Diwali 2026 Date – All 5 Days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
Diwali 2026 (Lakshmi Puja) is on 8 November (Sunday). The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on 6 November (Friday) to Bhai Dooj on 11 November (Wednesday). Dates are calculated for New Delhi.
Dhanteras
The first day. People buy gold, silver or new utensils and worship Dhanvantari and Lakshmi for health and wealth.
Kali Chaudas
Observed mainly in Gujarat and western India, the night before Choti Diwali, to ward off negativity.
Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
Marks Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. An early-morning oil bath (Abhyang Snan) is the main ritual.
Diwali – Lakshmi Puja
The main day of Diwali. Homes are lit with diyas and Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening, during Pradosh Kaal.
Govardhan Puja
Celebrates Krishna lifting Govardhan hill. An Annakut offering of many dishes is made; in Gujarat this is also the new year.
Bhai Dooj
Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and brothers give gifts — the last day of the Diwali festival.
Diwali 2026 at a glance
| Day | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | 6 November 2026 | Friday |
| Kali Chaudas | 7 November 2026 | Saturday |
| Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | 8 November 2026 | Sunday |
| Diwali – Lakshmi Puja | 8 November 2026 | Sunday |
| Govardhan Puja | 10 November 2026 | Tuesday |
| Bhai Dooj | 11 November 2026 | Wednesday |
How Diwali dates are decided
Diwali falls on Amavasya (the new-moon day) of the Hindu month of Kartika in the purnimanta calendar — Ashvin in the amanta calendar used in western and southern India. Because the lunar calendar shifts against the solar one, Diwali moves between mid-October and mid-November each year. Lakshmi Puja is done on the day when Amavasya is present during Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset).
The dates on this page come from our Panchang engine, which calculates tithis from the positions of the sun and moon for New Delhi. Where Amavasya spans two days, regional calendars can differ by a day, so follow your local temple or family tradition for puja timings.
Looking ahead? Diwali 2027 falls on 29 October (Friday).
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in 2026 is on 8 November (Sunday), as calculated for New Delhi. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, after sunset.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on 6 November (Friday) — the first day of the Diwali festival, traditionally the day to buy gold, silver or utensils.
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Govardhan Puja 2026 is on 10 November (Tuesday).
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Bhai Dooj 2026 is on 11 November (Wednesday), the last day of the Diwali festival.
Is Diwali a bank holiday?
Yes. Diwali (Deepavali) is on the central government's gazetted holiday list, so central government offices and most banks are closed. Some states also close for Govardhan Puja or Bhai Dooj — check your state's list.
Why do some calendars show a different date?
Festival dates depend on when the tithi (lunar day) begins and ends at your location. These dates are calculated for New Delhi; in some regions a festival can fall a day earlier or later.
When is Diwali 2027?
Diwali 2027 (Lakshmi Puja) is on 29 October (Friday).