The first day of Diwali 2026 is Friday, November 6, 2026, which will be celebrated as Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi). It marks the beginning of the traditional five-day Diwali festival in India. The main Diwali celebration, including Lakshmi Puja, will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The first day of Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026, with Dhanteras marking the beginning of the traditional five-day festival of lights. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious occasion associated with wealth, prosperity, health and new beginnings.
Although many people associate Diwali primarily with the evening when homes are illuminated with diyas and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, the celebrations traditionally begin two days before the main Diwali night. Dhanteras opens the festive period, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali or Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
In 2026, the main Diwali celebration will fall on Sunday, November 8. This means families across India will begin their traditional Diwali celebrations with Dhanteras on November 6, making it an important date for festive shopping, household preparations and religious observances.
What Is the First Day of Diwali 2026?
The first day of Diwali 2026 is Dhanteras, which falls on Friday, November 6.
Dhanteras is observed on the Krishna Paksha Trayodashi of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. The word Dhanteras comes from two Sanskrit-derived words: Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, referring to the thirteenth lunar day.
The festival is traditionally associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Devotees worship these divine figures while praying for financial stability, good health, prosperity and happiness.
Dhanteras is also one of the most popular days for purchasing gold, silver, jewellery, utensils and other household items. Many families consider buying something new on this occasion an auspicious way to welcome prosperity into their homes.
According to the 2026 New Delhi Panchang, Trayodashi Tithi begins at 10:30 AM on November 6 and ends at 10:47 AM on November 7. The main Dhanteras observance and evening puja fall on November 6.
When Is Diwali 2026 in India?
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, across India.
The festival is observed on Kartika Amavasya, the new-moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar. The central religious observance on Diwali night is Lakshmi Puja, when families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for prosperity, wisdom and good fortune.
The Government of India’s Incredible India tourism portal also lists November 8, 2026, as the date of Diwali.
Here are the important dates:
- First day of Diwali – Friday, November 6, 2026 (Dhanteras).
- Main Diwali celebration – Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Lakshmi Puja – Sunday, November 8, 2026.
It is important to understand that the first day of the Diwali festival and the main Diwali celebration are two different observances.
Complete Five Days of Diwali 2026 Calendar
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, with each day having its own religious importance, customs and celebrations.
Here is the expected festival sequence for 2026:
1. Dhanteras – November 6, 2026 (Friday)
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. Families clean and decorate their homes, purchase new household items and jewellery, and perform prayers dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari.
Lighting a diya, particularly in the evening, is another important tradition associated with the festival.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi – November 7, 2026 (Saturday)
Naraka Chaturdashi, commonly called Choti Diwali, is traditionally associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
People celebrate the victory of good over evil by cleaning their homes, lighting lamps and following regional customs. In several parts of India, an early morning oil bath, known as Abhyanga Snan, is an important tradition.
3. Diwali or Lakshmi Puja – November 8, 2026 (Sunday)
This is the main day of Diwali and one of the most significant Hindu festivals.
Families decorate their homes with colourful rangoli, flowers, lights and traditional oil lamps. In the evening, devotees perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja and pray for prosperity, happiness and success.
The night is celebrated with diyas, sweets, family gatherings and festive meals.
4. Govardhan Puja – November 9, 2026 (Monday)
Govardhan Puja is associated with Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Hill.
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rainfall sent by Lord Indra.
Devotees celebrate this occasion by preparing and offering food to Lord Krishna. The tradition of Annakut, meaning a mountain of food, is especially important in many temples and communities.
5. Bhai Dooj – November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
Bhai Dooj celebrates the special relationship between brothers and sisters.
Sisters traditionally apply a tilak to their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long lives, happiness and well-being. Brothers express their affection and appreciation through gifts and family celebrations.
Note: Festival dates can vary according to regional Panchang calculations and local traditions. The dates above follow the Indian festival calendar, with November 6 as Dhanteras and November 8 as the main Diwali observance. The Indian Meteorological Department’s Positional Astronomy Centre lists November 9 for Govardhan Puja and November 11 for Bhratri Dwitiya in its 2026 festival calendar.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated as the First Day of Diwali?
Dhanteras is important because it marks the beginning of the traditional Diwali festivities and represents the arrival of prosperity, good health and positive beginnings.
There are several religious and cultural beliefs associated with this festival.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance.
Families clean their homes, decorate entrances and light lamps to welcome prosperity. Some households also create small footprints using rice flour or other traditional materials to symbolically welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Worship of Lord Dhanvantari
Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, who is traditionally regarded as the divine physician and associated with Ayurveda.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the cosmic ocean, carrying a pot of Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
This association makes health and well-being important themes of the festival.
Worship of Lord Kubera
Lord Kubera is traditionally regarded as the deity of wealth and the guardian of riches.
Many families worship Lord Kubera along with Goddess Lakshmi, seeking financial stability and prosperity.
Buying Gold, Silver and New Utensils
Purchasing gold, silver, jewellery and utensils is one of the most popular Dhanteras traditions.
Many people consider these purchases symbolic of wealth and good fortune. However, purchasing expensive items is a cultural tradition rather than a religious requirement.
Families can celebrate Dhanteras meaningfully through prayers, lighting diyas and spending time together without making major purchases.
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat and Timings
Dhanteras puja is traditionally performed during Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset.
For New Delhi, the 2026 Dhanteras puja muhurat listed by Drik Panchang is:
- Festival: Dhanteras 2026
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Trayodashi Tithi begins: 10:30 AM
- Trayodashi Tithi ends: 10:47 AM, November 7
- Pradosh Kaal: Approximately 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
These timings are for New Delhi and should not automatically be applied to other cities. Sunset and Panchang calculations differ by location, so devotees should check the local timings before performing puja.
How Do People Celebrate the First Day of Diwali?
Dhanteras celebrations combine religious traditions, household preparations and family activities.
Some of the most common customs include:
1. Cleaning and decorating homes
Families clean their homes before the festival and decorate entrances with flowers, rangoli and decorative lights.
2. Purchasing new items
People traditionally purchase gold, silver, utensils, coins and household products as symbols of prosperity.
3. Performing Lakshmi and Kubera Puja
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera and pray for financial well-being.
4. Lighting diyas
Traditional oil lamps are placed near entrances, windows and other areas of the home.
5. Preparing festive food
Families prepare sweets, snacks and traditional dishes and share them with relatives and neighbours.
6. Spending time with family
Dhanteras also provides an opportunity for families to come together and begin the festive season with happiness and gratitude.
Why Does Diwali Fall on Different Dates Every Year?
Diwali does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar because its timing is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar.
The main Diwali celebration takes place on Kartika Amavasya, the new-moon day. Since the lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar follow different cycles, the festival shifts between October and November.
The exact observance also depends on the timing of the Amavasya Tithi and its relationship with Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset.
This is why Diwali can fall on different dates each year.
For 2026, the Amavasya Tithi begins at approximately 11:28 AM on November 8 and continues until approximately 12:32 PM on November 9, according to the New Delhi Panchang. Since Amavasya is present during the evening Pradosh period on November 8, that is the main Diwali celebration date.
What Makes Diwali 2026 Special?
Diwali 2026 brings together several days of religious observances and family traditions.
The main celebration falls on a Sunday, November 8, giving many people an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.
The festival also brings together different cultural traditions across India.
In North India, Diwali is widely associated with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana.
In several parts of South India, celebrations are particularly associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
For Sikhs, the occasion is also connected with Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from imprisonment.
Jains observe Diwali in connection with the nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
Although the traditions differ, the broader themes of light, knowledge, hope and the victory of good over evil connect these celebrations.
What Happens Next After the First Day of Diwali 2026?
After Dhanteras on November 6, the festive celebrations continue with Choti Diwali and the main Diwali observance.
Families will decorate their homes, prepare traditional food, exchange gifts and participate in religious ceremonies.
The celebrations then continue with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, completing the traditional Diwali festival period.
For people planning shopping, travel, family gatherings or religious ceremonies, checking the local Panchang is useful because individual puja timings may differ between cities.
Conclusion
The first day of Diwali 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, and will be celebrated as Dhanteras. It marks the beginning of the five-day festival of lights and is traditionally associated with prosperity, good health and new beginnings.
The main Diwali celebration and Lakshmi Puja will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. From purchasing traditional items on Dhanteras to lighting diyas on Diwali night and celebrating the bond between siblings on Bhai Dooj, each day carries its own cultural and religious significance.
As families prepare for the festival, Diwali remains an occasion to celebrate togetherness, spread happiness and welcome positivity into their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the first day of Diwali 2026?
The first day of Diwali 2026 is Friday, November 6. It will be celebrated as Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of the traditional five-day Diwali festival.
2. When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras falls on November 6, 2026, Friday. People celebrate the occasion by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari.
3. When is the main Diwali festival in 2026?
The main Diwali celebration will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed in the evening.
4. How many days is Diwali celebrated in 2026?
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days. The celebrations begin with Dhanteras and include Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
5. What are the five days of Diwali 2026?
The five traditional observances are:
- November 6: Dhanteras
- November 7: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
- November 8: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
- November 9: Govardhan Puja
- November 11: Bhai Dooj
6. Why do people buy gold on Dhanteras?
Buying gold, silver and other valuable items on Dhanteras is a traditional practice associated with wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Many families believe that purchasing something new on this day symbolically welcomes abundance.
7. What is the significance of Dhanteras?
Dhanteras represents prosperity, health and new beginnings. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari and pray for wealth, happiness and good health.
8. Is Diwali 2026 on a Sunday?
Yes. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. The first day of the festival, Dhanteras, falls on Friday, November 6.
