Where to Light Diyas on Diwali: Quick Answer
On Diwali night (Sunday, 8 November 2026), after the Lakshmi Puja (5:54–7:50 PM in Delhi), light diyas from the main puja lamp and place them at: (1) both sides of the main door, (2) the puja room, (3) the tulsi plant, (4) the kitchen, (5) the water source, (6) the locker or north side, (7) the courtyard and terrace, (8) windows and balconies, (9) the back door, and (10) a nearby temple or peepal tree. The puja lamp stays lit through the night. On Dhanteras (6 November), a separate Yama Deepam faces south outside the main door.
Placement Guide
| Place | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Main door (both sides) | Welcome Lakshmi, block negativity | Use a rangoli beneath; first diya to be lit |
| Puja room | Presence of the Goddess | Large ghee lamp, kept burning all night |
| Tulsi plant | Tulsi is a form of Lakshmi | Ghee or oil diya at the base |
| Kitchen | Blessing of Annapurna, never a shortage of food | Near the stove, away from gas |
| Water source (tap, tank, well) | Varuna's blessing and purity | Place on a plate, away from water splashes |
| Locker / north side | Kuber's direction | Small diya facing north |
| Courtyard (aangan) | Centre of the home's energy | Can be a group of 5 diyas |
| Terrace / roof corners | Light visible from afar, signal of welcome | Protect from wind |
| Windows and balcony | Every opening lit — no darkness enters | Keep away from curtains |
| Back door / backyard | Removes darkness from neglected corners | One diya is enough |
| Study room, books | Saraswati's blessing | Small diya |
| Vehicle, shop, office | Prosperity in work | A diya near the vehicle or cash counter |
| Nearby temple / peepal tree | Deep-daan for merit | Light before or after home puja |
Directions: Which Way Should the Flame Face?
- •East: for health and long life.
- •North: for wealth and prosperity (Kuber).
- •North-east: for the puja lamp.
- •South: generally avoided on Diwali night; reserved for the Yama Deepam on Dhanteras (6 November) and lamps for ancestors.
Sequence on Diwali Night
- 1At the start of Pradosh Kaal (5:31 PM in Delhi), light the main puja lamp and the first diya at the main door.
- 2Complete the Lakshmi-Ganesh puja.
- 3Worship a plate of diyas (Deepmalika puja) and light them from the main lamp.
- 4Place them in the order: puja room → main door → tulsi → kitchen → water → locker → other rooms → terrace → outside.
Lamps on the Other Days of Diwali 2026
- •6 Nov (Dhanteras): Yama Deepam — a four-wick lamp facing south outside the main door in Pradosh Kaal.
- •7 Nov (Choti Diwali/Kali Chaudas): many families light 14 diyas in the evening.
- •8 Nov (Diwali): the main deep-daan across the house.
- •10 Nov (Govardhan Puja) and 11 Nov (Bhai Dooj): a lamp at the main door and puja place.
Safety Tips
- •Keep diyas away from curtains, clothes, paper and rangoli powder heaps.
- •Place them on plates or stands, not directly on wooden floors.
- •Don't leave diyas unattended near children or pets.
- •Keep water or sand nearby.
- •On high-rise balconies, use covered lamps.
Summary
On 8 November 2026, after the Lakshmi Puja, light diyas at the main door, puja room, tulsi, kitchen, water source, locker, courtyard, terrace, windows and back door — with flames facing east or north. Keep the puja lamp burning through the night, and remember the south-facing Yama Deepam on Dhanteras (6 November).
