Diwali events in 2026 are on Sunday, November 8. This is the main day. Lakshmi Puja happens in the evening. The whole festival runs for five days from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 11.
If you are planning your Diwali events, you need the right dates. You need to know what happens on which day. And you need to know the story behind it. This guide has everything.
When Was Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on November 8. Sunday. Not November 9.
- Many people get confused. But the answer is simple. Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya. That is the new moon day. Lakshmi Puja is done in the evening. So the date is chosen by which day has Amavasya during the evening time.
- Amavasya starts at 11:27 AM on November 8 and ends at 12:31 PM on November 9 . On November 9, Amavasya ends before sunset. So the evening puja cannot happen on November 9. That is why Diwali is on November 8 .
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat in Delhi is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM . Pradosh Kaal is from 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM . Timings change from city to city. Check your local panchang.
Read More: How To Organise A Diwali Event: A Complete Planning Guide
Diwali Story
There are many stories about Diwali. But the main one is about Lord Rama.
- Rama was the prince of Ayodhya. His stepmother wanted her own son to be king. So she sent Rama to exile for 14 years. Rama went with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana.
- During exile, the demon king Ravana kidnapped Sita. Rama fought a big battle. He killed Ravana. Then he returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana.
- The people of Ayodhya were very happy. They lit diyas everywhere to welcome him home. That is why Diwali is called the festival of lights. The lights show the victory of good over evil .
- In South India, the story is different. People say Diwali marks Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura . In Bengal, people worship Goddess Kali . Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind from prison . Jains celebrate Lord Mahavira reaching nirvana .
So Diwali is one festival. But it has many stories. All of them show one thing. Good wins. Evil loses.
5 Days of Diwali 2026
Diwali is not one day. It is five days. Each day has its own meaning.
Day 1 - Dhanteras (November 6, Friday)
This is the first day. People buy gold, silver, or new utensils. It is considered lucky. They clean their homes. They make rangoli. Dhanteras puja is done in the evening. The puja window is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM .
Day 2 - Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi (November 7, Saturday)
This day marks Krishna's victory over Narakasura. People light diyas. They make sweets. It is a day of preparation for the main Diwali. Some people burst crackers on this day.
Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja or Main Diwali (November 8, Sunday)
This is the main day. People do Lakshmi Puja in the evening. They light diyas everywhere. They wear new clothes. They exchange gifts. They eat sweets. Fireworks happen at night. This is the biggest day of the festival.
Day 4 - Govardhan Puja (November 10, Tuesday)
This day honors Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain. People make small mountains of cow dung or food. They worship it. In some places, it is also called Annakut. People make many dishes and offer them to Krishna.
Day 5 - Bhai Dooj (November 11, Wednesday)
This is the last day. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put tilak on their brothers' foreheads. They pray for their long life. Brothers give gifts to sisters. It is a family day.
10 Points About Diwali
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Diwali means "row of lights" in Sanskrit. The word comes from Deepavali .
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It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Not just Hindus .
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Over 800 million people celebrate Diwali around the world .
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It is a five-day festival. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj .
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People light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their homes .
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Rangoli is made at the entrance. It is a colorful pattern made with powder, rice, or flowers .
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People clean their homes before Diwali. It is a fresh start for the new year .
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Gifts and sweets are exchanged. Families and friends meet .
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Fireworks are a big part of Diwali. But many people now prefer a green Diwali without crackers .
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Leicester in the UK has the largest Diwali celebration outside India .
You May Also Read: Easy Flower Rangoli Designs For Diwali: Simple & Beautiful Ideas
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated in many ways. But some things are common everywhere.
Cleaning the home
Weeks before Diwali, people clean their homes. They paint. They repair. They throw out old things. This is to welcome Lakshmi. People believe Lakshmi enters clean homes .
Decorating with diyas and lights
Diyas are small clay lamps. People light them and place them in rows. On windows. On doors. On balconies. Electric lights are also used. The whole house glows.
Making rangoli
Rangoli is a pattern made on the floor. It is made with colored powder, rice, or flower petals. It is placed at the entrance. It welcomes guests and Lakshmi .
Doing Lakshmi Puja
On the main day, families do Lakshmi Puja in the evening. They pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. They also pray to Lord Ganesha. The puja is done with diyas, flowers, sweets, and mantras.
Exchanging gifts and sweets
Diwali means gifts. People give sweets to neighbors. They give gifts to family. Children get new clothes and money. It is a time of giving .
Bursting fireworks
Fireworks are a big part of Diwali. People burst crackers at night. But crackers cause pollution. Many cities now have rules. Many families do a green Diwali. No crackers. Just lights and diyas.
Meeting family and friends
Diwali is a family festival. People visit relatives. They share meals. They play card games. They enjoy together. It is a time of togetherness.
FAQs
1. When was Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8. Not November 9.
2. What are the 5 days of Diwali 2026?
Dhanteras on November 6. Choti Diwali on November 7. Lakshmi Puja on November 8. Govardhan Puja on November 10. Bhai Dooj on November 11.
3. Why is Diwali on November 8 and not November 9?
Lakshmi Puja needs Amavasya in the evening. On November 8, Amavasya is present in the evening. On November 9, Amavasya ends before sunset. So the puja cannot happen on November 9.
4. What is the Lakshmi Puja time in 2026?
In Delhi, the muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on November 8. Pradosh Kaal is 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM. Check your city timings.
5. What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. People buy gold, silver, or utensils. It is considered lucky. Dhanteras 2026 is on November 6.
16. What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is the last day of Diwali. Sisters pray for their brothers. Brothers give gifts. It celebrates the brother-sister bond. Bhai Dooj 2026 is on November 11.
