When Is Diwali 2026? Dates, Meaning and the 5 Days Explained

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Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. This is the main day of the festival, when families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening and light their homes with diyas, candles and lanterns.

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals for Hindus and is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and many Buddhists. It is not just one day but a five-day celebration of light, family and new beginnings. Below you will find every date for 2026, what each day means, and how to plan your own celebration.

Diwali 2026 Dates at a Glance

Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so the exact timing of each ritual depends on the moon phase and your location. Many families in the USA, UK and Canada observe Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj one day earlier, on November 9 and 10. Always check your local temple or panchang for exact puja times.

Why Does the Date of Diwali Change Every Year?

Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, the new moon night, in the Hindu month of Kartika. Because the Hindu calendar follows the moon, the date moves on the Western calendar every year. It usually falls between mid October and mid November.

The 5 Days of Diwali Explained

Day 1: Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the start of the festival. Families clean their homes, decorate the entrance and buy something new, often gold, silver or new utensils, as a symbol of good fortune for the year ahead.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Also called Choti Diwali or small Diwali, this day remembers the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Many people wake early for a special oil bath, light a few diyas and finish their festive preparations.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali)

The biggest night of the festival. Families dress in new clothes, perform prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, light diyas in every corner of the home, share sweets and, in many places, enjoy fireworks.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

This day celebrates the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from storms. Families prepare a large offering of food called Annakut. In some regions the day also marks the start of a new financial year for businesses.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

The festival ends with a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak to their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their wellbeing, and brothers give gifts in return.

How to Plan Your Diwali 2026

• Two weeks before: plan your menu, order gifts and choose your outfits. See our Diwali gift ideas and Diwali outfit ideas.
• One week before: deep clean your home and buy diyas, candles and rangoli colours.
• Dhanteras: decorate the entrance and draw your first rangoli. Try our easy rangoli designs.
• Diwali night: light diyas at sunset, perform Lakshmi Puja and share sweets. Find recipes in our Diwali sweets guide.
• After Diwali: send thank you messages and enjoy Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj with family.

Diwali reminds us that even a single small lamp can push back the darkness.

A message shared across generations

Diwali Essentials to Order Now

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Frequently Asked Questions

What date is Diwali in 2026?

The main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, is on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

How many days is Diwali?

Diwali is a five-day festival, from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 11, 2026 in India.

Is Diwali on the same date worldwide?

The main day is usually the same, but some rituals can shift by a day depending on the time zone and local calendar.

Want a reminder? Open the Diwali page for a live countdown, or add the date to your calendar from our Festival Calendar.