When Is Diwali 2026?
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world. The festival is known as the Festival of Lights and represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
In 2026, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Diwali is observed on the Amavasya Tithi of the Kartika month. The evening of Diwali is especially important for Lakshmi Puja, when devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for prosperity, happiness and peace.
Diwali 2026 Date and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
The main Diwali festival will be celebrated on November 8, 2026.
The exact Lakshmi Puja Muhurat can vary depending on your location. Therefore, it is important to check the Panchang for your city before performing the Puja.
For devotees in New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is expected to be from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on November 8, 2026.
Since Hindu festival timings are location-specific, people living in other cities should check the local Puja Muhurat for accurate timings.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
There are several traditions and stories associated with Diwali. One of the most widely known traditions is connected with Lord Rama.
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Goddess Sita and Lakshmana after completing fourteen years of exile and defeating Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting rows of earthen lamps. This tradition is associated with the celebration of Diwali as the Festival of Lights.
Diwali also holds an important spiritual meaning. The lighting of lamps represents the removal of darkness and ignorance and the beginning of a period filled with hope, positivity and knowledge.
Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja on Diwali
Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals performed on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the deity of wealth, prosperity and abundance. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi.
Before the Puja, people traditionally clean their homes and decorate them with diyas, flowers and Rangoli. During the evening, devotees prepare the Puja area, light lamps and offer flowers, fruits, sweets and other items to the deities.
The Puja is performed according to family and regional traditions. Devotees may also recite Lakshmi Mantras, perform Aarti and offer Prasad after completing the Puja.
Diwali Puja Samagri
The items required for Diwali Puja may vary according to individual traditions. Common Puja Samagri includes Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha idols or pictures, diyas, oil or ghee, incense sticks, flowers, Kumkum, Roli, Akshat, fruits, sweets, Prasad, Kalash, betel leaves, betel nuts and coins.
It is better to arrange all the required items before the Puja begins so that the rituals can be performed peacefully.
The Five Days of Diwali
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days. Each day has its own religious and cultural significance.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival and is associated with prosperity and well-being.
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is traditionally associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.
Diwali is the main festival day and is celebrated with Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, lighting of diyas and family celebrations.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the following day and is associated with Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
Bhai Dooj celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters and traditionally marks the end of the five-day Diwali celebrations.
Significance of Lighting Diyas
Lighting diyas is one of the most important traditions of Diwali. The light of the diya is considered a symbol of hope, positivity and the victory of light over darkness.
People place diyas at the entrance of their homes, near windows, in Puja areas and at other places around the house. Homes are also decorated with Rangoli, flowers and decorative lights to create a festive atmosphere.
How to Prepare for Diwali 2026
To prepare for Diwali, families traditionally clean and decorate their homes, arrange the required Puja Samagri and prepare sweets and Prasad. Many people also decorate their homes with diyas, Rangoli and flowers.
If you are planning to perform Lakshmi Puja, check the Diwali date and local Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in advance. Since the auspicious timing can differ from one location to another, checking the Panchang for your city is recommended.
Celebrate Diwali with Devotion and Joy
Diwali is not only a festival of lights but also a time for prayer, gratitude, family and new beginnings. The festival reminds us to remove negativity from our lives and bring light, positivity and goodness into our thoughts and actions.
As Diwali 2026 approaches, prepare your home, arrange your Puja Samagri and celebrate the festival with devotion and happiness.
May Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha bless you and your family with happiness, prosperity, peace and good fortune.
For the complete Diwali 2026 date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Puja Samagri and other important details, read the detailed Diwali guide on Sanatan Jyoti.
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