The Diwali 2026 date is Sunday, November 8, 2026. The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, and ends with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11. Because the main day falls on a Sunday, many families will have extra time for puja, travel and shopping.
This guide gives you the full calendar, the puja timings reported for Delhi, and a few planning tips. Timings change from city to city, so always check your local panchang or your priest before you finalise the puja.
Diwali 2026 Date and Calendar at a Glance
| Day | Festival | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) | November 6, 2026 |
| Saturday | Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas) | November 7, 2026 |
| Sunday | Diwali and Lakshmi Puja | November 8, 2026 |
| Tuesday | Govardhan Puja (Annakut) | November 10, 2026 |
| Wednesday | Bhai Dooj | November 11, 2026 |
Some calendars show slightly different dates for Chhoti Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, because they depend on when each tithi begins and ends in your location. If your family follows a particular tradition, go with your local panchang.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
According to published panchang sources, the Amavasya tithi begins on November 8 at about 11:28 AM and ends on November 9 at about 12:32 PM. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening of November 8 during the pradosh period.
- Pradosh puja window (Delhi): about 5:41 PM to 8:17 PM, according to one report.
- Lakshmi Puja muhurat (Delhi): about 5:55 PM to 7:51 PM, according to another panchang source.
- Dhanteras puja muhurat (Delhi): about 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on November 6.
These are approximate and based on New Delhi. Cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai have different sunset times, so their muhurat differs by several minutes.
What Each Day of Diwali Means
- Dhanteras: the start of the festival, linked with health and prosperity. Many people buy gold, silver, utensils or other new items.
- Chhoti Diwali: a day of preparation, cleaning and early lamps, also called Naraka Chaturdashi.
- Diwali: the main day, with Lakshmi and Ganesh puja, lamps, rangoli and sweets.
- Govardhan Puja: celebrated the day after the Amavasya ends, often with Annakut offerings. In Gujarat, the new year is also celebrated around this time.
- Bhai Dooj: a day for brothers and sisters, with tilak, gifts and a family meal.
Planning Tips for Diwali Week
- Plan travel early. Trains and flights fill up fast around the long weekend.
- Set a budget. Decide on a total for gifts, sweets, decorations and clothes before you start shopping. Our guide on how to save money every month can help.
- Shop safely online. Offers during Diwali attract scammers. Read our guide to festive sale scams in India.
- Check your local rules. Some cities restrict firecrackers or have timing limits, so check before you plan.
- Keep safety in mind. Keep lamps and candles away from curtains, and keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, November 6, 2026.
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Most calendars show Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Some local panchangs place it a day earlier, so check yours.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time in 2026?
In Delhi, reports give an evening window beginning around 5:41 PM to 5:55 PM and ending between about 7:51 PM and 8:17 PM. Check your city's timing.
Is Diwali a bank holiday in 2026?
Holidays vary by state and bank. Check the official holiday list from your bank or employer.
Conclusion
The Diwali 2026 date is Sunday, November 8, and the celebrations run from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 11. Plan travel and shopping early, confirm your local puja timing, and keep safety at the top of your list.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information. Festival dates and timings are based on published panchang and news sources and vary by location and tradition. Please confirm with your local panchang or priest.
