Diwali 2026 on 8 November: Lakshmi Puja muhurat, Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj and Karwa Chauth dates

Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on the Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Kartik. It is also a gazetted central government holiday. Before Diwali, many married women in north India observe Karwa Chauth on Thursday, 29 October.

Festive calendar (as per Drik Panchang, New Delhi)

Because the Amavasya tithi runs from 11:27 am on 8 November to 12:31 pm on 9 November, Govardhan Puja falls on 10 November this year rather than the day after Diwali.

Lakshmi Puja muhurat

For New Delhi, Drik Panchang lists the Lakshmi Puja muhurat as 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm on 8 November, within Pradosh Kaal (5:31 pm to 8:09 pm). Times vary by city; for example, Mumbai's listed muhurat is 6:27 pm to 8:27 pm.

Karwa Chauth timings

On 29 October, Drik Panchang gives New Delhi's fasting period as 6:31 am to 8:17 pm, a puja muhurat of 5:38 pm to 6:56 pm, and moonrise at about 8:17 pm. Moonrise is later or earlier in other cities.

How Diwali is celebrated

• Homes are cleaned and decorated with diyas, lamps and rangoli.
• Families perform Lakshmi and Ganesh puja in the evening and exchange sweets.
• Dhanteras is traditionally a day for buying utensils or metal items.
• Govardhan Puja honours Lord Krishna, and Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
• Jains mark Diwali as the day of Lord Mahavira's nirvana, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas around the same time.

Please celebrate safely and follow local rules on firecrackers and air quality.