Diwali 2026: Dates, Muhurat Timings & Regional Traditions Explained

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is celebrated in many ways across India and beyond. Lamps, family gatherings and prayer are common, but the stories and rituals emphasized differ by community. Here is a practical guide to the dates and regional customs shown in the calendar supplied for 2026.

When is Diwali in 2026?

The supplied festival calendar lists the main Diwali and Lakshmi Puja observance for Sunday, 8 November 2026. In many North Indian traditions, the evening puja is held during Kartik Amavasya. Naraka Chaturdashi, important in several South Indian traditions, is listed for Saturday, 7 November. Local Panchangs can differ on the observance day and muhurat, so check one for your city and tradition.

Diwali 2026 calendar at a glance

Why the gap after Diwali? The supplied reference places Amavasya until 12:31 PM on Monday, 9 November and lists Govardhan Puja on Tuesday rather than Monday. It therefore does not describe five consecutive festival dates. Verify these observances against your local Panchang before making arrangements.

Lakshmi Puja muhurat: city-specific reference

Lakshmi Puja is often performed in the evening. The following IST figures come from screenshots supplied for this article, which attribute some information to Drik Panchang but do not show a directly checkable dated listing for each city. They are not independently verified, and there is no single nationwide or “official” puja window. Confirm the timings for your locality and tradition with a city-specific Panchang or local temple.

The same supplied reference lists Amavasya tithi from 11:27 AM on 8 November to 12:31 PM on 9 November, and a New Delhi Nishita Kaal window of 12:25 AM–2:42 AM on 9 November. These are reference figures, not confirmed appointments for a ritual; different traditions use different criteria.

How celebrations differ across communities

• North Indian traditions: Many families light diyas, decorate their homes and perform evening Lakshmi Puja. The return of Rama to Ayodhya is one story associated with the festival.
• Parts of South India: Naraka Chaturdashi is especially significant, with early-morning oil baths in some households and stories of Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
• West Bengal: Kali Puja is observed by many communities around the Diwali new moon; practices vary from household to household.
• Gujarat: Some business communities observe Chopda Pujan, associated with new account books, and mark the Gujarati New Year shortly after Diwali. This is a cultural tradition, not a recommendation about business or personal finances.
• Sikh tradition: Bandi Chhor Divas is associated with Guru Hargobind’s release from Gwalior Fort and is celebrated at the time of Diwali.
• Jain tradition: Diwali commemorates Mahavira’s nirvana; specific historical dates in BCE vary between accounts.

Lukewarm Glutathione 1K Orange Flavour, 15 Effervescent Tablets (Pack of 4)

Shop the product

Plan a considerate celebration

Choose the customs meaningful to your household, confirm local timings and follow local fire-safety and noise rules. Battery lights or reusable decorations can be alternatives where open flames are unsuitable. If using diyas, keep them away from children, pets and flammable materials.

References and timing note

The 2026 calendar and times above were adapted from screenshots supplied for this article; the screenshots contain source labels but not direct links to each underlying dated city listing. Drik Panchang's Diwali calendar can be used to check your location. For general festival background, see timeanddate.com's Diwali overview. Dates and muhurats should be confirmed locally before use.

Author

Written by Akshat Malik.