Diwali 2026 Date in India: When Is Diwali? 5-Day Festival Calendar

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali brings families and communities together to celebrate hope, prosperity, happiness and the victory of light over darkness.

If you are searching for Diwali 2026, the main festival of Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in India. The festival is traditionally observed over several days, with each day having its own religious significance, rituals and customs.

Unlike festivals that are celebrated on a fixed date every year, the date of Diwali changes because it is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2026, the main Diwali celebration falls in November.

When Is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The main Diwali day is associated with Lakshmi Puja, when families traditionally worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and abundance. In Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is listed for the evening of November 8, although exact puja timings vary by location.

The Amavasya tithi begins on November 8 and continues into November 9, which is why November 8 is observed as the main Diwali/Lakshmi Puja day.

For the latest local puja timings, people should check a city-specific Panchang because muhurat timings can differ from one location to another.

Diwali 2026: 5-Day Celebration Calendar

The traditional Diwali festivities are commonly described as a five-day celebration beginning with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj.

The dates above follow the Delhi/North India Panchang. An interesting feature of Diwali 2026 is the one-day gap between the main Diwali day and Govardhan Puja. This is due to the timing of the lunar tithis, so festival dates can occasionally differ by location.

Day 1: Dhanteras – November 6, 2026

The five-day Diwali festivities begin with Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi.

In 2026, Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6. It is traditionally associated with prosperity, wealth and good fortune. Many families consider this an auspicious day to purchase items such as gold, silver, utensils or new household goods.

Dhanteras is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera in many traditions. People clean their homes, decorate entrances and prepare for the main Diwali celebration.

Lighting a small diya in the evening is another important tradition associated with Dhanteras. The festival marks the beginning of the festive atmosphere that continues through the following days.

Dhanteras falls on November 6 in Delhi and nearby North Indian locations in 2026.

Day 2: Choti Diwali – November 7, 2026

The second day is commonly known as Choti Diwali, while several traditions associate this day with Naraka Chaturdashi.

In 2026, November 7 falls on Saturday and is observed as Kali Chaudas/Naraka Chaturdashi in the Delhi Panchang. The day comes immediately before the main Diwali celebration.

Choti Diwali is generally a day of preparation. Homes are decorated with diyas, candles, flowers and other festive decorations. Families may prepare sweets and special meals while getting everything ready for the main Diwali evening.

Rangoli is also an important part of Diwali preparations. Colorful designs are traditionally created near entrances as a decorative and welcoming symbol.

If you are looking for inspiration, you can also explore these beautiful Rangoli designs for Diwali from BloggersGlobe.

Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja – November 8, 2026

The third day is the heart of the five-day celebration.

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8.

On this day, homes across India come alive with rows of diyas, decorative lights, rangoli, flowers and festive decorations. Families dress in traditional or festive clothes, prepare special food and sweets, visit relatives and exchange gifts.

One of the most important rituals of the evening is Lakshmi Puja.

Families traditionally worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and seek blessings for prosperity, wisdom, happiness and success. Homes are cleaned and decorated before the puja, and many families place diyas around windows, balconies, entrances and other parts of the home.

The Government of India's Incredible India tourism portal describes Diwali as a five-day celebration centred on the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Why Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali has several religious and cultural traditions associated with it.

One of the most widely known stories connects Diwali with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. According to the Ramayana tradition, people welcomed Rama, Sita and Lakshmana by lighting lamps.

The festival also has important associations with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna and other regional traditions. Because India has such diverse cultures and religious practices, the meaning and rituals of Diwali can vary between states and communities.

At its heart, however, Diwali represents themes of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali Decorations and Diyas

Diyas are perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Diwali.

Traditional earthen lamps are filled with oil and fitted with cotton wicks before being lit around the home. Today, families also use electric lights, candles, lanterns and decorative lamps.

Rangoli is another popular Diwali tradition. Colorful patterns made with powdered colors, rice, flowers or other materials are placed near entrances and in courtyards.

For many families, decorating the house is not simply about making it look beautiful. It is also part of preparing the home for the festival and creating a welcoming atmosphere for family, friends and guests.

Diwali Sweets and Festive Food

Food is an important part of the Diwali celebration.

Families prepare or purchase traditional sweets such as laddoos, barfi, gulab jamun, jalebi and peda. Savoury snacks are also commonly served to guests during the festive period.

Different parts of India have their own Diwali specialties. From north Indian sweets to regional snacks from Maharashtra, Gujarat, South India and Bengal, the festival offers an enormous variety of food traditions.

Sharing sweets with neighbours, friends and relatives is one of the simplest ways families spread festive happiness.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja – November 10, 2026

The fourth major celebration is Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut in many traditions.

In Delhi and several North Indian locations, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The one-day gap after Diwali in 2026 is because of the way the relevant Pratipada tithi falls.

Govardhan Puja is associated with Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Hill. According to the traditional story, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj from heavy rains sent by Indra.

Food offerings are an important part of the celebration. In many places, a large variety of vegetarian dishes is prepared and offered as Annakut, meaning a mountain of food.

The festival also has different regional names and customs. In Maharashtra, the same period is associated with Bali Pratipada or Bali Padwa, while in parts of Gujarat it is connected with the Gujarati New Year.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj – November 11, 2026

The five-day Diwali celebration concludes with Bhai Dooj.

In 2026, Bhai Dooj will be observed on Wednesday, November 11.

Bhai Dooj celebrates the special relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters traditionally apply a tilak to their brothers' foreheads and pray for their happiness, health and long life. Brothers, in return, give gifts and express their affection.

The celebration is particularly meaningful because Diwali is not only about religious rituals. It is also a time when families reunite, visit relatives and strengthen relationships.

How Is Diwali Celebrated Across India?

Although the central idea of Diwali remains the celebration of light and prosperity, traditions differ considerably across India.

In North India, Diwali is strongly associated with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, Lakshmi Puja, diyas and family celebrations.

In Gujarat, Diwali is closely connected with the Gujarati New Year and business communities often begin a new financial year around this period.

In Maharashtra, the Diwali period includes traditions such as Bali Pratipada and Bhau Beej.

In parts of South India, Naraka Chaturdashi and Deepavali celebrations can have particular importance, with families beginning festivities early in the day.

In West Bengal, Kali Puja is an important celebration around the same period as Diwali.

These regional differences are one of the reasons Diwali remains one of India's most diverse and culturally rich festivals.

Diwali 2026: What to Do on the Main Festival Day

If you are planning your Diwali celebration for November 8, here are some traditional activities to include:

• Clean and decorate your home.

• Create a rangoli near the entrance.

• Light diyas and decorative lamps.

• Wear festive clothes.

• Prepare or buy traditional sweets.

• Perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja according to your family tradition.

• Exchange gifts with family and friends.

• Visit relatives and share festive meals.

• Use fireworks responsibly, if permitted locally.

• Consider using earthen diyas and reusable decorations to reduce waste.

Eco-Friendly Diwali 2026

Diwali can be celebrated beautifully without creating unnecessary waste.

Choose traditional diyas, reusable decorations and locally made festive products where possible. Avoid excessive plastic decorations and dispose of packaging responsibly.

If you choose to use fireworks, follow local rules and consider the impact on children, older people, animals and people who may be sensitive to loud noise.

An eco-friendly Diwali does not mean giving up the spirit of celebration. It simply means celebrating more thoughtfully.

Diwali 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in India.

What are the 5 days of Diwali in 2026?

The commonly observed five-day sequence is Dhanteras, Choti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali/Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

For Delhi/North India in 2026, these fall on November 6, November 7, November 8, November 10 and November 11 respectively.

Is Diwali on October 31 in 2026?

No. Diwali 2026 is on November 8. The date changes every year because Diwali is based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras is on Friday, November 6, 2026.

When is Choti Diwali in 2026?

Choti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdashi is observed around Saturday, November 7, 2026, while the Delhi Panchang lists Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja on November 8 because of the relevant tithi arrangement.

When is Lakshmi Puja in 2026?

Lakshmi Puja will be performed on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the main Diwali day. The exact auspicious time depends on the city.

When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?

For Delhi/North India, Govardhan Puja is on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Some locations can observe it on November 9 because festival dates depend on local Panchang calculations.

When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?

Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Final Thoughts

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, bringing millions of families together for one of India's most important festivals.

The celebration begins with Dhanteras, continues through Choti Diwali and the main Diwali night, and then moves into Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Each day has its own customs, stories and significance.

More than just a festival of lamps, Diwali is a celebration of family, prosperity, hope, generosity and the triumph of light over darkness. Whether you celebrate with a traditional Lakshmi Puja, decorate your home with diyas and rangoli, exchange sweets with relatives or simply spend time with loved ones, Diwali remains a special part of India's cultural calendar.

Mark Sunday, November 8, 2026, on your calendar for Diwali.

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