Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, the night of Kartik Amavasya, when families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and light their homes with diyas. Here are the five days, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat and a simple puja you can do at home.
The five days of Diwali 2026
| Day | Date | Festival |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, 6 November | Dhanteras (and Yama Deepam) |
| 2 | Saturday, 7 November | Naraka Chaturdashi · Choti Diwali |
| 3 | Sunday, 8 November | Lakshmi Puja · Diwali |
| 4 | Monday, 9 November | Govardhan Puja · Annakut |
| 5 | 10 or 11 November | Bhai Dooj (panchangs differ this year; check yours) |
Lakshmi Puja muhurat 2026
Lakshmi Puja is performed in Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset on Amavasya. For New Delhi, the most widely published muhurat is about 6:29 PM to 8:29 PM on 8 November. Some panchangs give an earlier window of about 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, depending on how they calculate it.
Honest note: timings vary by city by 10–30 minutes and between panchangs. If your family follows a particular panchang or priest, use that. Many families simply begin the puja at dusk once the lamps are lit.
Why Ganesha is worshipped before Lakshmi
Every puja begins with Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. On Diwali this carries a lovely meaning: wisdom and good beginnings come before wealth, so that prosperity is used well.
Lakshmi-Ganesh puja at home: simple steps
- Clean and decorate. A clean, well-lit home welcomes Lakshmi. Make a rangoli at the entrance.
- Set up the chowki with a red cloth. Place Ganesha on the left and Lakshmi on the right, with a kalash of water.
- Light the diya and take the sankalp, stating your intention for the puja.
- Worship Ganesha first with roli, rice, flowers and sweets.
- Worship Lakshmi with the offerings, and recite the Shri Suktam or her 108 names if you know them.
- Aarti: Jai Ganesh Deva, then Om Jai Lakshmi Mata.
- Light diyas through the home, and keep at least one lamp burning through the night.
Business families also perform Chopda Pujan, blessing the new account books, in the same muhurat.
Samagri checklist
Chowki and red cloth, Lakshmi and Ganesha idols or pictures, kalash with water and mango leaves, coconut, diyas and ghee, roli, haldi, akshat, flowers and garlands, incense, sweets (especially kheer or laddoos), puffed rice and batashe, coins, and a new account book if you do Chopda Pujan.
The complete Diwali puja book
The Complete Diwali Puja Vidhi 2026 has everything for all five days: the 2026 dates and muhurat, the full Lakshmi-Ganesh puja step by step (plus a 15-minute short version), the Shri Suktam and Ganapati Atharvashirsha with meaning, the 108 names of Ganesha and Lakshmi, both aartis, Chopda Pujan, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Every mantra in Sanskrit, transliteration and English meaning. Instant PDF, ₹199. Or get it with the Durga Saptashati in the Festival Bundle for ₹349.
Six days after Diwali comes Chhath. See our Chhath Puja 2026 guide for arghya times by city.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, the night of Kartik Amavasya, when Lakshmi Puja is performed.
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?
For New Delhi, the most widely published muhurat is about 6:29 PM to 8:29 PM on 8 November. Some panchangs give about 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. Check your city's panchang.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026, the first of the five days of Diwali.
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Bhai Dooj falls on 10 or 11 November 2026 depending on the panchang. Follow your local panchang or family custom.
Why is Ganesha worshipped before Lakshmi on Diwali?
Every puja begins with Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. On Diwali it also signifies that wisdom comes before wealth, so that prosperity is used well.
Customs vary between families and regions; where yours differ, follow your family's tradition.