Diwali 2026: Date, Puja Time, Significance and Celebration Guide

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartika month in the Purnimanta calendar, which is Ashwin Amavasya in the Amanta calendar used in western and southern India. In 2026 the main day falls on Sunday, 8 November.

The five days

The festival begins with Dhanteras on 6 November, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main Lakshmi Puja day, Govardhan Puja, and ends with Bhai Dooj on 11 November.

Finding the puja muhurat

Lakshmi Puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal, the period just after sunset, ideally while the Sthir (fixed) Lagna is rising. Because sunset differs by city, the muhurat in Mumbai is later than in Kolkata. Use the Hindu Panchang page with your city selected to see sunset and the Amavasya end time for that day.

Is it a public holiday?

Diwali is a gazetted central government holiday in India. Many states also give the day before or after as a restricted or state holiday, so check your state list before planning travel.