Quick answer: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in Uttar Pradesh is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Uttar Pradesh is home to Ayodhya’s record-setting Deepotsav, when hundreds of thousands of diyas light the banks of the Saryu on Diwali. Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Lucknow with a local panchang.

Uttar Pradesh is home to Ayodhya’s record-setting Deepotsav, when hundreds of thousands of diyas light the banks of the Saryu on Diwali.

How Uttar Pradesh celebrates Diwali 2026

Ayodhya’s government-organised Deepotsav lights lakhs of earthen lamps along the Saryu and stages a grand Ramlila and Ram-return tableau, drawing global attention. Across the state, families perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, light diyas and burst crackers, and Varanasi follows with Dev Deepawali on Kartik Purnima.

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Where to celebrate in Uttar Pradesh

  • Ayodhya Deepotsav (Saryu ghats)
  • Varanasi (Dev Deepawali later in Kartik)
  • Lucknow, Prayagraj and Mathura celebrations

Diwali 2026 dates in Uttar Pradesh

Date

Observance

Friday, 6 November

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Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

Saturday, 7 November

Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

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 is Ayodhya Deepotsav?

A grand Diwali-eve celebration in Ayodhya that lights hundreds of thousands of diyas along the Saryu river, held around Diwali (8 November 2026).

Diwali 2026 — India state guides

Explore Diwali 2026 across India and our wider guides: