Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. Celebrated as the festival of lights, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for wealth, happiness, peace and prosperity.
In 2026, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8. However, there may be some confusion about the festival date because the Chaturdashi Tithi continues into the morning of November 8, while Amavasya begins later that day. Since Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during the evening Pradosh period when Amavasya prevails, November 8 is the main date for Diwali celebrations.
Here is everything you need to know about the Diwali 2026 date, Amavasya Tithi and Lakshmi Puja timings.
Diwali 2026 Date: When Is Deepawali?
According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali is observed on Kartik Amavasya, the new Moon day of the Kartik month.
In 2026, Diwali will be celebrated on November 8, Sunday. The main Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja will be performed in the evening during the auspicious Pradosh period.
The festival is traditionally associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. People celebrate the occasion by lighting diyas, decorating their homes, preparing sweets and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali 2026 Tithi: When Does Amavasya Begin and End?
One reason people may find the Diwali date confusing in 2026 is that two lunar tithis fall on November 8.
According to the Panchang timings for Ghaziabad:
- Chaturdashi Tithi: Until approximately 11:27 AM on November 8
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: Approximately 11:27 AM on November 8
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: Approximately 12:31 PM on November 9
This means that Amavasya will prevail during the evening of November 8, making it the appropriate date for Lakshmi Puja.
The festival date is not decided simply by checking which tithi is present at sunrise. The presence of Amavasya during the evening Pradosh period is an important consideration for Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
Lakshmi Puja is considered the most important ritual of Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and, in many traditions, Goddess Saraswati to seek blessings for prosperity, wisdom and well-being.
According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Ghaziabad on November 8, 2026, is:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:53 PM to 7:49 PM
- Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:30 PM to 8:08 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 5:53 PM to 7:49 PM
The Vrishabha Lagna falls within the Pradosh period and is considered favourable for Lakshmi Puja.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Delhi-NCR
The puja timings may vary slightly depending on the city. Here are the timings for some nearby locations:
| City | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| Ghaziabad | 5:53 PM – 7:49 PM |
| New Delhi | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| Noida | 5:54 PM – 7:49 PM |
| Gurgaon | 5:55 PM – 7:51 PM |
Devotees should check the Panchang for their own location before performing the rituals, as sunset and planetary calculations can affect the local muhurat.
Why Is Pradosh Kaal Important for Lakshmi Puja?
Pradosh Kaal is the period around sunset, traditionally considered auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali.
According to religious traditions, performing Lakshmi Puja during this period is believed to invite prosperity, happiness and positive energy into the home.
The Sthir Lagna, or fixed ascendant, is also considered significant. Vrishabha Lagna is regarded as a Sthir Lagna, which is why its overlap with Pradosh Kaal is considered suitable for Lakshmi Puja.
Diwali 2026: How to Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja?
Devotees can follow these traditional steps to perform Lakshmi Puja at home:
- Clean the house and decorate the entrance with rangoli and flowers.
- Prepare a clean puja space and place a red or yellow cloth on the platform.
- Install the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Light a ghee diya and offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense and other puja materials.
- Apply tilak and offer akshat to the deities.
- Recite Lakshmi mantras and perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Aarti.
- Pray for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the family.
Many families also worship their account books, business records and tools of work on Diwali as part of their traditional celebrations.
Diwali 2026: Five-Day Festival Calendar
Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day having its own religious significance.
| Festival | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | November 6, Friday |
| Chhoti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi | November 7, Saturday |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | November 8, Sunday |
| Govardhan Puja | November 10, Tuesday |
| Bhai Dooj | November 11, Wednesday |
Conclusion
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on November 8, Sunday. Although Chaturdashi continues into the morning, Amavasya begins around 11:27 AM and remains in effect during the evening Lakshmi Puja period.
For Ghaziabad, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat is from 5:53 PM to 7:49 PM. Devotees can use this period to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for happiness, prosperity and well-being.
Diwali is not only a festival of lights but also an occasion to welcome positivity, strengthen family bonds and begin a new phase with hope and devotion.
Editorial Review Note
Written by Religion World — Bhavya Srivastava is the founder of Religion World and a veteran journalist with over 18 years of experience across broadcast, print, and digital media. A founding member of the International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ), he has spent much of his career reporting on and producing content about religion, faith, and spirituality. View full profile →.
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