How India Will Celebrate Diwali 2026: A Complete Festival of Lights Guide
A complete guide to Diwali 2026 in India, from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 10 November, with rituals, regional traditions and the main Lakshmi Puja on Sunday 8 November.
A complete guide to Diwali 2026 in India, from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 10 November, with rituals, regional traditions and the main Lakshmi Puja on Sunday 8 November.
Quick answer: Diwali 2026 unfolds over five days across India, from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November. The main festival, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, an especially auspicious day for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and lighting the traditional rows of lamps.
Diwali 2026, India's most magnificent Festival of Lights, will illuminate the nation with joy, prosperity, and spiritual significance. Across homes, temples, streets and marketplaces, millions of lamps will drive away darkness and welcome the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. This complete guide walks you through the five sacred days of Diwali 2026, the rituals behind each one, and how different regions of India celebrate the occasion.
Diwali 2026 Dates: The Five Sacred Days
Diwali is not a single day but a five-day celebration, each with its own meaning and rituals. In 2026 the festival begins on Friday 6 November and concludes on Tuesday 10 November, with the main Lakshmi Puja falling on a Sunday, considered especially auspicious.
| Day | Festival | Date 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Friday 6 November |
| Day 2 | Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali | Saturday 7 November |
| Day 3 | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (main day) | Sunday 8 November |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Monday 9 November |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Tuesday 10 November |
Day 1: Dhanteras — Friday 6 November 2026
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali and is dedicated to prosperity, health and well-being. Families traditionally buy gold, silver, new utensils or coins as a symbol of incoming wealth. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and lamps are lit at the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Many also honour Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, praying for good health for the year ahead.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali — Saturday 7 November 2026
Also called Choti Diwali, this day commemorates the victory of good over evil, remembering Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Naraka. Devotees often take an early ceremonial bath before sunrise, light a few lamps in the evening, and prepare festive sweets. It is a quieter, preparatory day leading up to the grand celebration.
Day 3: Diwali & Lakshmi Puja — Sunday 8 November 2026
This is the heart of the festival. On the evening of Sunday 8 November 2026, families gather to perform Lakshmi Puja, inviting the Goddess of wealth and fortune into their homes. Doorways are decorated with rangoli, rows of diyas glow across balconies and courtyards, and the night sky fills with light. As this main day falls on a Sunday in 2026, many consider it a particularly blessed alignment for prayer and new beginnings.
- Clean and decorate the home, especially the entrance and puja area
- Draw rangoli and place fresh flowers and lamps at the threshold
- Set up the puja with images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Offer sweets, fruits, coins and lit diyas during the evening worship
- Share sweets, greetings and gifts with family and neighbours
Mantras and Prayers for Lakshmi Puja
During Lakshmi Puja, devotees commonly recite the well-known Lakshmi mantra beginning 'Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah' and invoke Lord Ganesha with 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah' before beginning any auspicious ritual. Many families also read or listen to the Sri Sukta and sing traditional aartis. Choose prayers your family is familiar with, and check local temple announcements for community puja timings in 2026.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut — Monday 9 November 2026
Govardhan Puja recalls Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill to shelter the villagers of Vrindavan. Temples and homes prepare an Annakut, a 'mountain of food' with a large spread of vegetarian dishes offered to the deity. In some regions this day is also observed as the start of a new year and a time to seek blessings for the household.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj — Tuesday 10 November 2026
The final day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, pray for their long life and prosperity, and the two exchange gifts and sweets. It is a warm, family-centred close to the Festival of Lights, echoing the affection also seen during Raksha Bandhan.
How Different Regions of India Celebrate Diwali
While the spirit of light and prosperity is shared nationwide, each region adds its own colour to Diwali. These are evergreen traditions; for specific 2026 events, timings and public celebrations, check local temple and community announcements.
- North India: Grand Lakshmi Puja, elaborate rangoli, and celebrations tied to Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya
- West India (Gujarat, Maharashtra): Diwali often coincides with the new business year and fresh account books, known as Chopda Pujan
- South India: Strong emphasis on Naraka Chaturdasi with the pre-dawn ceremonial oil bath and new clothes
- East India (Bengal, Odisha): Kali Puja is widely observed on the Diwali night, honouring Goddess Kali
Celebrating a Safe and Meaningful Diwali 2026
As you plan your celebrations, focus on the deeper meaning of Diwali: the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Prefer diyas and eco-friendly decorations, keep celebrations considerate of neighbours and the environment, and take a moment for prayer and gratitude with family. A mindful Diwali carries its blessings well beyond the five days.
- FestivalDiwali 2026
- Main DaySunday 8 November 2026
- Duration6 to 10 November 2026
- Deities WorshippedGoddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Also Known AsDeepavali, Festival of Lights
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali 2026 in India?
The main day of Diwali 2026, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. The full five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
What is the main day of Diwali 2026?
The main day is Sunday 8 November 2026, when families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, light rows of diyas and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and well-being.
Why are there five days of Diwali?
Each of the five days honours a distinct theme: Dhanteras for prosperity, Naraka Chaturdasi for good over evil, Diwali for Lakshmi's blessings, Govardhan Puja for gratitude, and Bhai Dooj for the sibling bond.
What is celebrated on Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras, on Friday 6 November 2026, marks the start of Diwali. Families buy gold, silver or utensils as symbols of wealth, clean their homes, and light lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and pray for good health.
Which deities are worshipped during Diwali?
Diwali worship centres on Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and fortune, alongside Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. In eastern India, Goddess Kali is widely worshipped on Diwali night as Kali Puja.
What is Bhai Dooj and when is it in 2026?
Bhai Dooj falls on Tuesday 10 November 2026 and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak and pray for their brothers' well-being, and the two exchange gifts and sweets.
What mantras are recited during Lakshmi Puja?
Devotees commonly recite the Lakshmi mantra 'Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah' and invoke Ganesha with 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah'. Many families also read the Sri Sukta and sing traditional aartis during the puja.
How is Diwali celebrated differently across India?
North India emphasises Lakshmi Puja and Lord Rama's return; western India marks a new business year; southern India observes the pre-dawn Naraka Chaturdasi bath; and eastern India celebrates Kali Puja on Diwali night.
