Diwali 2026 Date: November 8 (Sunday) & Laxmi Puja Timings
Definition (snippet-ready): Diwali (Deepavali) 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November with Lakshmi Puja muhurat from 5:54–7:50 PM IST (Vrishabha Kaal). This calendar gives muhurats, city-specific timings, and rituals for all 5 days: Dhanteras (6 Nov) through Bhai Dooj (10 Nov).
Last updated: 13 January 2026 (timings verified against Drikpanchang, PAA FAQs refreshed)
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The Laxmi Puja Shubh Muhurat is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM IST (Vrishabha Kaal).
When is Diwali in 2026? (Date & Day)
| Festival | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | 6 November 2026 | Friday |
| Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) | 7 November 2026 | Saturday |
| Main Diwali (Laxmi Puja) | 8 November 2026 | Sunday |
| Govardhan Puja | 9 November 2026 | Monday |
| Bhai Dooj | 10 November 2026 | Tuesday |
Laxmi Puja 2026 Shubh Muhurat
5-Day Festival Timeline:
- 6 Nov (Fri) - Dhanteras: Wealth blessings, buy gold/utensils
- 7 Nov (Sat) - Naraka Chaturdashi: Clear negativity, oil bath
- 8 Nov (Sun) - Lakshmi Puja: Main Diwali, prosperity rituals
- 9 Nov (Mon) - Govardhan Puja: Gratitude, food offerings
- 10 Nov (Tue) - Bhai Dooj: Sibling bond, protective blessings
Key Lakshmi Puja Timings (8 Nov 2026):
- Best Time: 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM IST (Vrishabha Kaal)
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM – 8:09 PM IST
- Delhi: 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM | Mumbai: 6:08 PM – 8:05 PM
- Bengaluru: 5:58 PM – 7:55 PM | Kolkata: 5:29 PM – 7:24 PM
Quick Ritual Checklist:
- ✅ Cleanse home with Ganga jal
- ✅ Install Lakshmi-Ganesha idols
- ✅ Light 11+ diyas, create rangoli
- ✅ Prepare sattvic offerings
- ✅ Recite Lakshmi mantras
- ✅ Perform aarti, distribute prasad
- ✅ Donate to charity
Diwali 2026 (Lakshmi Puja on Sunday, 8 November 2026) aligns with Kartik Amavasya, when Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are invoked for prosperity, wisdom, and harmony. This guide gives you precise muhurat windows, regional adjustments, and actionable checklists for every day of the five-day festival. Bookmark it to plan purchases, rituals, charity, and family traditions with cosmic support.
Pair this planner with our Planetary Charity Calendar 2026 and Fasting by Weekday Plan to extend Diwali vibes throughout the year.
Need timings for other 2026 festivals? Use the Festival Muhurat Hub 2026 for quick access to every seasonal guide.
The 5 Days of Diwali 2026 (Complete Schedule)
| Date | Festival Day | Key Theme | Suggested Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Nov 2026 (Fri) | Dhanteras | Wealth & health blessings | Cleanse home, buy utensils/gold, Dhanvantari puja |
| 7 Nov 2026 (Sat) | Naraka Chaturdashi | Clearing negativity | Abhyanga snan, Hanuman worship, light early diyas |
| 8 Nov 2026 (Sun) | Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali | Prosperity & harmony | Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, family aarti, charity |
| 9 Nov 2026 (Mon) | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Gratitude & sustenance | Food offering, cow worship, community meals |
| 10 Nov 2026 (Tue) | Bhai Dooj | Sibling bond | Tilak ceremony, gift exchange, protective blessings |
What Time is Laxmi Puja on Diwali 2026?
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:31 PM – 8:09 PM IST
- Vrishabha Kaal (ideal for Lakshmi Puja): 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM IST
- Amavasya Tithi: Begins 8 Nov 2026 at 11:27 AM and ends 9 Nov 2026 at 12:31 PM
- Choghadiya Favourable Windows: Labh (Profit) & Amrit (Nectar) slots—check local Panchang for exact start times
City-Specific Adjustments (8 November 2026)
India:
| City | Vrishabha Kaal Window |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:08 PM – 8:05 PM |
| Bengaluru | 5:58 PM – 7:55 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:29 PM – 7:24 PM |
| Chennai | 5:53 PM – 7:49 PM |
| Hyderabad | 5:57 PM – 7:53 PM |
| Jaipur | 5:58 PM – 7:54 PM |
International (convert from IST 5:54–7:50 PM):
| City | Local Time Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 8:24 PM – 10:20 PM | Perform during evening |
| Dubai | 4:24 PM – 6:20 PM | Align with sunset |
| London | 12:24 PM – 2:20 PM | Perform near local sunset for diyas |
| New York | 7:24 AM – 9:20 AM | Consider evening puja with virtual priest or join India-timed ceremony |
| Toronto | 7:24 AM – 9:20 AM | Same as New York |
| San Francisco | 4:24 AM – 6:20 AM | Consider sunrise puja or evening alternative |
| Sydney | 11:24 PM – 1:20 AM (Nov 9) | Perform late evening or midnight |
For other locations, adjust by your timezone relative to IST (UTC+5:30) and consult local Panchang for precise start/end times.
Lakshmi Puja Checklist
- Declutter and cleanse puja area with Ganga jal or gomutra-infused water
- Rangoli at entrance + diya arrangement (minimum 11 diyas)
- Install Lakshmi-Ganesha idols or images facing west/south-west
- Prepare offerings: kheel-batashe, sweets, fruits, lotus, kumkum, turmeric, coins
- Keep account books, business ledgers, and important documents for blessings
- Recite
Sri Suktam,Lakshmi Ashtakam, orKanakadhara Stotram - Perform aarti clockwise, distribute prasad, share gratitude affirmations
- Donate food, clothes, or money post-puja (align with Charity Map)
Dhanteras Muhurat Highlights (6 November 2026)
- Yama Deepam: Light diya facing south between 5:40 PM – 7:10 PM to ward off untimely death (Mrityu Dosha mitigation)
- Shopping Window for Gold/Utensils: 9:20 AM – 2:15 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:05 PM (avoid Rahu Kaal 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM IST)
- Remedies: Offer ghee lamp to Dhanvantari, drink warm turmeric milk, schedule health check-up
Best Time to Buy Gold on Dhanteras 2026
The most auspicious muhurat for purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils:
- Morning Window: 9:20 AM – 11:45 AM (before Rahu Kaal)
- Afternoon Window: 12:15 PM – 2:15 PM (after Rahu Kaal ends)
- Evening Window: 7:00 PM – 9:05 PM (Pradosh Kaal)
Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026)
- Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: 5:35 AM – 6:45 AM IST (perform oil bath before sunrise)
- Mantras:
Om Namas Chandikayai, Hanuman Chalisa,Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya - Actions: Discard broken items, settle conflicts, light 14 diyas at entrances
Govardhan Puja (9 November 2026)
- Govardhan Puja Pratah Kaal: 9:10 AM – 10:55 AM
- Annakut Offering: Prepare 56 bhog or favourite family dishes; arrange in mountain shape
- Focus: Honour nature—plant a tree, donate to farmers, feed cows, support environmental NGOs
Bhai Dooj (10 November 2026)
- Tilak Muhurat: 1:15 PM – 3:30 PM IST
- Rituals: Sister applies tilak, offers sweet; brother gifts & vows protection
- Modern Twist: Host gratitude circle, share affirmations, plan sibling self-care activity
Mahurat Trading 2026
For investors and traders, NSE/BSE typically conduct a special one-hour Mahurat Trading session on Diwali:
- Expected Date: 8 November 2026 (Sunday) — confirm with your broker
- Likely Timing: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM IST (exact time announced a few days prior)
- Significance: Auspicious start to the Hindu Samvat year; traditionally used for token purchases
Planetary Support Tips for Diwali Week
| Planet | What to Balance | Mini Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Leadership, clarity | Sunrise meditation, offer arghya |
| Moon | Emotional flow | Moonlight stroll, journal gratitude nightly |
| Mars | Temper energy | Avoid firecrackers near midnight, hydrate, breathwork |
| Mercury | Tech + communication | Backup devices, set mindful messaging intent |
| Jupiter | Wisdom & generosity | Read scriptures, mentor someone, share knowledge |
| Venus | Aesthetics & relationships | Create art corner, plan quality time, compliment family |
| Saturn | Discipline & safety | Manage waste responsibly, support sanitation workers, rest well |
Eco-Friendly Diwali Ideas
- Use clay diyas + organic colours for rangoli
- Opt for LED string lights with timers to save energy
- Replace firecrackers with community music evenings or kirtan
- Upcycle décor; donate extra sweets to shelters
- Segregate waste daily; compost organic offerings
Business & Finance Planning
- Mahurat Trading (8 Nov 2026): Consult broker for exact session timing; typically ~6:00–7:00 PM
- Update accounting ledgers, set FY2027 intentions
- Schedule strategy meeting during Labh/Amrit Choghadiya on Lakshmi Puja day
- Gift employees sustainable hampers (copper bottles, artisanal sweets, charity vouchers)
Family & Community Ritual Map
- Create family sankalp letter listing shared goals
- Organise pre-Diwali healing circle—pranayama + gratitude meditation
- Share storytelling session on Govardhan Puja significance
- Plan Bhai Dooj sibling charity project (e.g., sponsor child education together)
After-Diwali Integration (November 11–30, 2026)
- Perform Navagraha gratitude on first Saturday post-Diwali (14 Nov)
- Deep clean puja items, store diyas carefully, document learnings in festival journal
- Track financial inflows/outflows inspired by Lakshmi blessings
- Continue lighting a single diya nightly till Kartik Purnima (22 Nov 2026) for sustained prosperity
Zodiac-Specific Prosperity Focus
| Sign | Household Theme | Action Step |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Leadership + courage | Host diya-lighting for neighbourhood kids, gift motivational books |
| Taurus | Financial stability | Create savings challenge, organise pantry with labelled jars |
| Gemini | Communication harmony | Write gratitude letters, curate family storytelling night |
| Cancer | Home nurturing | Cook heirloom recipes, bless water jars for emotional balance |
| Leo | Creative expression | Design handmade rangoli templates, organise music performances |
| Virgo | Systems & service | Prepare eco-cleaning kits, volunteer for traffic management |
| Libra | Aesthetics & relationships | Curate mindful décor, mediate family gifting budgets |
| Scorpio | Transformation | Host candle meditation, shred limiting beliefs ritual |
| Sagittarius | Wisdom & travel | Launch charity for students, plan spiritual trip itinerary |
| Capricorn | Legacy & responsibility | Update wills/financial plans, honour mentors with gifts |
| Aquarius | Community innovation | Set up digital diya donations, run social media awareness |
| Pisces | Spiritual devotion | Lead mantra circles, create gratitude mandala altar |
Décor & Ambience Planner
- Elements: Incorporate the five elements—earth (clay diyas), water (urli bowls with petals), fire (ghee lamps), air (incense), ether (mantra music).
- Colour Palettes: Morning pastels for calm, evening jewel tones for Lakshmi Puja, deep blues/golds for Govardhan.
- Lighting: Layer fairy lights with dimmers, solar-powered outdoor diyas, LED candles for safety near kids/pets.
- Scent Journey: Day 1 citrus for cleansing, Day 3 rose/jasmine for Lakshmi, Day 5 sandal/oud for Bhai Dooj.
- Soundscape: Curate playlists—instrumental veena, mridangam beats, or chant tracks; maintain volume mindful of neighbours.
Financial Planning Worksheet
| Category | Budget | Actual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Décor & Diyas | Choose reusable, eco options | ||
| Gifts | Prioritise meaningful, sustainable presents | ||
| Charity/Seva | Align with planetary focus | ||
| Food & Sweets | Plan inclusive menu (gluten-free/vegan) | ||
| Puja Materials | Bulk buy with neighbours to reduce waste | ||
| Miscellaneous | Keep 10% cushion for surprises |
Review weekly to prevent overspending; convert savings into investments aligned with Akshaya Tritiya goals.
Digital Detox & Media Etiquette
- Schedule screen-free windows during Puja; set phones to silent + digital wellbeing mode.
- Curate purposeful content—share rituals, gratitude messages, community initiatives.
- Respect privacy—avoid posting pictures of guests without consent.
- Use shared albums or drive folders for family photos instead of social spam.
Sustainable Sweets & Menu Ideas
- Offer millet-based laddoos, jaggery chikki, and vegan kheer to cater to dietary needs.
- Highlight local artisans—order from home chefs or self-help groups.
- Plan portion sizes to reduce food waste; distribute leftovers to shelters within 12 hours.
- Include immunity boosters (turmeric shots, tulsi tea) to balance festive feasts.
Kids & Elder Engagement
- Children: Storytelling on Diwali legends, diya painting workshops, gratitude jar craft.
- Teens: Encourage volunteering (distribution of eco-kits, social media awareness), teach basic finance.
- Elders: Oral history recordings, gentle yoga, special seating near altar, mindful rest schedule.
Corporate & Team Celebrations
- Host virtual diya-lighting or guided meditation across time zones.
- Provide floating holiday to employees celebrating local festivals.
- Offer wellness hampers (aromatherapy, journal, herbal tea).
- Sponsor community clean-up or education drives in employees’ names.
Safety & Wellbeing Checklist
- Install fire extinguishers and first-aid kits in accessible spots.
- Use LED lights with surge protectors; unplug before sleeping.
- Keep pet-safe zones away from loud sounds; provide calming music.
- Educate children on diya safety; assign diya-monitoring shifts.
- Monitor sugar and caffeine intake; balance with herbal teas and water.
- Prioritise hydration and short pranayama breaks to keep energy grounded throughout festivities.
Prosperity Journaling Prompts
- “Which blessings multiplied this year and why?”
- “How will I circulate wealth ethically post-Diwali?”
- “What limiting belief about abundance am I ready to release?”
- “Whom can I empower financially or emotionally this month?”
Spend 10 minutes nightly during the five-day festival responding; review on next Kartik Purnima.
Post-Diwali Detox Plan (7 Days)
| Day | Focus | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reset digestion | Light khichdi meals, warm water with lime |
| 2 | Declutter energy | Sage/sound cleanse home, delete unused apps |
| 3 | Financial reconciliation | Update budgets, track festive spend vs plan |
| 4 | Gratitude outreach | Send thank-you notes, testimonials, reviews |
| 5 | Digital detox | Offline day with books, journaling, nature time |
| 6 | Body recovery | Steam bath or epsom salt soak, gentle yoga |
| 7 | Visioning | Create 90-day action plan, assign accountability partners |
Business Success Metrics
- Record sales uplift vs previous year; tag data by product/service.
- Track community engagement (attendance, donation amounts, social shares).
- Measure employee wellbeing through post-festival surveys.
- Evaluate ROI of sustainability initiatives (waste reduction, energy savings).
- Set SMART goals inspired by Diwali insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The five-day festival spans from Dhanteras (6 Nov) to Bhai Dooj (10 Nov).
What is the best time for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026?
The ideal Lakshmi Puja muhurat is during Vrishabha Kaal: 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM IST on 8 November 2026. This falls within Pradosh Kaal (5:31 PM – 8:09 PM).
When should I start Diwali 2026 prep?
Begin heavy cleaning and décor planning by mid-October, finish shopping for puja items by Dhanteras (6 Nov), and schedule any pandit bookings at least four weeks prior.
How do I adapt muhurat timings outside India?
Use the Vrishabha Kaal reference (5:54–7:50 PM IST = UTC+5:30) and convert to your timezone. See the international city table above, or align virtually with relatives in India while keeping local sunset in mind for diya lighting.
Can I combine eco-friendly practices with tradition?
Yes—opt for clay diyas, natural rangoli powders, and locally sourced sweets while keeping classic rituals like Lakshmi-Ganesha sthapana, mantra chanting, and annadanam intact.
What if I miss the primary Lakshmi Puja slot?
Perform a simplified puja during the next Labh/Amrit Choghadiya on the same evening, or complete a sunrise gratitude puja on Govardhan Puja day (9 Nov) to realign intentions.
What if I can’t perform Lakshmi Puja during Vrishabha Kaal?
Use the nearest Pradosh or Abhijit muhurat while referencing the main window in your sankalp.
Can I celebrate Diwali from abroad?
Yes—perform puja at local sunset while referencing IST muhurat, or join virtual ceremonies timed to India. Many temples offer live-streamed pujas.
How do I avoid Mercury/Mars retrograde issues?
Double-check logistics, payments, and travel plans. Focus on cleanliness, lamp-lighting, and heartfelt devotion rather than perfection.
Is eco-friendly Diwali possible?
Absolutely. Use clay diyas, natural rangoli powders, and curated gift baskets. Choose community fireworks displays over individual crackers.
How do I align Diwali with my birth chart?
Time puja when benefics aspect your 2nd/11th houses; follow the Planetary Charity Calendar for targeted donations.
When is Mahurat Trading 2026?
Mahurat Trading typically occurs on Diwali evening (8 November 2026), usually between 6:00–7:00 PM IST. Confirm exact timing with your broker closer to the date.
Call to Action
Ready to celebrate Diwali 2026 perfectly?
- Plan Your Rituals: Use the exact muhurat timings above for each day
- Prepare Your Home: Cleanse, decorate, and set up your puja space
- Stock Up: Buy diyas, rangoli materials, and sattvic offerings
- Practice Mantras: Learn Lakshmi and Ganesha mantras
- Plan Charity: Choose meaningful causes to donate to
- Involve Family: Create traditions that everyone can participate in
Need personalized guidance? Our Best Astrologer Near Me Guide helps you find qualified astrologers for festival timing and remedies.
Final Thoughts
Diwali 2026 invites you to blend time-honoured rituals with conscious living: mindful consumption, compassionate community care, and consistent spiritual practice. Use this muhurat calendar to plan early, involve family, and anchor your celebrations in purpose.
🎯 Ready to Plan Your Perfect Diwali 2026?
Celebrate with cosmic alignment and abundance:
✅ Diwali Muhurat Calendar - Precise timing for your city ✅ Personal Chart Alignment - Your ideal puja times ✅ Ritual Planning - Complete step-by-step guide ✅ Prosperity Activation - Maximize wealth blessings
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- Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 - Festival planning
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Fasting & Rituals
- Fasting by Weekday Plan - Planetary fasting guide
- Vedic Remedies - All remedy types
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Wealth & Prosperity
- Akshaya Tritiya Guide - Prosperity timing
- Wealth Yogas - Financial potential
- Charity Guide - Karmic abundance
When Diwali aligns with your chart, abundance flows abundantly.
Author & Review
VedicGod Editorial Team — Last verified 13 January 2026 against Drikpanchang. Muhurat timings, city adjustments, and FAQs updated for accuracy.
