Diwali 2026: Dates, Lakshmi Puja Timing and How to Celebrate

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. That is the main night of Lakshmi Puja, when homes glow with diyas and families sit down together for prayers and sweets. If you are planning the festival of lights this year, you still have a few weeks to get ready.

In this guide, you will find the full five-day calendar, a simple explanation of Lakshmi Puja timing, and practical ideas to celebrate at home, even if you live far from India.

When Is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November, on the night of Kartik Amavasya (the new moon). Most calendars agree on this date. However, the exact puja time changes from city to city, so always check a local source.

Diwali is not a single day, though. The celebration stretches across five days, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.

Diwali 2026 Calendar: The Five Days at a Glance

Note: A few panchangs list Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj one day later in India. Therefore, confirm the last two dates with your local temple or community calendar.

What Happens on Each Day of Diwali

Day 1: Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the start of the festival and is linked with wealth and good health. Many families buy something small but meaningful, such as a utensil, a coin or a piece of gold. Additionally, people clean their homes and light the first lamps.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

This day remembers Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. It stands for good winning over darkness. In many homes, people wake early, take a ritual bath and light more diyas in the evening.

Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja

This is the heart of the festival. Families clean and decorate the house, draw rangoli at the entrance and worship Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Ganesha. Afterwards, they share sweets, light lamps and enjoy a festive dinner. Business owners also begin new account books on this day.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja recalls how Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rain. Devotees prepare a large spread of vegetarian dishes, known as Annakut, as an offering of gratitude.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

The festival closes with Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their wellbeing. In return, brothers give small gifts.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Timing

Lakshmi Puja is usually performed in the evening, during Pradosh Kaal, which begins shortly after sunset. Because sunset differs from place to place, the muhurat is not the same everywhere.

For example, one 2026 panchang lists the Delhi window as roughly 5:47 PM to 7:13 PM, while Mumbai and Bangalore start a little later. Meanwhile, other sources publish slightly different windows because they use different calculation methods.

So what should you do? Follow these simple steps:

• Check the muhurat for your own city on a trusted panchang or your local temple’s announcement.
• Aim to start the puja within the Pradosh Kaal window after sunset.
• Finish cleaning and rangoli before the muhurat begins.

If you live outside India, the timing depends on your local sunset. In that case, your nearest Hindu temple is usually the best guide.

How to Prepare for Lakshmi Puja at Home

You do not need an elaborate setup. Most families keep it simple, and that works perfectly well.

1. Clean the home. Tradition says Lakshmi visits clean, well-lit homes.
2. Make a rangoli. Use coloured powder, flowers or rice flour near the entrance.
3. Set up the puja space. Place images or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on a clean cloth.
4. Gather the essentials. Diyas, flowers, incense, fruit, sweets and a few coins are common.
5. Light the lamps and offer prayers. Finish with the aarti and share the prasad.

Every family follows its own customs. Therefore, if your elders do something differently, simply follow their way.

Easy Ideas to Celebrate Diwali 2026

• Decorate with lights. Diyas, fairy lights and lanterns instantly change the mood.
• Cook one traditional sweet. Laddoo, barfi or kheer is enough to make the day feel special.
• Choose eco-friendly options. Clay diyas, natural colours and fewer firecrackers are kinder to the air and to pets.
• Share with others. Send sweets to neighbours, friends and colleagues.
• Call family. If you are away from home, a video call with relatives makes a big difference.

Celebrating Diwali Abroad or in the UAE

Many people celebrate Diwali far from their hometowns, and the UAE has a large and active Indian community. In general, you can expect festive lights, special menus, shopping offers and community events in the weeks around the festival. Temples also hold prayers, and community groups often organise gatherings.

Event details change every year. So, before you plan a visit, check the latest announcements from your local temple, community association or venue. If you are visiting the UAE around early November, it is also a lovely time to see how different cultures celebrate together. [INTERNAL LINK: add a link to your UAE tours or things-to-do page here]

Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2026

What is the date of Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November. The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 10 November.

Which day is the main Diwali day?

The third day, 8 November, is the main day. It is the night of Lakshmi Puja.

What is the best time for Lakshmi Puja in 2026?

The best time is during Pradosh Kaal after sunset on 8 November. The exact window depends on your city, so check a local panchang.

Is Diwali the same as Deepavali?

Yes. Both names refer to the same festival. “Deepavali” means a row of lights.

Why is Diwali called the festival of lights?

People light lamps to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The lamps also welcome prosperity into the home.

Final Thoughts

Diwali 2026 arrives on Sunday, 8 November, so there is plenty of time to plan. Keep the dates handy, confirm your local puja timing, and focus on what matters most: family, gratitude and a bit of light in every corner of the home.