Guide

Diwali 2026 dates: Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, day by day

Last updated: 1 November 2026

Diwali, or Deepavali, is not one day but a five-day festival that follows the lunar calendar. In 2026 the main day, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday, 8 November, on the new moon (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik. Here is the full calendar most Indian panchangs follow this year.

A few calendars place Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj a day later because of when the tithi begins in a given city. Exact puja timings (muhurat) also change from city to city, so check a local panchang or your family priest for the time in your area.

Day 1: Dhanteras

Dhanteras honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered a lucky day to buy something new for the home, especially gold, silver or steel utensils. Many families clean the house fully by this day and light the first diya at the entrance in the evening, often facing south for Yama, as a prayer for long life.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

This day remembers Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. In many homes, especially in the south and in Maharashtra, people wake before sunrise for an abhyanga snan, a bath with oil and ubtan. In the evening a few diyas are lit and the final rangoli designs are finished for the big night.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja

The darkest night of the month becomes the brightest. Homes are lit with rows of diyas and lights, the door is kept open to welcome Lakshmi, and families perform the puja together, usually with Ganesh, in the evening muhurat. Sweets are shared, new account books are opened by many traders, and the night sky fills with fireworks.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Padwa

In north India this day recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan. Families prepare annakut, a mountain of many dishes offered to Krishna. In Maharashtra and Gujarat it is Padwa or the new year, and couples celebrate together, with the husband often giving his wife a gift.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

Sisters put a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life, and brothers bring a gift in return. In Maharashtra it is called Bhaubeej, in Bengal Bhai Phonta. It is the last day of the festival and often the day families travel back home.

A note for families abroad

If you live in the UK, US, Canada or Australia, your local temple may mark Lakshmi Puja on 8 November as well, but the clock time will differ. Most temples publish their own schedule a week before.

Want to wish someone for each day? Make a Diwali surprise with their name, it takes thirty seconds.