Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, 5-Day Calendar and Global FAQs
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated by millions of people in India and around the world. Often called the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
For Hindus living outside India, Diwali remains an important cultural and religious occasion. Hindu temples, community organizations, families and businesses across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and other parts of the world celebrate Diwali with prayers, Lakshmi Puja, diyas, rangoli, sweets, family gatherings and community events.
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The most important evening observance is Lakshmi Puja, traditionally performed during the Pradosh period after sunset. However, the exact Lakshmi Puja muhurat is not the same everywhere. It depends on the local Panchang, sunset time and geographical location.
The following FAQ guide explains everything you need to know about Diwali 2026.
Diwali 2026 FAQs
1. When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The main Diwali celebration takes place on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Although Diwali is celebrated internationally on the same Gregorian calendar date in most Hindu calendars, the precise timings of religious observances depend on the location.
2. Why is Diwali on November 8 in 2026?
Diwali is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date.
The main Diwali celebration is associated with Kartik Amavasya. In 2026, the relevant Amavasya falls across November 8 and November 9, with the principal Diwali evening occurring on November 8.
According to the location-based Panchang calculations, Amavasya begins at approximately 11:27 AM IST on November 8 and ends at approximately 12:31 PM IST on November 9.
3. Is Diwali 2026 on October 20?
No.
October 20, 2026 is Dussehra/Vijayadashami, while Diwali comes later in the year.
Diwali 2026 falls on November 8, 2026.
4. What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is location-specific.
For example, Panchang calculations give the following approximate timings on November 8, 2026:
| Location | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:27 PM – 8:27 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:22 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Chennai | 6:07 PM – 8:09 PM |
| Hyderabad | 6:07 PM – 8:08 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:20 PM – 7:18 PM |
| Pune | 6:24 PM – 8:24 PM |
These are local times for each city, demonstrating why a single worldwide clock time should not be used for Lakshmi Puja.
For Hindus living outside India, the appropriate muhurat should similarly be calculated for the city and local time zone where the puja is being performed.
5. Why does the Lakshmi Puja time differ from country to country?
The Hindu Panchang uses astronomical calculations that depend partly on the geographical location.
Sunset, sunrise, the ascendant (Lagna), tithi and other Panchang elements can vary between locations.
Therefore, a family performing Lakshmi Puja in London, New York, Toronto, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney or Johannesburg should use the local Panchang timing for that city rather than simply converting an Indian muhurat into another time zone.
This is particularly important for the traditional Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal calculations.
6. What is the Amavasya tithi on Diwali 2026?
The Amavasya tithi associated with Diwali 2026 begins at approximately:
11:27 AM IST — November 8, 2026
and ends at approximately:
12:31 PM IST — November 9, 2026.
The actual clock time will naturally appear different when expressed in another country’s local time.
7. What is Pradosh Kaal on Diwali?
Pradosh Kaal is the period around sunset that is traditionally considered significant for Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
The exact duration varies by location because sunset occurs at different times.
For example, in Ahmedabad in 2026, Pradosh Kaal is approximately 5:58 PM to 8:32 PM, while in New Delhi it is approximately 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.
8. What is Vrishabha Kaal?
Vrishabha Kaal refers to the period during which Taurus, or Vrishabha, is rising.
Traditional Diwali Panchang calculations consider the Vrishabha period significant for Lakshmi Puja. In several Indian cities in 2026, the principal Lakshmi Puja muhurat coincides with this period.
Because the ascendant changes according to geographical location, Vrishabha Kaal is also location-specific.
9. What are the five days of Diwali 2026?
Diwali is commonly described as a five-day festival. The principal observances are:
Dhanteras — associated with wealth, prosperity and Lord Dhanvantari.
Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali — associated with the story of Narakasura.
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja — the main Festival of Lights and the principal evening of Lakshmi worship.
Govardhan Puja / Annakut — associated with Lord Krishna and the Govardhan tradition.
Bhai Dooj — celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
The precise dates and regional observances can vary among Hindu traditions and communities.
10. When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is celebrated immediately before the main Diwali day.
It is traditionally associated with prosperity, health and wealth, and many families consider it an auspicious occasion for purchasing gold, silver, utensils or other items.
The exact Dhanteras date and Dhanteras Puja Muhurat should be checked according to the local Panchang.
11. When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026?
Naraka Chaturdashi, commonly called Choti Diwali, is observed around the main Diwali celebration.
It is traditionally associated with the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
Different regions observe Naraka Chaturdashi in somewhat different ways, including traditional oil baths, prayers and the lighting of lamps.
12. When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Govardhan Puja follows the main Diwali celebration.
It is particularly associated with the worship of Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna, commemorating the traditional story in which Krishna protected the people of Braj from torrential rain by lifting Govardhan Hill.
In some communities, the day is also celebrated as Annakut, with elaborate offerings of food.
13. When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Bhai Dooj is traditionally observed after Diwali and celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.
Sisters commonly perform a ceremonial tilak for their brothers and families exchange blessings, gifts and sweets.
The exact muhurat varies according to the local Panchang.
14. 14. Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Bhagwan Shri Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana.
According to the Ramayana tradition, Bhagwan Ram, along with Mata Sita and his brother Lakshman, returned to Ayodhya after completing their fourteen-year exile and defeating Ravana, the king of Lanka.
The people of Ayodhya welcomed their beloved king by illuminating the city with rows of oil lamps. The darkness of the night was transformed into a celebration of light, joy and devotion. This traditional account is the reason Diwali is popularly known as the Festival of Lights.
The story of Shri Ram’s return is more than a historical episode for devotees. It represents the restoration of dharma, the triumph of righteousness over adharma and the return of a righteous king to his kingdom.
The Government of India’s tourism resources describe Diwali as commemorating the return of Lord Ram to his people after fourteen years of exile, while the Press Information Bureau similarly identifies the return of Ram, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after their exile and their victory over Ravana as a major traditional event associated with Deepavali.
This is also why Ayodhya has a particularly profound connection with Diwali. The modern Ayodhya Deepotsav specifically commemorates Shri Ram’s return to his birthplace after fourteen years of exile, with the city illuminated by millions of lamps.
At the same time, Diwali has acquired additional religious meanings across different Hindu traditions and regions. Some traditions connect particular Diwali days with Bhagwan Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Goddess Lakshmi, Govardhan Puja and other sacred events. These traditions add to the richness of Diwali, but the Ramayana tradition of Shri Ram’s return to Ayodhya remains one of the most widely recognized explanations for why Diwali is celebrated.
15. Why is Goddess Lakshmi worshipped on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi is traditionally associated with wealth, prosperity, abundance and good fortune.
On Diwali night, families clean and decorate their homes before performing Lakshmi Puja. Many devotees believe that a clean, illuminated and welcoming home symbolizes readiness to receive prosperity and divine blessings.
16. Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped with Goddess Lakshmi?
Lord Ganesha is traditionally associated with auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles.
Consequently, many Hindu families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja together on Diwali.
The combination represents prosperity accompanied by wisdom, auspiciousness and the removal of obstacles.
17. What should be done before Lakshmi Puja?
Common Diwali preparations include:
- Cleaning the house
- Decorating the entrance
- Creating rangoli
- Arranging diyas
- Preparing sweets and offerings
- Setting up the puja area
- Cleaning business premises
- Organizing account books and financial records
- Preparing Lakshmi and Ganesha idols or images
- Taking a traditional bath before the evening puja
Individual customs vary considerably among families.
18. What is Chopda Puja?
Chopda Puja is particularly associated with business communities, especially in western India.
Traditional account books are worshipped during Diwali, symbolizing the beginning of a new financial year or accounting cycle.
In the modern world, businesses may also ceremonially worship computers, accounting systems, documents and other tools used in their work.
19. Is buying gold on Diwali considered auspicious?
Buying gold, silver or other valuables around Dhanteras and Diwali is a longstanding tradition among many Hindu families.
The practice is associated with prosperity and good fortune.
However, the religious tradition and the financial decision are separate matters. Gold prices fluctuate, so an investment decision should be based on one’s financial circumstances rather than solely on the festival.
20. When should diyas be lit on Diwali?
Diyas are traditionally lit around sunset and throughout the Diwali evening.
Families commonly place lamps:
- Near the main entrance
- On windowsills
- Around balconies
- Near the puja area
- In courtyards
- Around temples and other sacred spaces
The lighting of lamps symbolizes the removal of darkness and the arrival of light.
21. What does Diwali symbolize?
At its broadest level, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Depending on the regional tradition, it can also represent the victory of good over evil, the return of Lord Rama, the worship of prosperity, the defeat of Narakasura, the Govardhan tradition and the renewal of relationships and community bonds.
22. How do Hindus outside India celebrate Diwali?
Diwali has become a major Hindu cultural celebration around the world.
Hindu communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, South Africa and many other countries organize:
- Temple celebrations
- Lakshmi Puja
- Community dinners
- Cultural programmes
- Diwali fairs
- Rangoli competitions
- Traditional music and dance
- Family gatherings
- Fireworks where legally permitted
- Charity and community activities
For many NRIs, Diwali also provides an opportunity to introduce younger generations to Hindu traditions and Indian cultural heritage.
23. Do Diwali timings change outside India?
Yes.
The date of Diwali remains November 8, 2026, but the precise timings for Lakshmi Puja, Pradosh Kaal and other observances can differ depending on location.
A Hindu family in New York should not automatically use the Lakshmi Puja timing calculated for Delhi. Similarly, a family in London, Toronto, Dubai or Sydney should use the Panchang calculated for its own location.
24. What time is Diwali 2026 in the USA, UK, Canada and other countries?
There is no single worldwide Diwali Puja time.
The date is:
Sunday, November 8, 2026
but the appropriate Lakshmi Puja muhurat must be calculated using the local time and geographical coordinates of the city.
For example, the muhurat in New York will not be the same clock time as the muhurat in London or Toronto.
Therefore, people outside India should search for “Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat + [city name]” or consult the Panchang followed by their local Hindu temple or family.
25. Can NRIs perform Lakshmi Puja if the Indian muhurat has already passed?
Yes.
The purpose of a muhurat is to identify a traditionally auspicious period for an activity. Hindu families living abroad should follow the local Panchang rather than assuming that the Indian clock time is universally applicable.
For families who cannot perform the puja during the preferred muhurat because of work, school or other practical circumstances, following their family tradition or guidance from their temple or priest can help determine an appropriate alternative.
26. Is Diwali a Hindu-only festival?
Diwali has its roots in Hindu religious traditions, but the festival has also acquired broader cultural significance.
Different religious communities have their own Diwali-related traditions. Jains associate the period with the attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavira, while Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, which often coincides with Diwali.
The ways in which the festival is understood and celebrated therefore vary across communities.
27. Is Diwali a public holiday everywhere?
No.
Diwali is a major public holiday in India and is also officially recognized in some other countries or regions. However, it is not a universal public holiday worldwide.
In countries where Diwali is not a public holiday, Hindu communities may celebrate it through temples, community organizations, schools, workplaces and family gatherings.
28. Is Diwali 2026 on a weekend?
Yes.
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8.
This may make it convenient for many families and community organizations to organize celebrations, although the surrounding observances may extend across several days.
29. What are some eco-friendly ways to celebrate Diwali?
Families can celebrate Diwali while reducing environmental impact by:
- Using traditional clay diyas
- Reusing decorations
- Choosing natural rangoli materials
- Reducing plastic decorations
- Avoiding unnecessary food wastage
- Choosing reusable gift packaging
- Using LED lighting where appropriate
- Limiting fireworks
- Following local firework and noise regulations
30. What is the spiritual significance of lighting a diya?
The diya is one of the central symbols of Diwali.
The small flame represents light overcoming darkness and is often interpreted spiritually as the illumination of consciousness and knowledge.
For many devotees, lighting a diya is therefore more than a decorative practice; it is part of the spiritual atmosphere of the festival.
Diwali 2026 Quick Guide
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Diwali 2026 date | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Main festival | Diwali / Deepavali |
| Main Puja | Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja |
| Tithi | Kartik Amavasya |
| Amavasya begins | November 8, approximately 11:27 AM IST |
| Amavasya ends | November 9, approximately 12:31 PM IST |
| Lakshmi Puja | Evening of November 8 |
| Puja timing | Location-specific |
| Pradosh Kaal | Location-specific |
| Five-day observances | Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj |
The Amavasya timings above are expressed in Indian Standard Time for reference; devotees outside India should use their local Panchang for local timings.
Final Word
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated worldwide on Sunday, November 8.
From India to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East and other parts of the world, Hindu families will come together to light diyas, perform prayers, decorate their homes, exchange sweets and celebrate the Festival of Lights.
One of the most important points for devotees living outside India is that the Diwali date and the Lakshmi Puja muhurat are two different things. While the principal festival falls on November 8, the exact auspicious Puja period changes according to the location.
Therefore, whether you are celebrating Diwali in Delhi, Mumbai, London, New York, Toronto, Dubai, Singapore or Sydney, check the local Panchang for the precise Lakshmi Puja, Pradosh Kaal and other muhurat timings.
Diwali ultimately goes beyond a single date or ritual. It is a festival of light, renewal, devotion, prosperity, family and hope — a tradition that continues to connect Hindu communities across the world.
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