Diwali 2026: Quick Answer
Diwali (Deepawali) 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM (1 hour 56 minutes), during Pradosh Kaal (5:31–8:09 PM) and Vrishabha Kaal (a fixed sthir lagna). The Kartik Amavasya tithi begins at 11:27 AM on 8 November and ends at 12:31 PM on 9 November. For those who perform Nishita puja, the Mahanishita Kaal is 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM.
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Amavasya begins | 11:27 AM, 8 Nov |
| Amavasya ends | 12:31 PM, 9 Nov |
| Lakshmi Puja muhurat | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal | 5:31 PM – 8:09 PM |
| Vrishabha Kaal | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| Mahanishita Kaal | 11:39 PM – 12:31 AM (9 Nov) |
| Simha Kaal | 12:25 AM – 2:42 AM (9 Nov) |
Diwali 2026: Full 5-Day Calendar
| Date | Day | Festival |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Nov | Thursday | Govatsa Dwadashi (Vasu Baras) |
| 6 Nov | Friday | Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Jayanti, Yama Deepam |
| 7 Nov | Saturday | Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja (Choti Diwali evening) |
| 8 Nov | Sunday | Narak Chaturdashi (morning abhyang snan), Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Kali Puja |
| 9 Nov | Monday | Diwali Snan, Dev Puja (Amavasya till 12:31 PM) |
| 10 Nov | Tuesday | Govardhan Puja, Annakut, Bali Pratipada, Gujarati New Year |
| 11 Nov | Wednesday | Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya, Chitragupta Puja |
Why Is Diwali on 8 November?
Lakshmi Puja is performed on Kartik Amavasya during Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset). In 2026, Amavasya begins at 11:27 AM on 8 November, so it fully covers the Pradosh Kaal of 8 November. On 9 November, Amavasya ends at 12:31 PM — well before sunset — so there is no Amavasya in that evening's Pradosh. Therefore 8 November is the correct date for Diwali.
An Unusual Feature of 2026
In 2026, Narak Chaturdashi's abhyang snan (5:41–6:38 AM) and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day, 8 November, because Chaturdashi is present at sunrise and Amavasya covers the evening. Many families will light the "Choti Diwali" lamps on the evening of 7 November, when Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja are observed.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Major Cities (8 November)
| City | Lakshmi Puja muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5:54 – 7:50 PM |
| Jaipur | 6:03 – 7:59 PM |
| Lucknow | 5:42 – 7:39 PM |
| Chandigarh | 5:52 – 7:46 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:27 – 8:27 PM |
| Pune | 6:24 – 8:24 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:22 – 8:20 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:20 – 7:18 PM |
| Hyderabad | 6:07 – 8:08 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 – 8:20 PM |
| Chennai | 6:06 – 8:09 PM |
Full details: Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja muhurat city-wise.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
- •Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the victory over Ravana — the people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps to welcome him.
- •Goddess Lakshmi's emergence from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) — many traditions associate her appearance with Kartik Amavasya, and she is worshipped for wealth and prosperity.
- •Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura — celebrated on Narak Chaturdashi.
- •Mahavira's nirvana (Jain Diwali) and Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh tradition).
Summary
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November. Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja in the Pradosh Kaal with the sthir Vrishabha lagna — 5:54 to 7:50 PM in Delhi. Dhanteras is on 6 November, Govardhan Puja on 10 November and Bhai Dooj on 11 November.
