Diwali: Dates, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & Hindu Panchang
Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya each year. In 2026, Diwali is on November 10. Here are the five-day festival dates, Lakshmi puja muhurat, Dhanteras timing and all related guides.
Diwali guides
Need the exact Lakshmi puja muhurat for your city on November 10, 2026? A Vyom Vaani astrologer can calculate it from your local panchang.
What are the five days of Diwali?
The five-day Diwali festival: Day 1 - Dhanteras (Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, October 18, 2026), Day 2 - Chhoti Diwali/Narak Chaturdashi (October 19), Day 3 - Diwali/Lakshmi Puja (October 20), Day 4 - Govardhan Puja/Annakut (October 21), Day 5 - Bhai Dooj (October 22, 2026).
What is the story behind Diwali?
Diwali celebrates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved king. It also celebrates Goddess Lakshmi's manifestation from the Samudra Manthan, and in some regions, Mahakali's victory over evil. Each tradition adds its own layer of significance to this festival of light.
What is Diwali puja vidhi?
Diwali puja (Lakshmi Puja) on the main evening: Clean and decorate the home. Draw rangoli at the entrance. Set up a puja altar with Lakshmi, Ganesha idols, sweets, coins, and a new account book. Light ghee diyas throughout the home. Perform puja: Ganesh puja first, then Lakshmi puja with flowers, sindoor, kumkum, and sweets. Light fireworks after puja. Distribute sweets and exchange gifts.
Which date is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on October 20, 2026 (Tuesday), Kartik Krishna Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja muhurat is in the evening after sunset. The five-day Diwali festival runs from October 18 (Dhanteras) to October 22 (Bhai Dooj) in 2026.
Why are clay diyas preferred on Diwali?
Clay diyas (oil lamps) represent Earth element and are considered most sacred and traditional on Diwali. The clay represents the human body; the oil is life-force; the flame is the soul. Lighting clay diyas is an ancient tradition going back thousands of years, predating electric lights. Modern Diwali incorporates both clay diyas (for ritual) and electric lights (for decoration).
What are the best Diwali sweets?
Traditional Diwali sweets: Besan laddoo, kaju katli, gulab jamun, jalebi, kheer, halwa, peda, barfi, rasgulla, and regional specialties like Mysore Pak (South India), Shankarpali (Maharashtra), and Mathri (North India). Gifting boxes of mixed sweets (mithai) is an essential Diwali tradition.
What is the significance of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?
On Diwali night (Amavasya), Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit homes that are clean, illuminated, and filled with devotion. Puja on this night invites Lakshmi's blessings of prosperity, wealth, and happiness for the coming year. The tradition of cleaning and lighting the home before Diwali is rooted in making the house worthy of Lakshmi's visit.
Is Diwali celebrated only in India?
Diwali is celebrated globally. It is a public holiday in 10+ countries including India, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Major celebrations also happen in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and all countries with significant South Asian diaspora populations.