Diwali 2026 — Date & Puja Guide

Diwali (Deepavali), the festival of lights, falls on November 8, 2026, preceded by Dhanteras on November 6. It's the most widely celebrated festival in the Sanatan calendar — a five-day arc marking the victory of light over darkness, and of knowledge over ignorance.

The Story Behind Diwali

Diwali marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile and his victory over Ravana — the people of Ayodhya are said to have lit rows of lamps (deepavali, "a row of lights") to welcome him home. The festival is also tied to Goddess Lakshmi's emergence from the ocean of milk, and to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped alongside Lakshmi for wisdom and a good start. Across these threads runs one idea: light overcoming darkness, inside and out.

Dhanteras — The Opening Day (Nov 6)

Dhanteras marks the emergence of Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, bearing the nectar of immortality, alongside the worship of Lakshmi for prosperity. It's traditionally considered an auspicious day to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils, and to light the first lamps of the season.

Diwali — Lighting the Inner and Outer Lamp (Nov 8)

The main day centers on Lakshmi Puja in the evening — homes are cleaned and lit with diyas, doorways decorated with rangoli, and prayers offered for prosperity and well-being for the year ahead. Regional customs vary: North India centers the day on Rama and Lakshmi; South India often begins with an early oil bath and new clothes; in Gujarat, Diwali marks the start of the New Year, observed with Chopda Pujan — the ritual blessing of new account books.

A Simple Home Puja Guide

1. Clean and declutter your space in the days before — Lakshmi is said to enter a clean, well-lit home
2. Light diyas at the entrance and around your home at dusk on Diwali evening
3. Set aside a few minutes for a simple Lakshmi and Ganesha puja — even lighting a lamp before an image with a few minutes of quiet chanting is enough
4. Set a sankalp for the year ahead, since Diwali marks a new beginning in several regional calendars
5. Share sweets and light with family — Diwali is as much about connection as it is about ritual

If you want a simple mantra to chant during your evening puja, our guide to japa and mantra chanting walks through how to begin.