Quick answer: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in West Bengal is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. In West Bengal, Diwali night is Kali Puja (Shyama Puja) — the worship of Goddess Kali — with vast pandals, Bhoot Chaturdashi the night before, and Lakshmi Puja observed separately on Kojagari earlier in the month. Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Kolkata with a local panchang.

In West Bengal, Diwali night is Kali Puja (Shyama Puja) — the worship of Goddess Kali — with vast pandals, Bhoot Chaturdashi the night before, and Lakshmi Puja observed separately on Kojagari earlier in the month.

How West Bengal celebrates Diwali 2026

On the new-moon night of Diwali, Bengalis worship Goddess Kali at home and in landmark temples and pandals, with Barasat, Naihati and Madhyamgram famous for their towering themed Kali Puja idols. The night before, on Bhoot Chaturdashi, families light fourteen lamps and eat fourteen leafy greens (choddo shaak) to honour ancestors.

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Dakshineswar and the Kalighat Kali Temple draw enormous crowds, and the night ends with fireworks and, days later, the immersion of Kali idols.

Where to celebrate in West Bengal

  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple
  • Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata
  • Barasat, Naihati and Madhyamgram Kali Puja pandals

Diwali 2026 dates in West Bengal

Date

Observance

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Friday, 6 November

Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

Saturday, 7 November

Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali · Lakshmi Puja · Kali Puja

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Monday, 9 November

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

Is Diwali celebrated as Kali Puja in West Bengal?

Yes — in Bengal the Diwali new-moon night (8 November 2026) is Kali Puja/Shyama Puja, while Lakshmi Puja is observed earlier on Kojagari Purnima.

Diwali 2026 — India state guides

Explore Diwali 2026 across India and our wider guides: