Diwali 2026 Date: Complete 5-Day Festival Calendar, Lakshmi Puja and Easy Planning Guide

The Diwali 2026 date is Sunday, 8 November 2026. Diwali is the main festival day of the five-day festive period commonly associated with Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

The Diwali 2026 date also affects travel, family gatherings and holiday planning. If you are combining the festival with a trip, you can also explore our Mana Valley travel guide.

For city-specific Lakshmi Puja timings, consult Drik Panchang’s Lakshmi Puja timings rather than relying on a generic national time.

If you are planning travel, shopping or Lakshmi Puja, the exact day and local timings matter. Panchang calculations can vary by location, so this guide separates the festival calendar from city-specific muhurat information.

Diwali 2026 Date and 5-Day Festival Calendar

The dates above follow the 2026 festival calendar for the referenced Indian panchang. Some regional traditions observe related rituals differently, so families should follow their local calendar where practices differ.

When Is Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026?

For New Delhi, Lakshmi Puja is listed for Sunday, 8 November 2026. Drik Panchang lists the Lakshmi Puja muhurat from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, with Pradosh Kaal from 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM. The Amavasya tithi begins at 11:27 AM on 8 November and ends at 12:31 PM on 9 November.

These are location-specific timings. If you live outside Delhi, do not simply copy Delhi’s puja window. Sunset and panchang calculations can change by city.

Diwali 2026 Date: Why the Date Matters for Planning

Diwali is not just one evening on the calendar. Homes, offices, schools, shops and families often plan several activities around the wider festival period. Knowing the exact date helps with travel bookings, shopping, family gatherings, puja arrangements and time off from work.

What Happens on Each Day?

Dhanteras — 6 November

Dhanteras is associated with prosperity and traditional purchases. Many households buy utensils, precious metals or other useful items and prepare their homes for Diwali.

Naraka Chaturdashi — 7 November

Often called Choti Diwali, this day is observed with lamps, cleaning, family rituals and regional traditions that vary across India.

Diwali — 8 November

The main Diwali evening is widely associated with lighting diyas, decorating homes and performing Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja. Families and communities may also exchange sweets and gifts.

Govardhan Puja — 9 November

Govardhan Puja is linked with the story of Krishna and Govardhan Hill. Food offerings and Annakut traditions are important in many communities.

Bhai Dooj — 11 November

Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, with regional customs involving tilak, prayers, meals and gifts.

Diwali 2026 Date: Preparation Checklist

• One month before: finalise travel plans and important family dates.
• Three weeks before: begin cleaning and decluttering room by room.
• Two weeks before: buy diyas, lights, rangoli materials and puja essentials.
• One week before: organise gifts, sweets, clothes and household supplies.
• Before Lakshmi Puja: confirm your city’s local muhurat and prepare the puja space.

Diwali 2026 Date: Shopping and Home Preparation

A simple checklist can prevent last-minute spending. Separate essential purchases from decorative items, decide your gift budget in advance and buy frequently needed festival supplies before the busiest days. If you are travelling, keep return tickets and accommodation details accessible rather than relying on last-minute availability.

Diwali 2026 Date: What Families Should Plan in Advance

Once you know the Diwali 2026 date, the next step is to turn the calendar into a practical plan. Diwali week can involve travel, shopping, family visits, religious observances and social events, so planning a few weeks ahead can make the celebration less rushed.

If you are travelling, compare departure and return dates rather than booking only for Diwali evening. Popular routes can become busy around the festival period. If you are staying at home, prepare gifts, decorations and household essentials gradually instead of buying everything during the final few days.

Plan Your Diwali Budget

Set separate amounts for essentials, gifts, food, decorations and travel. A written budget makes it easier to distinguish traditional necessities from optional purchases. It can also reduce last-minute spending when shops and online marketplaces become crowded with festive offers.

Prepare the Puja Space

Keep the area for Lakshmi Puja clean and organised before the evening begins. Place the items your family normally uses for the ceremony in one location and confirm the local muhurat beforehand. Because puja timings vary by city, the New Delhi timing should be treated as a reference rather than a universal time. citeturn0search0

Diwali 2026 Date: Regional Traditions and Local Timings

Diwali is celebrated across India, but customs, names of observances and the exact sequence of some rituals can differ by region and community. The five-day calendar used in this guide is a convenient national reference, while local panchang traditions may determine when a particular household performs an observance.

The difference is especially important for Lakshmi Puja. Drik Panchang lists 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM for New Delhi on November 8, 2026, while its city listings show different windows for places such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Pune. citeturn0search0

Diwali 2026 Celebration Checklist

• Confirm the main festival date and your local puja timing.
• Finish major cleaning before the final week.
• Prepare gifts, sweets and clothing in advance.
• Keep travel documents and booking details accessible.
• Use diyas and decorative lights safely and keep open flames away from curtains and other combustible materials.
• Check local rules and conditions before using fireworks.

For travellers looking for another Indian destination guide, you can also read our Mana Valley travel guide. Planning a larger international trip? Our Switzerland travel guide offers another travel-planning resource from Infinity Buzz.

Diwali 2026 Puja Timing: Why Your City Matters

Puja timings are calculated around astronomical and panchang factors, including local sunset and tithi. That is why a timing published for Delhi should not automatically be used in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata or another location.

For an exact local muhurat, enter your city into a reliable panchang service on the day of planning. This is especially important if the puja timing is a central part of your family’s observance.

Diwali 2026 Date: Frequently Asked Questions