Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & the Five Days
By Naam Jaap Editorial Team · July 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Diwali — the festival of lights — is the most cherished celebration of the Hindu year. Homes glow with diyas, families gather, and Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed for prosperity and joy. Here is the date for Diwali 2026, the all-important Lakshmi Puja muhurat, and the five days of the festival.
Diwali 2026 date and Lakshmi Puja muhurat
| Detail | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Tithi | Amavasya of Kartik month |
| Lakshmi Puja muhurat | approx. 6:29 PM – 8:29 PM |
Diwali falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartik, the darkest night of the month — which the lamps of Diwali transform into the brightest. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening, during the Pradosh period.
Timings vary by city. The muhurat above follows the Delhi/national standard. Confirm the exact Lakshmi Puja time for your location.
The significance of Diwali
Diwali (Deepavali, "a row of lamps") celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Its most famous story is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana — the people lit rows of lamps to welcome him home. It is also the night to worship Goddess Lakshmi, who brings wealth, wellbeing and prosperity.
The five days of Diwali 2026
Diwali is a five-day festival:
| Day | Festival | 2026 date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras — buying gold/utensils, Dhanvantari puja | 6 November |
| 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | 7 November |
| 3 | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | 8 November |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | 9 November |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj — celebrating the brother–sister bond | 10 November |
Lakshmi Puja vidhi
- Clean and decorate the home — cleanliness is said to invite Lakshmi. Make a rangoli and light diyas at the entrance and around the house.
- Set up the puja with idols or images of Lakshmi and Ganesha, a kalash, and offerings.
- During the muhurat, offer flowers, sweets, coins and lotus, light the lamp, and perform the aarti.
- Chant the mantra and pray for prosperity and wellbeing for the year ahead.
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः — Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on the Amavasya of the Kartik month.
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is approximately 6:29 PM to 8:29 PM on 8 November 2026. It shifts by 10–20 minutes between cities, so confirm for your location.
What are the five days of Diwali 2026?
Dhanteras (6 Nov), Naraka Chaturdashi (7 Nov), Diwali/Lakshmi Puja (8 Nov), Govardhan Puja (9 Nov) and Bhai Dooj (10 Nov).
Why is Lakshmi Puja done in the evening?
Lakshmi Puja is performed after sunset during the Pradosh period on Kartik Amavasya, the evening considered most auspicious for welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
Get festival dates & muhurat for your city
Check the exact date, tithi and shubh muhurat for your city with the free Naam Jaap Panchang.
Open the Panchang