Diwali 2026 Date: Diwali Kab Hai, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, History and Celebrations

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in India. Also called Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. Families light diyas, decorate their homes, prepare sweets, exchange greetings and offer prayers.

If you are searching for "Diwali kab hai 2026?" or "2026 mein Diwali kab hai?", the answer is 8 November 2026, Sunday (रविवार).

The main Diwali celebration falls on Kartik Amavasya in the North Indian lunar calendar. The date changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date.

Diwali is associated with the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope over difficulties.

Diwali 2026 Date and Important Details

The puja timings above are for New Delhi according to Drik Panchang. Muhurat timings depend on location, so families in other cities should check their local panchang.

Diwali 2026 Puja Muhurat and Amavasya Timing

The main Diwali Lakshmi Puja in 2026 is observed on Sunday evening, 8 November.

According to Drik Panchang for New Delhi:

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM

• Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM

• Amavasya Tithi Begins: 11:27 AM on 8 November

• Amavasya Tithi Ends: 12:31 PM on 9 November

Many families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja during the evening Pradosh period, traditionally associated with welcoming prosperity and well-being.

Students should remember that the date of Diwali and the exact puja time are different types of information. The festival date can be stated nationally, while muhurat timings should be city-specific.

For detailed rituals and arrangements, read Diwali Lakshmi Puja.

Diwali 2026 Five Days: Complete Festival Calendar

Diwali is commonly described as a five-day festival, although the order and naming of some observances vary across regions and years.

Important: Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan falls on the morning of 8 November 2026 in the Delhi calendar. This is why different websites may show Choti Diwali-related observances on 7 or 8 November.

Govardhan Puja falls on 10 November, so the five principal observances extend across six calendar dates in 2026.

Learn more about the significance of each festival in Five Days of Diwali.

Why Is Diwali Celebrated in India?

Diwali is celebrated for several religious, historical and cultural reasons. Its meaning differs among communities, but the festival commonly represents hope, goodness, prosperity and new beginnings.

Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya

According to the Ramayana tradition, people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana after their return from exile and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.

Lighting lamps symbolises the joy of their return and the victory of righteousness.

Worship of Goddess Lakshmi

Many Hindu families worship Goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, associated with wisdom and auspicious beginnings.

Homes are cleaned and decorated, and families gather for evening prayers.

Lord Krishna and Narakasura

In several traditions, Narak Chaturdashi commemorates the defeat of Narakasura. The festival is observed through rituals that vary by region, including early-morning oil baths.

Diwali Across Different Communities

For Jains, Diwali commemorates the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. Many Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas around Diwali, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind. Regional Buddhist and Hindu communities also have their own traditions.

These different associations reflect India's cultural diversity.

How Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali celebrations bring families, neighbours and communities together.

People often begin by cleaning their homes, making rangoli designs and arranging diyas or decorative lights. In the evening, many families perform Lakshmi Puja and share sweets.

Children enjoy making drawings, decorating classrooms and learning stories associated with the festival.

Popular Diwali Traditions

• Lighting Diyas: Symbolises hope and the removal of darkness.

• Making Rangoli: Welcomes guests with colourful floor decorations.

• Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja: A traditional prayer for prosperity and wisdom.

• Sharing Sweets: Encourages friendship and family bonding.

• Exchanging Gifts: Expresses affection and goodwill.

• Helping Others: Encourages generosity during the festive season.

Families can make their celebrations more comfortable for children, older adults, animals and neighbours by choosing quieter, safer activities.

For ideas, explore Rangoli Designs for Diwali and Ways to Celebrate Green Diwali.

How Can Students Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Diwali?

An environmentally responsible celebration can be enjoyable without excessive waste, noise or smoke.

Students can choose reusable decorations, make paper lanterns, decorate with traditional diyas under adult supervision, and share homemade sweets.

They can also prepare Diwali greeting cards, organise family games or participate in community activities.

Read How to Celebrate Diwali Without Crackers for more ideas.

What Is the Difference Between Choti Diwali and Badi Diwali?

Choti Diwali refers to celebrations around Narak Chaturdashi and Kali Chaudas, while Badi Diwali generally means the main Lakshmi Puja festival observed on Amavasya.

In 2026, Kali Chaudas is on 7 November, Narak Chaturdashi's morning bathing observance is on 8 November, and Badi Diwali is also on 8 November.

The regional differences are important when answering questions about Choti Diwali.

Read Choti Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi for further details.

When Is Dev Diwali 2026?

Dev Diwali, also called Dev Deepawali, will be observed on Tuesday, 24 November 2026.

It is celebrated especially in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, with illuminated ghats, prayers and Deep Daan.

Dev Diwali is a separate observance and should not be confused with the main Diwali festival on 8 November.

Learn more in Dev Diwali.

Diwali Date in Hindi: 2026 Mein Diwali Kab Hai?

2026 में दिवाली कब है?

साल 2026 में दिवाली 8 नवंबर, रविवार को मनाई जाएगी। इस दिन कार्तिक अमावस्या के अवसर पर भगवान गणेश और माता लक्ष्मी की पूजा की जाती है।

दिवाली को दीपावली या रोशनी का त्योहार भी कहा जाता है। लोग अपने घरों को दीपक, रंगोली और फूलों से सजाते हैं।

बड़ी दिवाली कब है 2026 में? बड़ी दिवाली 8 नवंबर 2026 को है।

Conclusion

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. The festival celebrates light, hope, togetherness and cultural traditions across India.

Whether students are learning about Diwali's history, preparing a school essay or helping their families decorate, the festival offers an opportunity to practise kindness, cooperation and respect.