Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India and it is celebrated with gusto. The festival is marked by prayers, sweets, firecrackers and more across various days to celebrate the different auspicious occasions. Diwali spans 5 days, from Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November, to Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November. The main Diwali day celebrations and Lakshmi Puja are set for Sunday, 8 November 2026. The festival starts with Dhanteras, devoted to Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. This is followed by the jubilant Diwali day, when homes are illuminated with diyas and Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed with prayers for wealth, health and prosperity. The festival ends with Bhai Dooj, to exalt the relationship between brothers and sisters.
Whether you are planning your puja, shopping or preparing to host friends, here is our 5-day Diwali 2026 calendar listing Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj, Lakshmi Puja and city-wise timings. Observing these key dates will help bring blessings into your home.
Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi, heralds the Diwali period from the date of the Trayodashi tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. It is an auspicious day of the Hindu festive calendar that compels families to make purchases of precious metals, utensils and other valuables. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari are accorded praise, and worship for health, prosperity, and wealth. Families also clean and decorate their homes and light lamps.
The second day is known by several names: Naraka Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, and Roop Chaudas. In many traditions, it marks Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, revelling in the erasure of negativity.
As the Chaturdashi tithi is from Saturday evening into Sunday morning, night time rituals such as Kali and Hanuman worship should be done on Saturday night, and the pre-dawn oil bath (Abhyang Snan) is to happen on Sunday morning. Local panchangs can differ by a few hours, so confirm with yours.
This celebration happens on Kartik Amavasya, the new-moon day. Worshippers entreat Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and abundance, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, with prayers and seek their blessings. Diwali day marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya following 14 years in exile, celebrating good conquering evil.
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is scheduled for 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on Sunday, 8 November in New Delhi; the Amavasya tithi starts at 11:27 AM on the same day and ends at 12:31 PM on 9 November. Exact timings vary by city.
Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut or Annakoot, remembers Lord Krishna’s raising of Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from flooding rain. The day is focused on expressing gratitude toward nature, food, cattle, and the communities that sustain daily life. For dates, families often follow their local temple or family panchang.
Bhai Dooj, or Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the relationship between sisters and brothers, ending the festival time. This is to reenact the legend of Yama, the god of death, who is welcomed by his sister Yamuna favorably with a tilak and food. In appreciation, Yama decides to shower blessings on sisters who express their love for their brothers on this day.
What is the best time to buy gold or silver on Dhanteras?
The Dhanteras buying and puja muhurat is to be done during the most auspicious time. In New Delhi, it is 6:02 PM to 7:58 PM; in Mumbai, 6:36 PM to 8:34 PM; in Bengaluru, 6:26 PM to 8:20 PM; and in Kolkata, 5:28 PM to 7:27 PM.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time on Diwali 2026?
In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, according to drikpanchang.com. It differs by city, so use your local panchang.
Why do Diwali and puja timings differ by city?
Muhurats depend on local sunrise, sunset, the prevailing tithi, and regional panchang conventions.