Diwali is much more than a festival of lights. It is a time when homes become warmer, families come closer, and even the smallest traditions create beautiful memories. From buying something special on Dhanteras to lighting diyas on Diwali night and celebrating the loving bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Dooj, every part of the festival has its own meaning.
Across India, Diwali is celebrated with devotion, decorations, sweets, gifts, prayers, and family gatherings. Although customs differ from one region to another, the message remains the same: welcome positivity, appreciate what you have, and share happiness with the people around you. Diwali is the most exciting and unique festival all around the world. It is one of the occasions when all the family members come together and celebrate the festival with gratitude, togetherness, kindness, and compassion.
If you are planning your festive shopping, preparing your home, or simply looking forward to celebrating with your loved ones, here is a complete guide to the five major days of Diwali 2026, including their dates, traditional rituals, and significance.
Diwali 2026: Complete Five-Day Festival Calendar
The most famous and grand festival of lights in the World, Diwali, is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil.
Table of Contents
Diwali 2026: Complete Five-Day Festival Calendar
We as Indians have a special love for Diwali – Children love Diwali vacations, Employees get bonuses, Housewives love to go shopping, and many buy a house, New clothes, Utensils, and
Ornaments. From this, you’ll come to know how auspicious this festival is.
What are the 5 Days of Diwali 2025?
5 Days of Diwali – Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and lasts for five Days, concluding on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
Every year, Diwali falls in either October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. It’s observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu calendar.
| Day 1 | Dhanteras, Yama Deepam | 6th November 2026, Friday |
| Day 2 | Chhoti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Puja | 7th November 2026 Saturday |
| Day 3 | Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) | 8th November 2026, Sunday |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja, Bali Pratipada,Gujarati New Year | 10nd November 2026, Tuesday |
| Day 5 | Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej Yama Dwitiya | 11rd November 2026, Wednesday |
Diwali is a 5-day festival; each day has a different meaning.
Get this High-quality PDF – 5 Days of Diwali 2025
Diwali is a 5-day festival; each day has a different meaning.
The five major Diwali observances represent different aspects of life, including prosperity, the victory of good over evil, spiritual renewal, gratitude towards nature, and family relationships.
Let’s understand the meaning of each day and the traditions associated with it.
First Day of Diwali Festival – Dhanteras (6th November 2026, Friday
The first day of Diwali is marked as Dhanteras ( Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi) – “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” is the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Panchanga.
God of Wealth Kubera, worshipped for wealth and prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Dhanteras.
Many believe that on this day, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, Mata Laxmi, was born. People clean their houses to welcome Maa Laxmi. It is considered to be auspicious to buy Gold, Silver, Kitchen Utensils, and Gadgets.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras reminds people that prosperity is not limited to money or material possessions. Good health, peace of mind, a happy family, and the ability to live comfortably are also valuable blessings.
Many households worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari to seek abundance and good health. In several traditions, people also light a diya in the evening as a prayer for the safety and well-being of their families.
Popular Dhanteras traditions
- Buying gold, silver, or utensils: Many people purchase jewellery, coins, kitchen utensils, or other useful household items, believing that these purchases symbolise good fortune and a prosperous beginning.
- Cleaning the home: Families tidy their homes, organise their belongings, and prepare their entrances for festive decorations.
- Performing Dhanteras Puja: Devotees offer prayers for health, financial stability, and happiness.
- Lighting diyas: Small oil lamps are placed near entrances, windows, or designated prayer areas to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Decorating the entrance: Rangoli, flowers, and traditional decorations add colour and a festive feel to the home.
How to celebrate Dhanteras in 2026
You do not need to make an expensive purchase to celebrate Dhanteras meaningfully. You can buy something useful within your budget, decorate your home, prepare a small puja arrangement, or spend time with your family.
The real spirit of the day lies in gratitude, thoughtful choices, and welcoming the festive season with a positive mindset.
Second Day of Diwali -Chhoti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Puja (7th November 2026 Saturday)
The Second day of Diwali is Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi. This day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the defeat of evil and the triumph of good. People celebrate by lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and performing rituals to rid themselves of laziness and negativity.
One of the important traditions on this day is the Abhyang Snan—a holy bath taken before sunrise to purify the body and soul. It is believed to eliminate all sins and bad karma, offering a fresh start for the new year.
Important Timings
Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 1:51 PM Oct 19 – Ends 3:44 PM Oct 20
Abhyang Snan: 5:12 AM to 6:25 AM on Oct 20 morning
In Bengal and some other regions, Kali Puja is observed on this day. Devotees worship Goddess Kali, the fierce incarnation of Shakti, to seek protection from evil forces. The puja is performed during the Nishita (midnight) time, considered highly auspicious for the worship of Maa Kali.
Kali Puja Nishita Time: 1.51 PM to 3.44 PM 20 October
Duration: 00 Hours 52 Minutes
Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated because on this day, the Lord Shri Krishna killed the demon Narakasur. Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar month of Kartik.
What is the significance of Chhoti Diwali?
The festival carries a simple but powerful message: negative habits and harmful actions should not control our lives. Just as light removes darkness from a room, courage, kindness, and wisdom can help us overcome difficulties.
For many people, Chhoti Diwali is also an opportunity to refresh their surroundings and prepare themselves for a joyful new beginning.
Popular Chhoti Diwali traditions
- Abhyanga Snan: In traditions that observe it, people take an oil bath before sunrise as a symbol of purification and renewal.
- Lighting small lamps: Diyas are placed around the home to continue the festive glow.
- Completing Diwali decorations: Families finish their rangoli, flower arrangements, lighting, and other preparations.
- Preparing festive food: Sweets and savoury snacks are prepared or purchased for the celebrations.
- Worship and prayers: Some families perform rituals connected with Naraka Chaturdashi, while customs differ across regions.
How to celebrate Chhoti Diwali in 2026
Use the day to complete your festive preparations without rushing. Arrange your diyas, prepare your favourite sweets, choose your festive clothes, and spend some relaxed time with your loved ones.
If you celebrate with fireworks, choose safer options and avoid noisy or polluting crackers wherever possible. Eco-friendly decorations and reusable lights can make the occasion more thoughtful.
Third Day of Diwali- Lakshmi Puja, Diwali (8th November 2026, Sunday)
The Third day is the main day of Diwali, also known as Lakshmi Puja, the festival of lights. On this day, homes are decorated with oil lamps, rangolis, and flowers to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The lighting of lamps signifies the removal of darkness and the arrival of prosperity.
People perform the Lakshmi Puja in the evening, seeking blessings for wealth and happiness. Families come together to offer prayers, light firecrackers, and enjoy sweets.
Why is Lakshmi Puja important?
Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals performed on Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped for wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
Many families pray for a year filled with financial stability, success in work or business, good health, and harmony at home.
The occasion also offers a chance to reflect on how prosperity can be used responsibly, including helping others and sharing what we have
Lakshmi Puja 2026 Timing
Main Muhurat: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM IST (1 hour 11 minutes)
Pradosh Kaal: 5:46 PM to 8:18 PM
Vrishabha Kaal (Best): 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM
Amavasya Tithi: Begins 3:44 PM Oct 20 – Ends 5:54 PM Oct 21
May the divine light of Diwali fill your life with peace, prosperity, and happiness. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Diwali!
Popular Diwali traditions
- Decorating the home: Families use diyas, decorative lights, torans, flowers, and rangoli to create a festive atmosphere.
- Performing Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja: Families arrange a clean prayer space, offer flowers and sweets, and perform rituals according to their customs.
- Lighting diyas: Traditional oil lamps are lit to symbolise hope, knowledge, and positivity.
- Wearing festive clothes: People often dress in traditional or new outfits and gather for celebrations.
- Sharing sweets and gifts: Exchanging mithai, dry fruits, and thoughtful presents is a way of expressing affection.
- Meeting family and friends: Visits, festive meals, and greetings help strengthen relationships.
How to celebrate Diwali in 2026
Start the day by preparing your home and arranging the items needed for your evening puja. You can make a rangoli, light traditional diyas, and enjoy a festive meal with your family.
During Lakshmi Puja, follow the customs of your household and check the local Panchang for the appropriate puja timings. Timings can differ by city, so avoid relying on a single nationwide muhurat.
You can also make your celebration more meaningful by donating food, helping someone in need, or sharing sweets with neighbours.
The beauty of Diwali is not measured by the number of decorations or gifts. It is found in the happiness, warmth, and kindness we bring into our homes and communities.
Four Days of Diwali- Govardhan Puja, Dyuta Krida, Gujarati New Year (10th November 2026, Tuesday)
The fourth day of Diwali is marked by Govardhan Puja and Bali Pratipada. This day holds great significance in various regions across India.
Govardhan Puja commemorates the time when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Braj from torrential rains sent by Devraj Indra, the god of rain. Angered by the villagers for not worshipping him, Indra unleashed heavy rains, but Krishna urged the people to worship nature instead, demonstrating the importance of ecological balance. Villagers took shelter under the hill, which Krishna held up with his little finger, saving them from the storm.
This day is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. In Gujarat, it marks the beginning of the Gujarati New Year.
Meanwhile, Bali Pratipada (also known as Bali Padyami) is celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It marks the victory of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar over the demon king Bali. King Bali was sent to the netherworld, but he was granted permission to visit his kingdom once a year, symbolizing the cycle of destruction and regeneration.
Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
Govardhan Puja expresses gratitude for nature’s gifts and the resources that support everyday living. It also highlights the value of standing together during difficult times.
The story of Lord Krishna protecting the villagers shows how leadership and collective effort can help a community overcome challenges.
In some regions, this day is also observed as Annakut, meaning a mountain of food. Devotees prepare and offer a variety of dishes to the deity as an expression of gratitude.
Popular Govardhan Puja traditions
- Govardhan Puja: Devotees worship Govardhan Hill symbolically and offer prayers to Lord Krishna.
- Annakut offerings: A variety of vegetarian dishes, grains, sweets, and other foods may be arranged as offerings, depending on local customs.
- Cattle worship: In many rural communities, cows and other cattle are decorated and honoured for their contribution to agriculture and daily life.
- Visiting temples: Devotees may visit Krishna temples or participate in community celebrations.
- Sharing food: Prasad and festive meals are distributed among family members and the community.
How to celebrate Govardhan Puja in 2026
You can celebrate by offering prayers to Lord Krishna, preparing a simple vegetarian meal, or sharing food with family and neighbours.
The day can also inspire small acts of environmental responsibility. Avoid wasting food, care for plants and animals, reduce unnecessary plastic, and appreciate the natural resources we often take for granted.
In Gujarat, this period is also associated with the Gujarati New Year in many traditions, making it a time for new beginnings, business prayers, and fresh resolutions.
Regional note: The exact observance of Govardhan Puja and related New Year traditions varies across India.
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:34 AM to 08:46 AM
Duration: 02 Hours 12 Minutes
In the evening, the Sayankala Muhurat is observed for another round of Govardhan Puja, followed by celebrations and festivities.
Govardhan Puja 2026 Timing
Morning Muhurat: 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM
Evening Muhurat: 3:29 PM to 5:44 PM
Pratipada Tithi: Begins 10:43 PM Oct 21 – Ends 11:18 PM Oct 22
This day also marks the Gujarati New Year, a time to welcome new beginnings with optimism and enthusiasm.
Fifth Day of Diwali- Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya (23rd October 2026, Thursday)
The last day of Diwali is Bhaiya Dooj, a day that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, praying for their well-being, while brothers promise to protect their sisters. This day is similar to Raksha Bandhan but emphasizes the post-Diwali bond.
In some regions, this is known as Bhau Beej, where brothers visit their sisters’ homes, and Yama Dwitiya, honoring the bond between Yama and his sister Yamuna.
Aparahna Muhurat: 12:34 PM to 2:51 PM (2 hours 17 minutes)
Dwitiya Tithi: Begins 8:16 PM Oct 22 – Ends 10:46 PM Oct 23
In this way, we celebrate 5 Days of Diwali 2026.
The main day of the festival of Diwali is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia (except Sarawak), Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
This festival varies from state to state throughout India. Like in North India, this festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama and Mata Sita from the Vanvas after the victory over evil Ravana.
The day when Lord Ram defeated Ravan with the help of Lord Hanuman and rescued Mata Sita from the Ashok Vatika is celebrated as Dussehra.
In South India, the festival is related to the defeat of the demon Narakasura, known as Deepavali.
There might be different traditions and rituals to celebrate the Diwali festival, but the main aim of the festival is to bring happiness, time for introspection, to contemplate and dispel our own darkness, and take away the sorrows.
Let light shine within yourself, and also shine this light outwards.
The festival is celebrated every year with great spirit and enthusiasm. All the houses, shops, and streets light up, making the place look so beautiful like a Jugnu in the sky.
Apart from these various rituals and practices, this is a common thing that all follow:
- Cleaning the Home
- Decorate the house with Diyas, Kandil, Rangoli, etc.
- Making a deliciously sweet, arranging a grand feast.
- Laxmi pooja.
Forthcoming Diwali dates
Diwali takes place on the following dates over the next few years:
- Sat, 5th November 2026 to Wed, 11 Nov 2026
*Note: Date may vary*
Essential tips to enjoy the festival of light !!!
- Do not eat Meat in these five days – Hindus view Diwali as a vegetarian holiday and a time to cleanse mind, body, and soul.
- Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali Wishes “Shubh Deepavali’ means an “Auspicious Diwali”.
- While stepping outside, prioritize safety and ensure one’s well-being.
- Wear traditional Dress for the Occasion – beautiful salwar kameez, Saree, Kurtha, dhoti pants, or palazzo pants, etc.
- While going to purchase in the market, be safe from pickpockets.
More Information About Diwali
Find out more about the meaning of the Diwali festival – Meaning and Significance of Diwali Everyone Should Know
Wondering why Diwali celebrations? Take a look at these diverse reasons why DIWALI IS CELEBRATED.
In the upcoming Content, we will come up with how to celebrate Diwali in 2026.
Stay tuned to Officialdiwali for all Diwali updates.
Hoping this Amazing Diwali brings happiness to your face ahead.
Thank you
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