main Diwali Lakshmi Puja in 2026 is observed on Sunday evening, 8 November.
According to the referenced New Delhi Panchang timings:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: 11:27 AM on 8 November
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: 12:31 PM on 9 November
Many families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja during the evening Pradosh period, traditionally associated with welcoming prosperity and well-being.
Remember that the festival date can be stated nationally, while the exact puja timings should be checked according to the local city Panchang.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Vidhi 2026: Simple Steps at Home
Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja is traditionally performed during the evening of Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Ganesha for wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
Here are some simple steps families can follow according to their traditions:
- Prepare the Puja Area: Clean the worship space and place images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Arrange Offerings: Keep flowers, fruits, sweets, diyas and other traditional puja items ready.
- Light a Diya: Begin the worship by lighting a lamp safely.
- Offer Prayers: Worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi according to your family tradition.
- Perform Aarti: Complete the prayers with aarti and distribute prasad.
- Decorate the Home: Arrange decorative lights safely to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Puja practices vary between families and regions. Follow your family tradition and local Panchang for the appropriate worship procedure.
Diwali 2026 Five Days: Complete Festival Calendar
Diwali is commonly described as a five-day festival, although the order and naming of some observances vary across regions and years.
| Festival | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | 6 November, Friday | Worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera |
| Choti Diwali / Kali Chaudas | 7 November, Saturday | Traditional lamps and regional observances |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | 8 November, Sunday | Main Festival of Lights |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | 10 November, Tuesday | Remembrance of Lord Krishna and Govardhan |
| Bhai Dooj | 11 November, Wednesday | Celebrating the bond between siblings |
Important: Naraka Chaturdashi and Abhyanga Snan timings can differ between regional calendars. Some calendar calculations place related observances on the morning of 8 November 2026. Check your local Panchang rather than assuming that every region follows the same date.
Govardhan Puja falls on 10 November in the calendar above, so the principal observances extend across six calendar dates in 2026.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated in India?
Diwali is celebrated for several historical, religious and cultural reasons. Its meaning differs among communities, but the festival commonly represents hope, goodness, prosperity and new beginnings.
Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya
According to the Ramayana tradition, people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana after fourteen years of exile and the victory over Ravana.
People are believed to have illuminated their homes and streets with rows of oil lamps to celebrate their return. This tradition is one of the most widely known explanations for Diwali celebrations.
Lord Krishna and Narakasura
In several traditions, Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. The festival is observed through rituals that vary by region, including early-morning oil baths.
Diwali Across Different Communities
For Jains, Diwali commemorates the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira. Many Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas around Diwali, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Different communities have their own traditions and spiritual interpretations. These different associations reflect India's cultural diversity.
How Is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali celebrations bring families, neighbours and communities together. People often begin by cleaning their homes, making rangoli designs and arranging diyas and decorative lights.
In the evening, families perform Lakshmi Puja and share sweets. Children enjoy making drawings, decorating classrooms and learning stories associated with the festival.
Popular Diwali Traditions
- Lighting Diyas: Symbolises hope and the removal of darkness.
- Making Rangoli: Welcomes guests with colourful floor decorations.
- Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja: A traditional prayer for prosperity and wisdom.
- Sharing Sweets: Encourages friendship and family bonding.
- Exchanging Gifts: Expresses affection and goodwill.
- Helping Others: Encourages kindness and charity during the festive season.
Families can make their celebrations more comfortable for children, older adults, animals and neighbours by choosing quieter and safer activities.
Diwali 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, according to the referenced calendar.
2. Is Diwali on 8 or 9 November 2026?
The main Diwali and Lakshmi Puja date is 8 November. Amavasya Tithi continues until 9 November.
3. What is the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in 2026?
The referenced New Delhi Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026.
4. Why do people celebrate Diwali?
Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil. It is also associated with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and Goddess Lakshmi worship.
5. How many days is the Diwali festival?
Diwali is traditionally described as a five-day festival. The exact observance dates and regional customs can vary.
6. Which Gods are worshipped on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are traditionally worshipped during the main Diwali evening puja.
Conclusion: Celebrate Diwali with Devotion and Happiness
Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It is a celebration of faith, family, kindness and the eternal victory of goodness over evil.
As Diwali 2026 approaches, prepare your home, share happiness with loved ones and celebrate the festival with devotion and responsibility.
🪔 Happy Diwali 2026! 🪔
May Goddess Lakshmi bless every home with peace, prosperity, happiness and wisdom.
SANATANA HUB
Bringing Timeless Wisdom to Modern Seekers
🙏 Explore More – SANATANA HUB
🪔 Diwali 2026 – Complete Festival Guide
Discover Diwali 2026 date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Amavasya timings, five-day festival calendar and the spiritual significance of Deepavali.
Read Diwali 2026 Guide →📜 Bhagavad Gita Sloka Practice Online
Practice Bhagavad Gita slokas from all 18 chapters. Read Telugu verses step by step and deepen your spiritual learning.
Start Sloka Practice →Explore festivals, spiritual knowledge and devotional learning with SANATANA HUB.
0 Comments