Quick answer: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in Odisha is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Odisha marks Diwali with Kali Puja and the moving ritual of Kaunriya Kathi, when families burn jute stalks to light the way for their ancestors. Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Bhubaneswar with a local panchang.

Odisha marks Diwali with Kali Puja and the moving ritual of Kaunriya Kathi, when families burn jute stalks to light the way for their ancestors.

How Odisha celebrates Diwali 2026

On Diwali night, Odia families perform Kaunriya Kathi — raising burning stalks of jute to the sky and chanting a call inviting departed ancestors (the “Badabadua”) to visit and then return blessed to heaven. Kali Puja and Lakshmi-Ganesh puja are also observed, with pandals in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

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Where to celebrate in Odisha

  • Cuttack and Bhubaneswar Kali Puja pandals
  • Family Kaunriya Kathi observances

Diwali 2026 dates in Odisha

Date

Observance

Friday, 6 November

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Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

Saturday, 7 November

Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali · Lakshmi Puja · Kali 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 is Kaunriya Kathi?

An Odia Diwali ritual in which families burn jute stalks and call out to their ancestors, guiding them with light on the new-moon night of 8 November 2026.

Diwali 2026 — India state guides

Explore Diwali 2026 across India and our wider guides: