Diwali 2026: The Complete 5-Day Festival Guide (6-10 November)
A complete day-by-day guide to Diwali 2026, running from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 10 November, with rituals, meaning and worship traditions.
A complete day-by-day guide to Diwali 2026, running from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 10 November, with rituals, meaning and worship traditions.
Quick answer: Diwali 2026 spans five days, from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November. The main day, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, an especially auspicious date when families worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, light lamps and celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning a row of lights, is among the most cherished festivals in the Hindu calendar. In 2026 the celebration unfolds across five days, from Friday 6 November to Tuesday 10 November, with the main Diwali night falling on Sunday 8 November. This guide walks you through each of the five days, their meaning and the traditions families observe.
Diwali 2026 dates at a glance
The festival begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. Because the main Lakshmi Puja day falls on a Sunday in 2026, many devotees consider it a particularly blessed year to worship the Goddess of wealth and wellbeing.
| Day | Festival | Date 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Friday 6 November |
| Day 2 | Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali | Saturday 7 November |
| Day 3 | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday 8 November |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Monday 9 November |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Tuesday 10 November |
The meaning behind the festival of lights
Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. For many communities it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana, when the people lit rows of lamps to welcome him home. In other regions it honours Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, or Lord Mahavira's attainment of moksha, showing how one festival carries many sacred stories.
Day 1: Dhanteras — Friday 6 November 2026
Dhanteras opens the festival and is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and to Goddess Lakshmi. Families clean and decorate their homes, buy gold, silver or new utensils as a symbol of incoming prosperity, and light the first lamps of the season. Doorways are adorned with rangoli and small footprints of Lakshmi drawn towards the home.
- Clean the home thoroughly and decorate the entrance
- Buy metal, coins or utensils as a token of prosperity
- Light a lamp at the doorway in the evening
- Offer prayers to Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali — Saturday 7 November 2026
Also called Choti Diwali, this day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, freeing the world from his tyranny. Many families rise early for a ritual oil bath believed to cleanse and purify, light more lamps and prepare festive sweets. It is a quieter prelude to the main night.
Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja — Sunday 8 November 2026
The heart of the festival, Diwali night is when Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped for prosperity, wisdom and wellbeing. Homes glow with rows of diyas and lamps, families gather for the puja, exchange sweets and greetings, and share a festive meal. Because it falls on a Sunday in 2026, many regard the day as especially auspicious.
- Cleanse the puja space and arrange the idols or images of Lakshmi and Ganesha
- Light a ghee or oil lamp and offer flowers, incense and sweets
- Recite well-known prayers such as the Lakshmi and Ganesha mantras and the aarti
- Place lit diyas at doorways, windows and around the home
- Share prasad and sweets with family and neighbours
For mantras, devotees commonly chant the simple invocation Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah and begin with Om Gan Ganapataye Namah to honour Lord Ganesha first. Follow your family tradition and, if unsure of the sequence, seek guidance from your local temple or priest.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut — Monday 9 November 2026
Govardhan Puja recalls how Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan from torrential rain. Devotees prepare Annakut, a mountain of vegetarian dishes offered to the deity in gratitude for nature's bounty. In many temples an image of the hill is fashioned and worshipped.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj — Tuesday 10 November 2026
The festival closes with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, pray for their long life and wellbeing, and share sweets, while brothers offer gifts and a promise of protection. It is a warm, family-centred finale to the five days of light.
Celebrating Diwali 2026 mindfully
As you celebrate, consider eco-friendly choices such as clay diyas, natural rangoli colours and reduced firecracker use to keep the festival joyful for everyone. For exact timings, temple programmes and community events in your city or country, check announcements from your local temple or community organisers, as these vary by location.
- FestivalDiwali / Deepavali 2026
- Duration5 days
- Main daySunday 8 November 2026
- Primary deitiesGoddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- ThemeVictory of light over darkness
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 is a five-day festival running from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November. The main Diwali day, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Which day is the main Diwali in 2026?
The main Diwali, when Lakshmi Puja is performed, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. Because it lands on a Sunday, many devotees consider 2026 an especially auspicious year for worship.
What are the five days of Diwali 2026?
The five days are Dhanteras on 6 November, Naraka Chaturdasi or Choti Diwali on 7 November, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja on 8 November, Govardhan Puja on 9 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November.
What does the word Diwali mean?
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning a row of lights. It reflects the tradition of lighting rows of lamps to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Who is worshipped on Diwali night?
On the main Diwali night, families worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and wellbeing, along with Lord Ganesha for wisdom and auspicious beginnings. The exact rituals vary by region and family tradition.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras opens the festival and is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and Goddess Lakshmi. Families clean their homes, buy metal or utensils as a symbol of prosperity, and light the first lamps of the season.
What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is the final day of Diwali, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak and pray for their brothers' wellbeing, while brothers offer gifts and a promise of protection.
How can I celebrate Diwali 2026 in an eco-friendly way?
You can choose clay diyas, natural rangoli colours and reduced firecracker use, and share homemade sweets. For city or country-specific events and timings, check your local temple or community announcements.
