Diwali (Deepavali)

When is Diwali (Deepavali)? — Dates

These are stored observance dates. Local timings and traditions can differ; each date includes its calendar references below.

Why is Diwali (Deepavali) celebrated?

Deepavali means "a row of lamps". It lights up the new-moon night of Kartik — one of the darkest nights of the year — with countless lamps, symbolising the victory of knowledge over ignorance and of light over darkness.

In North India, Diwali is chiefly linked to Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana; tradition holds that the people of Ayodhya welcomed him with rows of ghee lamps. The same night Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped — devotees believe Lakshmi, who emerged from the churning of the ocean, visits clean, well-lit homes on this night. Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is worshipped with her so that prosperity is joined by wisdom and auspiciousness.

Other stories are woven into the five days: Naraka Chaturdashi recalls Krishna's slaying of the demon Narakasura, Govardhan Puja recalls Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to shelter the people of Braj, and Bhai Dooj comes from the story of Yama and his sister Yamuna. In Bengal and eastern India the same night is Kali Puja.

For trading communities Diwali marks the opening of new account books (Chopda Puja). Cleaning the home, rangoli, new clothes, sweets and family gatherings make it India's largest religious and social celebration.

Puja Vidhi

1. Preparation: Clean the whole house and decorate the main entrance with a toran and rangoli. Check your local panchang for the timing — Lakshmi Puja is considered best in Pradosh Kaal, especially within the fixed Vrishabha (Taurus) lagna.

2. Setting up: On a low platform covered with red or yellow cloth, facing north or east, place an idol or image of Lakshmi and Ganesha (Ganesha to Lakshmi's left). Keep a kalash of water beside them.

3. Purification, sankalpa and Ganesh puja: Sprinkle water on yourself and the puja items, take a sankalpa, and worship Ganesha first.

4. Lakshmi puja: Offer Lakshmi roli, akshat, lotus or red flowers, incense, a lamp, kheel-batashe (puffed rice and sugar drops), sweets and fruit. Many also worship Kubera and their account books or safe. Recite the Shri Suktam, a Lakshmi mantra or the Ganesh Chalisa.

5. Aarti and lamps: Perform the aarti of Lakshmi and Ganesha, then light lamps in every room, at the doors, in the courtyard and near water sources. Traditionally one lamp is kept burning through the night.

6. Prasad: Share the prasad with the family and seek the blessings of elders. If you light fireworks, do so safely and follow local rules.

Rituals & Traditions

• Day 1 — Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) — Friday, 6 November 2026 — Kartik Krishna Trayodashi; Dhanvantari puja, buying new utensils or metal items, and the Yama Deepam lamp lit facing south in the evening.
• Day 2 — Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) — Drik Panchang (New Delhi) lists Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja on Saturday, 7 November, while the Naraka Chaturdashi abhyanga snan (ritual oil bath) falls at dawn on Sunday, 8 November 2026 — the same day as Lakshmi Puja.
• Day 3 — Diwali, Lakshmi Puja — Sunday, 8 November 2026 — Kartik Amavasya; Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM (Pradosh Kaal 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM); Kali Puja in Bengal.
• Day 4 — Govardhan Puja and Annakut — Tuesday, 10 November 2026 — Kartik Shukla Pratipada; this year it falls two days after Diwali because Amavasya lasts until about midday on 9 November. Also Bali Pratipada and the Gujarati New Year.
• Day 5 — Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) — Wednesday, 11 November 2026 — Kartik Shukla Dwitiya; sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life; Chitragupta Puja is also performed.