Diwali 2026 Calendar: Know All 5 Days' Dates, Significance and Puja Timings From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
Explore the complete Diwali 2026 calendar, featuring exact dates and auspicious puja timings for all five days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. This essential guide provides detailed insights into the significance and rituals of each day, including Lakshmi Puja on November 8, specific muhurats for Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Diwali, the resplendent Hindu festival of lights, epitomises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated with immense zeal across India, this five-day extravaganza brings families together in a joyous spirit of devotion, feasting, and festivities. As we draw closer to the auspicious dates, LatestLY brings you a complete calendar and guide to Diwali 2026, ensuring you're well-prepared for each sacred observance.
Deepavali, also known as Deepawali, is a tier-1 Indian festival that unites communities through shared rituals and vibrant celebrations. The central day of Diwali in 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, a public holiday across India, but the festivities commence much earlier and extend beyond, each day carrying its unique spiritual weight. Diwali Gift for MCD Workers: INR 18,000 Minimum Salary and Dearness Allowance Approved.
Day 1: Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi)
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Dhanteras marks the auspicious beginning of Diwali. On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods), Lord Kubera (the treasurer of the Gods), and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for good health, wealth, and prosperity. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase new items, especially gold, silver, and utensils, symbolising the inflow of good fortune into the home.
Key Rituals: Lighting diyas, purchasing new household items or precious metals.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat (New Delhi):
| Event | Time (IST) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puja Muhurat | 06:02 PM - 07:57 PM | 1 Hour 55 Mins |
Day 2: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi
Dates: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Choti Diwali/Kali Chaudas) and Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Naraka Chaturdashi Abhyanga Snan)
This day commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. While Choti Diwali rituals and lighting of lamps (Yama Deepam) are often observed on the evening of November 7, the significant Abhyanga Snan (ritual oil bath) for Naraka Chaturdashi is performed before sunrise on November 8, the same day as main Diwali. In some parts of South India, this day holds principal significance for Diwali celebrations.
Key Rituals: Abhyanga Snan (oil bath), lighting diyas, Kali Chaudas rituals (especially in Western India).
Puja Timings (New Delhi):
| Event | Time (IST) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kali Chaudas Muhurat (Nishita Kaal) | 11:57 PM (Nov 7) - 12:48 AM (Nov 8) | 51 Mins |
| Naraka Chaturdashi Abhyanga Snan | 05:37 AM - 06:38 AM (Nov 8) | 1 Hour 01 Min |
Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
The most important day of the festival, Diwali, is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes are meticulously cleaned, adorned with vibrant rangolis, and illuminated with countless diyas and lights to welcome the deities. Families exchange gifts, sweets, and heartfelt wishes.
Key Rituals: Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, lighting diyas and firecrackers, home decoration with rangoli, exchange of sweets and gifts. Business communities often worship new account books.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (New Delhi):
| Event | Time (IST) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshmi Puja Muhurat | 05:54 PM - 07:50 PM | 1 Hour 56 Mins |
| Pradosh Kaal | 05:31 PM - 08:09 PM |
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut / Bali Pratipada)
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna's divine act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra. Devotees express their gratitude to Lord Krishna, Govardhan Hill, and cows. A significant tradition is the preparation of 'Annakut' — a mountain of diverse vegetarian dishes offered to the deity. In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada, honouring King Bali.
Key Rituals: Worship of Lord Krishna, Govardhan Hill, and cows; preparing and offering Annakut (mountain of food).
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Bhai Phota / Bhav Bij)
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Bhai Dooj concludes the five-day Diwali festivities, celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a 'tilak' ceremony on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their longevity, well-being, and prosperity, while brothers, in turn, offer gifts and promise protection. It is known by various names such as Bhai Phota in West Bengal and Bhav Bij in Maharashtra.
Key Rituals: Sisters applying tilak on brothers' foreheads, performing aarti, exchange of gifts, and special meals.
Bhai Dooj Tilak Muhurat (New Delhi):
| Event | Time (IST) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Aparahna Muhurat | 01:10 PM - 03:20 PM | 2 Hours 10 Mins |
As you embark on these joyous celebrations, remember to check local Panchangs for specific timings in your city, as muhurats can vary slightly by location. May the glow of Diwali illuminate your lives with immense happiness, peace, and prosperity!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2026 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
