Quick answer: In Goa, Deepavali is observed on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi — Saturday, 7 November 2026 — with the pre-dawn oil bath. Goa’s Diwali is famous for Narakasura effigies — towering demon figures built by neighbourhoods and burned before dawn on Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026). Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Panaji with a local panchang.

Goa’s Diwali is famous for Narakasura effigies — towering demon figures built by neighbourhoods and burned before dawn on Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026).

How Goa celebrates Diwali 2026

On the night before Diwali, villages and city wards compete to build the biggest, most elaborate Narakasura effigies stuffed with firecrackers, which are set ablaze at dawn to mark the demon’s defeat, followed by an oil bath and a bitter kareet fruit crushed underfoot. Lakshmi Puja, lanterns and fireworks follow.

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Where to celebrate in Goa

  • Panaji, Margao and Mapusa Narakasura competitions
  • Shantadurga and Mangeshi temples

Diwali 2026 dates in Goa

Date

Observance

Friday, 6 November

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Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

Saturday, 7 November

Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdashi, pre-dawn oil bath)

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali · Lakshmi Puja

Monday, 9 November

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Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Balipadyami

Tuesday, 10 November

Bhai Dooj

Lakshmi Puja is done in the pradosh window after sunset on 8 November; because it follows local sunset it shifts by city, so use a panchang set to your town or check today's panchangam.

Frequently asked questions

What are Goa’s Narakasura effigies?

Giant demon effigies built across Goa and burned before dawn on Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026), a signature Goan Diwali tradition.

Diwali 2026 — India state guides

Explore Diwali 2026 across India and our wider guides: