Diwali 2026 Calendar: Check All 5 Festival Dates, From Dhanteras To Bhai Dooj

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day festival of rituals, worship, and celebration. In 2026, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, November 8, and concludes on November 11 with Bhai Dooj.

The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, when people buy gold, silver or utensils. The next day, Choti Diwali follows with traditional preparations, while on the main Diwali evening people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, prosperity and well-being.

Govardhan Puja expresses gratitude to the deity through food offerings, and Bhai Dooj celebrates the loving bonds of brothers and sisters.

Rituals and dates vary across regions. Families should check their local Panchang before planning the celebrations.

Diwali 2026 Calendar: Date, Tithi And Key Ritual

Here is the date, tithi and key ritual that are performed during the five-day festival of Diwali based on Panchang:

Note: Dates are calculated based on Indian Standard Time (IST) and Drik Panchang. Timings may vary slightly by city.

The 5 Days Of Diwali 2026: Significance, Dates And Rituals

Day 1: Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Jayanti) – November 6, 2026

Dhanteras marks the beginning of five-day Diwali celebrations. The day honours Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.

On this day, people buy precious metals like gold or silver, brass utensils, and brooms. People believe purchasing auspicious items brings blessings, good fortune, and positive energy into their homes.

In the evening,  families light a dedicated Yamdeep (lamp) outside their house to protect against untimely death.

Day 2: Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – November 7, 2026

Choti Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Perform the sacred Abhyanga Snan before sunrise and light 14 oil lamps in the evening to honour Lord Yamraj and invite peace, longevity and protection.

In the evening, families perform Lakshmi Ganesh puja during Pradosh Kaal (Image: Pexels)

Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – November 8, 2026

The main Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It also honours Goddess Lakshmi's birth during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean).

In the evening, families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja during Pradosh Kaal, burst firecrackers, and decorate their homes with lights, diyas and fresh rangolis.

ALSO READ: Shreem Mantra: Why Is This Sacred Sound Associated With Goddess Lakshmi?

Day 4: Govardhan Puja And Annakut – November 10, 2026

Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill on his little finger and protecting the villagers from Lord Indra's wrath.

On this day, families prepare Annakut (special offering of various food items) and create small representations of Govardhan Hill from cow dung or mud for worship. The day also marks Bali Pratipada and the Gujarati New Year in several regions.

ALSO READ: Why Are Kheel And Batashe Considered Auspicious For Diwali Lakshmi Puja?

Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Bhau Beej) – November 11, 2026

Bhai Dooj honours the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. The ritual of brothers visiting their sisters' home originated from the mythological story of Lord Yama visiting his sister, Goddess Yamuna.

On this day,  sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads,  perform aarti, and pray for their long, healthy lives.

FAQs

1. When will the main Diwali be celebrated in India?

According to Drik Panchang, the main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

2. Why does the Diwali date change every year?

Diwali dates shift annually on the Gregorian calendar because they are governed by the Hindu lunar calendar. Lakshmi Puja always takes place on Amavasya (New Moon night) in the Hindu month of Kartik.