The five main Diwali observances in 2026 begin with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, and conclude with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11. The main Diwali and Lakshmi Puja celebration falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The festival calendar has an unusual arrangement this year because some observances overlap or fall on non-consecutive dates due to the Hindu lunar calendar.
🪔 Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India. The festival represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Millions of families celebrate the occasion by decorating their homes, lighting diyas, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, preparing traditional sweets and spending time with loved ones.
In 2026, the main Diwali celebration will take place on Sunday, November 8, when families across India will observe Lakshmi Puja on Kartik Amavasya. The five major observances associated with the festival begin with Dhanteras on November 6 and conclude with Bhai Dooj on November 11.
However, the 2026 calendar has an unusual arrangement. Naraka Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same civil date in the commonly followed New Delhi Panchang, while Govardhan Puja has a date variation between published calendars. This is why some people may find different dates when checking the Diwali calendar.
Here is a detailed guide to the Diwali 5 Days 2026, including the festival dates, religious significance, traditional celebrations, Lakshmi Puja timings and important information about regional differences.
Diwali 2026: Complete Five-Day Festival Calendar
The five major festivals associated with Diwali are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
🪔 Diwali 2026 Calendar
Main observances and commonly followed dates in India
| Festival | Date |
| 1. Dhanteras | Friday, November 6 |
| 2. Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi | November 7–8, depending on the observance |
| 3. Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, November 8 |
| 4. Govardhan Puja | November 9 or 10, depending on Panchang |
| 5. Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, November 11 |
Important: The dates are not five consecutive days in 2026. For example, the New Delhi sunrise-based observance places Naraka Chaturdashi on November 8, while Kali Chaudas is observed on the night of November 7. Check your local Panchang for the applicable rituals.
The Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga lists Naraka Chaturdashi and Dipavali on November 8, Govardhan Puja on November 9 and Bhai Dooj on November 11. Other Panchang calculations, including the New Delhi calculations published by Panchang Guru, place Govardhan Puja on November 10. Packolkata+1
1. Dhanteras 2026: Friday, November 6
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Dhanteras marks the beginning of the main Diwali celebrations. It is also known as Dhantrayodashi and is associated with wealth, prosperity, good health and new beginnings.
The word Dhanteras comes from two Sanskrit-derived words: Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, referring to the thirteenth lunar day. On this occasion, many families worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan carrying a pot of Amrit, the divine nectar associated with immortality. This is why Dhanteras is also associated with health and Ayurveda.
How is Dhanteras celebrated?
People follow several traditional customs on Dhanteras:
- Buying gold and silver: Many families purchase gold coins, silver jewellery or other precious items as symbols of prosperity.
- Purchasing utensils: Buying new brass, copper, steel or silver utensils is a popular tradition.
- Cleaning homes: Families clean and decorate their houses before the main Diwali celebration.
- Lighting diyas: Small oil lamps are placed near entrances and in different parts of the home.
- Performing Lakshmi Puja: Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and pray for financial stability and happiness.
Another important tradition is Yama Deepam, in which families light a diya in honour of Yama, the Hindu deity associated with death. The ritual is traditionally performed with prayers for the well-being and longevity of family members.
Why is Dhanteras important?
Dhanteras reminds people that prosperity is not limited to money. Good health, peace, happiness and family well-being are also considered important forms of wealth.
It is also a popular shopping occasion, with many households purchasing jewellery, utensils, electronics and gifts.
2. Choti Diwali 2026: November 7–8
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Choti Diwali, popularly known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is one of the important celebrations associated with the Diwali festival. It commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura in Hindu tradition.
The festival symbolises the destruction of evil, the removal of negativity and the beginning of a brighter and more positive life.
Why is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?
According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful demon who created fear and suffering. Lord Krishna defeated him and ended his oppression.
The victory represents the triumph of good over evil. Devotees celebrate the occasion by taking traditional oil baths, lighting lamps, decorating their homes and preparing for the main Diwali celebration.
How is Choti Diwali celebrated?
Some popular customs include:
- Taking an early morning Abhyanga Snan, a traditional oil bath.
- Lighting diyas around the home.
- Decorating entrances with colourful rangoli.
- Preparing sweets and festive food.
- Performing prayers according to family traditions.
- Spending time with family members.
Is Choti Diwali on November 7 or November 8 in 2026?
This is one of the most important date-related questions for Diwali 2026.
Some calendars identify November 7 as Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas because of the Chaturdashi observance during the night. However, the sunrise-based Naraka Chaturdashi observance falls on November 8 in the New Delhi Panchang calculations.
The Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga also lists Naraka Chaturdashi on November 8, 2026. Packolkata+1
Therefore, the difference is connected with the religious rule used to determine the festival, rather than simply being a calendar mistake.
3. Diwali 2026: Sunday, November 8
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Diwali, the main festival of lights, will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
It is the most important day of the five major Diwali observances. On this occasion, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and, in many traditions, Goddess Saraswati.
The main celebration takes place during the evening, when families light diyas, decorate their homes, perform Lakshmi Puja, exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali has different religious and cultural meanings across India.
In many North Indian Hindu traditions, the festival is associated with the return of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
People welcomed their return by lighting rows of oil lamps, which is traditionally connected with the origin of the celebration.
In other traditions, Diwali is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the divine symbol of wealth, prosperity and good fortune.
For many communities, the festival also marks spiritual renewal, new beginnings and the importance of family relationships.
Lakshmi Puja 2026: Shubh Muhurat
Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during the evening Pradosh period on Diwali.
According to Drik Panchang, the New Delhi timings for Lakshmi Puja in 2026 are:
5:54 PM – 7:50 PM
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Pradosh Kaal
5:31 PM – 8:09 PM
Vrishabha Kaal
5:54 PM – 7:50 PM
Amavasya begins
Nov 8, 11:27 AM
Amavasya ends
Nov 9, 12:31 PM
Source: Drik Panchang. All timings are for New Delhi local time.Drikpanchang
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is not identical across India because sunset and other astronomical calculations differ by location.
For example, Drik Panchang provides the following city-specific timings:
| City | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5:54 PM–7:50 PM |
| Noida | 5:54 PM–7:49 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:27 PM–8:27 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 PM–8:20 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:20 PM–7:18 PM |
| Chennai | 6:07 PM–8:09 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:22 PM–8:20 PM |
| Jaipur | 6:03 PM–7:59 PM |
Drikpanchang
Devotees should follow their local Panchang and family traditions when selecting the appropriate puja time.
How do people celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated with several beautiful customs:
- Cleaning and decorating homes: Families clean their houses and decorate entrances with flowers, torans and colourful rangoli.
- Lighting diyas: Earthen lamps are placed near doors, windows, balconies and prayer areas.
- Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja: Families perform prayers seeking prosperity, wisdom and happiness.
- Exchanging gifts: People give sweets, dry fruits, clothes and gifts to friends and relatives.
- Preparing festive food: Traditional sweets such as laddoos, barfi, kaju katli and gulab jamun are enjoyed.
- Celebrating together: Families meet, share meals and spend quality time together.
What is the importance of Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja?
Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth, prosperity and abundance, while Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the symbol of wisdom and auspicious beginnings.
Together, their worship reflects the desire for a prosperous, peaceful and successful life.
4. Govardhan Puja 2026: November 9 or November 10
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Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is another important festival celebrated around Diwali. It is associated with Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Hill.
The festival celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan and highlights the importance of nature, agriculture, food and gratitude.
Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
According to Hindu mythology, the people of Vrindavan traditionally worshipped Lord Indra for rainfall.
Lord Krishna encouraged them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, recognising its importance in providing resources and supporting their lives.
This angered Lord Indra, who sent heavy rain towards Vrindavan.
To protect the villagers and their cattle, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger and provided shelter beneath it.
The event is remembered as a symbol of divine protection, faith and humility.
How is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
Govardhan Puja is celebrated with several traditional customs:
- Preparing a symbolic Govardhan Hill using cow dung or other materials.
- Offering prayers to Lord Krishna.
- Preparing a large variety of vegetarian dishes.
- Arranging Annakut, meaning a mountain of food offerings.
- Decorating temples and homes.
- Offering food to family members and distributing Prasad.
Annakut is particularly important because devotees prepare numerous food items and offer them to Lord Krishna as an expression of gratitude.
What is the correct date of Govardhan Puja in 2026?
There is a genuine calendar difference this year.
The Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga lists Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9, 2026. However, Panchang Guru’s New Delhi calculations place the observance on Tuesday, November 10, because of the way the Pratipada tithi coincides with sunrise. Packolkata+1
This difference demonstrates why festival dates should be checked against the Panchang followed in the relevant region.
Families should confirm the date and puja timing with their local temple or trusted Panchang rather than assuming that every Indian state follows exactly the same calendar.
5. Bhai Dooj 2026: Wednesday, November 11
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Bhai Dooj marks the conclusion of the five major Diwali celebrations. It celebrates the special relationship between brothers and sisters.
The festival is also called Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika and Yama Dwitiya in different regions.
In 2026, Bhai Dooj will be observed on Wednesday, November 11, according to the Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga. Packolkata
Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
According to Hindu mythology, Bhai Dooj is associated with Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna.
The traditional story describes Yamuna welcoming her brother Yama to her home and applying a ceremonial tilak to his forehead.
Yama was pleased with his sister’s love and hospitality and blessed her. The occasion became associated with prayers for the well-being, happiness and long life of brothers.
How is Bhai Dooj celebrated?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated through several family traditions:
- Sisters prepare a traditional puja thali.
- Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads.
- Brothers and sisters exchange gifts.
- Families prepare special meals and sweets.
- Brothers offer blessings and gifts to their sisters.
- Families spend time together and celebrate their relationship.
Why is Bhai Dooj important?
Bhai Dooj highlights the emotional connection between brothers and sisters.
Unlike the wealth-focused traditions of Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja, this occasion focuses primarily on love, protection, blessings and family relationships.
It provides a meaningful conclusion to the Diwali festivities.
Why Does Diwali 2026 Have Different Festival Dates?
One of the most interesting aspects of Diwali 2026 is that the five major observances do not fall on five consecutive calendar dates.
The reason is the Hindu lunar calendar.
Hindu festivals are determined by lunar dates known as Tithis. These tithis do not always begin and end at midnight. They can start or finish at different times during the day.
Different festivals also follow different rules for determining their observance.
For example:
- Dhanteras is associated with Trayodashi during the relevant daytime and evening period.
- Naraka Chaturdashi follows the Chaturdashi tithi around the pre-dawn period.
- Lakshmi Puja is performed when Amavasya prevails during the evening Pradosh period.
- Govardhan Puja is generally associated with Pratipada at sunrise.
- Bhai Dooj is associated with Dwitiya at sunrise.
In 2026, Amavasya begins on November 8 at 11:27 AM and ends on November 9 at 12:31 PM in New Delhi, according to Drik Panchang.
This means Amavasya covers Sunday evening as well as Monday morning. Consequently, Lakshmi Puja takes place on Sunday evening, while some calendar calculations assign Govardhan Puja to Tuesday rather than Monday. Drikpanchang+1
This is also why people may see November 7 or November 8 mentioned for Choti Diwali and November 9 or November 10 for Govardhan Puja.
The best approach is to follow the regional Panchang and the religious tradition observed by your family.
What Do Official Calendars Say About Diwali 2026?
The Government of India’s administrative holiday calendar and the Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga provide useful references for checking the 2026 festival dates.
Here are some important published details:
1. Government of India holiday calendar
The Office of the Principal Controller of Communication Accounts, Delhi, lists Diwali (Deepavali) as a gazetted holiday on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Controller General Accounts
2. Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga
The 2026–2027 Rashtriya Panchanga lists the following relevant observances:
- November 8: Naraka Chaturdashi and Dipavali.
- November 9: Govardhana Puja and Bali Puja.
- November 11: Bhai Duj.
Packolkata
3. Drik Panchang
Drik Panchang identifies Sunday, November 8, as the date for Lakshmi Puja and provides city-specific puja timings. Its New Delhi Lakshmi Puja window is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. Drikpanchang
These references are useful because they help distinguish the main Diwali holiday from the individual religious observances.
Why Does the Five-Day Diwali Festival Matter?
Diwali is more than a religious celebration. It carries cultural, spiritual and social importance for millions of people.
Each of the five main observances has a different message.
| Festival | Main significance |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Wealth, health and prosperity |
| Naraka Chaturdashi | Victory of good over evil |
| Diwali | Light, hope and new beginnings |
| Govardhan Puja | Gratitude towards nature and food |
| Bhai Dooj | Love and protection between siblings |
Together, these celebrations encourage people to focus on positivity, generosity, family relationships and spiritual well-being.
The festival also brings communities together through decorations, traditional food, shopping, temple visits and cultural celebrations.
For businesses, retailers and local markets, Diwali is also an important shopping season. People purchase clothes, jewellery, electronics, sweets, home decorations and gifts for their families.
For children, it is an opportunity to learn about Indian traditions, mythology, family values and the cultural significance of festivals.
How to Prepare for Diwali 2026
With Diwali approaching, families can begin preparing for the festival by planning their decorations, shopping and traditional celebrations.
Here are some simple preparation ideas.
1. Clean and decorate your home
Start by cleaning your home and organising the rooms. Decorate the entrance with colourful rangoli, flowers, torans and traditional diyas.
2. Prepare your Diwali shopping list
Make a list of essential items such as पूजा supplies, sweets, clothes, gifts, decorative lights and earthen lamps.
3. Arrange Lakshmi Puja essentials
Prepare the puja thali, flowers, incense sticks, kumkum, rice, sweets, fruits and other items required for your family’s traditional worship.
4. Make traditional sweets
Prepare or purchase popular Diwali sweets such as laddoos, kaju katli, barfi, gulab jamun and soan papdi.
5. Plan family activities
Children can participate in making paper lanterns, decorating diyas, creating rangoli designs and preparing handmade greeting cards.
6. Celebrate responsibly
Choose energy-efficient decorative lights, avoid excessive noise and follow local firecracker regulations. Keep children and pets away from fireworks and never leave burning diyas unattended.
What Happens After Diwali 2026?
The main five Diwali observances conclude with Bhai Dooj on November 11, 2026.
However, the broader festive season continues in many parts of India.
Chhath Puja is another major festival that follows Diwali. In 2026, the Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga lists Pratihara Shashthi, associated with Chhath Puja in Bihar, on Sunday, November 15. Packolkata
The celebrations reflect the cultural diversity of India, with different communities following their own customs, traditions and regional calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Lakshmi Puja will take place during the evening Pradosh period.
2. What are the five days of Diwali in 2026?
The five major Diwali observances are:
- Dhanteras – November 6, 2026.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) – November 7 or 8, depending on the observance.
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja – November 8, 2026.
- Govardhan Puja – November 9 or 10, depending on the regional Panchang.
- Bhai Dooj – November 11, 2026.
3. When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. It marks the beginning of the main Diwali celebrations and is associated with wealth, prosperity and good health.
4. Is Choti Diwali on November 7 or November 8 in 2026?
Both dates appear in different festival calendars because of different observance rules. Kali Chaudas is associated with the night of November 7, while the pre-dawn Naraka Chaturdashi observance is on November 8 in the New Delhi Panchang.
5. What is the date of Lakshmi Puja in 2026?
Lakshmi Puja will be performed on Sunday, November 8, 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the New Delhi muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.
6. When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?
Govardhan Puja has a calendar variation in 2026. The Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga lists November 9, while Panchang Guru’s New Delhi calculation places it on November 10. Families should follow their local Panchang.
7. When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Sisters traditionally apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their happiness and well-being.
8. Why is Diwali celebrated for five days?
Diwali is traditionally celebrated through five major observances, each with its own religious and cultural significance. These include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
The celebrations represent prosperity, the victory of good over evil, spiritual renewal, gratitude and family relationships.
