Diwali 2026: Important Dates, Puja Muhurat & Festival Details

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of India’s most celebrated festivals. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Families celebrate by decorating their homes, lighting diyas, performing Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional sweets.

In 2026, the main Diwali celebration falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Whether you are preparing for Lakshmi Puja, planning your festive shopping, or looking for beautiful Diwali home decoration ideas, this guide covers the important dates, puja muhurat, rituals, and preparations.

When Is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Diwali is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. The festival is celebrated over several days, with each day having its own religious and cultural significance.

According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for New Delhi is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026.

Source: Drik Panchang – Diwali 2026

Diwali 2026: Important Dates and Festival Calendar

Here are the key dates for the Diwali festive period in 2026.

Note: Festival observances can vary by region and Panchang calculations. Confirm the exact Chhoti Diwali rituals and timings with your local calendar or priest.

1. Dhanteras – 6 November 2026

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the main Diwali festive period. Many families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari and consider purchasing gold, silver, utensils, or other useful household items.

Popular Dhanteras preparations include:

• Cleaning and decorating the home.
• Lighting diyas near the entrance.
• Buying festive gifts and household essentials.
• Preparing sweets and arranging puja items.

2. Chhoti Diwali – 7–8 November 2026

Chhoti Diwali, associated with Naraka Chaturdashi, is traditionally observed before the main Diwali celebration. Customs vary according to regional calendars.

People clean and decorate their homes, light lamps, and prepare for the main festival. In some traditions, an early-morning ritual bath is also important.

3. Main Diwali – 8 November 2026

The main Diwali day is dedicated to Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja in many Hindu households. Families decorate their homes with diyas, rangoli, flowers, torans, and lights.

People pray for prosperity, happiness, peace, and success, followed by festive meals and the exchange of gifts and sweets.

4. Govardhan Puja – 10 November 2026

Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan. Many devotees prepare Annakut, a traditional offering of various food items, and worship Govardhan.

5. Bhai Dooj – 11 November 2026

Bhai Dooj celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters traditionally apply a tilak to their brothers and pray for their well-being, while families exchange gifts and share festive meals.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat

Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals of Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, who is associated with wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

Lakshmi Puja Timings for Delhi

• Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
• Lakshmi Puja muhurat: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM
• Amavasya Tithi begins: 11:27 AM on 8 November
• Amavasya Tithi ends: 12:31 PM on 9 November

These timings are for New Delhi and are based on the Drik Panchang calendar. The precise puja window may vary slightly across Panchangs.

For other cities, consult the local timings at Drik Panchang.

Why Is Lakshmi Puja Important on Diwali?

Lakshmi Puja is performed to seek blessings for prosperity, financial well-being, happiness, and peace. Many families also worship Lord Ganesha before beginning the main puja.

People traditionally clean their homes, prepare the puja area, decorate the entrance, and light diyas to welcome auspiciousness into their lives.

Diwali Puja Samagri Checklist

Before performing Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, prepare the necessary items.

• Lakshmi and Ganesh idols or pictures
• Puja thali and a clean cloth
• Diyas, cotton wicks, and ghee or oil
• Roli, kumkum, turmeric, and rice
• Fresh flowers and garlands
• Incense sticks and camphor
• Kalash and water
• Fruits, sweets, and dry fruits
• Coconut and betel nuts
• Coins or other traditional offerings
• Rangoli colours and decorative items

The precise items may differ according to family traditions and the puja method followed.

How to Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali

Follow your family’s customary rituals or the guidance of your priest. A traditional home puja may include these steps:

Step 1: Clean the home

Clean the house, especially the entrance and puja area. Arrange the idols and puja items neatly.

Step 2: Decorate the entrance

Use a toran, flowers, rangoli, and diyas to create a welcoming festive atmosphere.

Step 3: Prepare the puja space

Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean platform with a suitable cloth and arrange the offerings.

Step 4: Begin the puja

Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, followed by Goddess Lakshmi, according to your family tradition.

Step 5: Offer flowers, sweets, and other items

Make the customary offerings and recite prayers or mantras as appropriate.

Step 6: Perform aarti

Conclude the puja with aarti and distribute prasad among family members.

Step 7: Light diyas

Light diyas safely around the home and enjoy the festival with family and friends.

Diwali 2026 Home Decoration Ideas

Home decoration is one of the most enjoyable parts of Diwali. A thoughtfully decorated entrance, living room, or puja corner can create a warm and festive atmosphere.

1. Decorate Your Entrance with Torans

A traditional toran instantly enhances the appearance of your main door. Choose floral, beaded, embroidered, or handmade torans that complement your home’s style.

2. Add Colour with Rangoli and Diya Mats

Create a colourful rangoli at the entrance or near the puja area. Decorative rangoli mats and diya mats offer a convenient alternative to creating intricate designs from scratch.

3. Use Decorative Jhumars and Hangings

Decorative jhumars, wall hangings, and latkans can add festive detail to doors, walls, and corners. Choose coordinated colours for a balanced look.

4. Illuminate Your Home with Diyas and Lights

Combine traditional diyas with decorative string lights. Use lights around balconies, windows, doorways, and puja areas, ensuring that electrical connections remain safe.

5. Create a Beautiful Puja Corner

Arrange the idols, flowers, diyas, and puja essentials on a clean platform. A coordinated decoration theme can make the puja area feel special without overcrowding it.

6. Choose Handmade Decorations

Handmade decorations can add a traditional and personal touch to your celebrations. Torans, latkans, diya holders, rangoli mats, and decorative hangings can also make thoughtful festive gifts.

Diwali Shopping and Gift Ideas for 2026

Diwali shopping often includes clothing, sweets, jewellery, household essentials, and gifts for family and friends.

If you are planning your festive shopping, consider:

• Traditional torans and door hangings.
• Decorative diya holders and diya mats.
• Handmade jhumars and latkans.
• Rangoli mats and festive table decorations.
• Sweet boxes and dry-fruit gift hampers.
• Decorative items for puja rooms and living spaces.

Planning ahead gives you more time to compare products, organise gifts, and prepare your home before the festival.

Tips for Celebrating a Safe and Eco-Friendly Diwali

Make your celebrations enjoyable while keeping your family, neighbours, pets, and environment in mind.

• Prefer reusable decorations wherever possible.
• Use diyas and candles on stable, non-flammable surfaces.
• Keep flames away from curtains, paper, and other combustible materials.
• Switch off decorative electrical lights when unattended.
• Avoid excessive noise and follow local firecracker restrictions.
• Keep children supervised around flames and electrical decorations.
• Dispose of packaging and festival waste responsibly.

A beautiful Diwali does not require excessive waste or unsafe decorations. Thoughtful planning can make the celebration both memorable and responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2026

1. When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

2. What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026 in Delhi?

The Drik Panchang Lakshmi Puja muhurat for New Delhi is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026.

3. When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026.

4. When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?

Govardhan Puja is observed on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, according to the festival calendar used in this guide.

5. When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?

Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

6. Why do people worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?

Goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings for their homes and families.

7. How can I decorate my home for Diwali 2026?

Decorate your home with torans, rangoli, diyas, fairy lights, flowers, handmade hangings, and decorative diya mats. Coordinate the colours and keep walkways clear and safe.

8. What should I buy before Diwali?

Popular purchases include puja essentials, festive clothing, sweets, gifts, torans, rangoli decorations, diyas, and other home-decoration items.

9. Are Diwali puja timings the same throughout India?

No. Local sunset times and Panchang calculations can affect the recommended puja timings. Check a reliable Panchang for your city.

Conclusion

Diwali 2026 is an opportunity to welcome prosperity, strengthen family bonds, and brighten your home with traditional decorations and festive celebrations.

With the main Diwali celebration falling on Sunday, 8 November 2026, you can prepare in advance by checking the local Lakshmi Puja muhurat, arranging puja samagri, planning festive shopping, and decorating your home.

From beautiful torans and handmade hangings to rangoli mats and glowing diyas, the right decorations can help make your celebrations even more special.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Diwali 2026 filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and light!