Diwali 2026 Date: Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, History & Celebrations

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, across India. Also known as Deepavali, the festival of lights is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities around the world.

Diwali is not simply a single-day festival. Depending on the region and tradition, the celebrations extend across several days and include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali or Deepavali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

The festival has different religious meanings in different parts of India. In North India, Diwali is strongly associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. In many communities, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped for prosperity and good fortune. In West Bengal, Odisha and parts of eastern India, the same new-moon night is marked by Kali Puja.

In 2026, this convergence makes November an especially important period in India’s autumn festival calendar.

The Indian government’s holiday calendar also lists November 8 as Diwali (Deepavali), and the Indian Meteorological Department’s Rashtriya Panchanga similarly lists Dipavali and Kali Puja on November 8, 2026.

Diwali 2026 at a glance

• Diwali date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
• Festival: Diwali / Deepavali
• Tithi: Kartik Amavasya
• West Bengal: Kali Puja and Diwali fall on the same night
• Naraka Chaturdashi: November 8, 2026
• Govardhan Puja: November 9 in the national Panchanga, although regional observances can differ
• Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
• Main theme: Victory of light over darkness and good over evil

The exact ritual dates for individual traditions can differ because Hindu festivals are determined by lunar tithis and local sunrise or sunset calculations.

Diwali 2026 dates: the complete festival calendar

Diwali is traditionally understood as a multi-day festival rather than a single celebration.

*Festival observances can vary by region and Panchang. The Indian national Panchanga lists Govardhana Puja on November 9, while some Kolkata-specific calculations place the observance differently because of the local tithi transition.

What is Diwali?

The word Deepavali comes from Sanskrit and is commonly interpreted as “a row of lamps.”

The festival is therefore closely associated with the lighting of diyas, candles and lamps.

Homes, streets, temples and marketplaces are decorated with lights, while families gather for prayers, food, sweets and gift exchanges.

But the meaning of Diwali extends beyond illumination. Across different traditions, the festival represents themes such as:

• Good overcoming evil
• Light overcoming darkness
• Knowledge overcoming ignorance
• Hope overcoming despair
• Prosperity and renewal
• Family and community

These themes help explain why Diwali has remained one of India’s most enduring festivals.

Why is Diwali celebrated?

There is no single story that explains Diwali for every Indian community. Different regions associate the festival with different religious traditions and historical stories.

Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya

One of the most famous Diwali traditions comes from the Ramayana.

According to the traditional story, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and after defeating Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have welcomed Rama, Sita and Lakshmana by lighting rows of lamps.

The lamps therefore became a symbol of the return of righteousness and the triumph of good over evil.

This story is particularly important in North India.

Diwali and Goddess Lakshmi

Another major tradition connects Diwali with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance.

On Diwali night, families in many parts of India clean their homes, decorate entrances, light lamps and perform Lakshmi Puja. The belief is that a clean, illuminated and welcoming home invites prosperity and good fortune.

Lakshmi Puja is particularly prominent in northern and western India. However, this should not be confused with the Kojagari Lakshmi Puja celebrated in Bengal after Durga Puja.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja

For Kolkata, the Diwali Lakshmi Puja muhurat published by Drik Panchang is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 5:20 PM to 7:18 PM. The same source lists the Pradosh Kaal as 4:56 PM to 7:29 PM.

Families following a particular regional or family Panchang should use that Panchang for their exact puja timing.

The main Lakshmi Puja ceremony generally includes:

1. Cleaning the home
2. Decorating the entrance
3. Lighting diyas
4. Preparing the puja area
5. Worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesha
6. Offering flowers, fruits and sweets
7. Performing aarti
8. Seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being

Diwali 2026 in West Bengal: Kali Puja and Diwali together

For West Bengal, November 8, 2026 is both Diwali and Kali Puja.

The West Bengal government’s SAHAJ Puja portal confirms that Kali Puja 2026 will be observed on Sunday, November 8, on the new moon day of the Bengali month of Kartik, coinciding with Diwali.

This makes the Bengali celebration quite different from the typical North Indian image of Diwali. While Lakshmi Puja is central to Diwali in many parts of India, Bengali households and communities traditionally observe Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja or Mahanisha Puja, on the same Amavasya night.

What is Kali Puja?

Kali Puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce and powerful form of the Divine Mother.

The goddess represents the destruction of evil, ignorance and negative forces.

In Bengal, Kali Puja is often celebrated at night with elaborate idols, decorated pandals, devotional rituals and cultural programmes. Kolkata and surrounding areas become especially lively during the festival.

Large Kali Puja celebrations can be found in neighbourhoods across the city, while historic temples also attract devotees.

Why does Bengal celebrate Kali Puja instead of Diwali Lakshmi Puja?

Bengal does celebrate Diwali, but the principal religious observance on the Amavasya night is traditionally Kali Puja.

This is a regional difference rather than a contradiction. The same lunar occasion can carry different religious traditions across India.

In many northern and western regions:

Diwali night → Lakshmi Puja

In Bengal:

Diwali night → Kali Puja / Shyama Puja

Both traditions are associated with the same Kartik Amavasya period.

Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi is traditionally associated with the story of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura.

The day is also commonly known as Choti Diwali in many parts of India.

The traditional story describes Krishna’s victory over Narakasura and the liberation of those held captive by the demon. The celebration therefore carries the broader Diwali theme of good overcoming evil.

The 2026 Rashtriya Panchanga lists Naraka Chaturdashi and Deepavali on November 8, with regional observances determined according to the relevant tithi and local tradition.

Dhanteras 2026

The Diwali season traditionally begins with Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi.

In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6 according to the national festival calendar.

The day is associated with wealth, prosperity and the worship of Dhanvantari in Hindu tradition.

Buying gold, silver, utensils or other household items on Dhanteras is a popular custom in many communities, and many families also light lamps as part of the observance.

Govardhan Puja 2026

Govardhan Puja follows Diwali in many North Indian traditions.

The festival recalls the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj from torrential rain sent by Indra.

Devotees create symbolic representations of Govardhan Hill and prepare Annakut, an elaborate offering of food.

The national Panchanga lists Govardhana Puja on November 9, 2026. However, local calendars can differ — for example, a Kolkata-specific Panchang calculation places its Govardhan observance on November 10 because of the local tithi timing.

This is a useful reminder that festival dates should be checked against the regional Panchang when planning an exact ritual.

Bhai Dooj 2026

The Diwali period concludes for many families with Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota, Bhai Phonta, Bhau Beej or Bhai Tika depending on the region.

In 2026, Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, November 11. The national Panchanga lists Bhai Duj / Bhratri Dwitiya on that date.

The festival celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. A sister traditionally applies a tilak or other ceremonial mark to her brother, performs prayers and shares a meal with him — our Bhai Dooj 2026 guide covers the regional variations in detail.

How different parts of India celebrate Diwali

One of the most fascinating aspects of Diwali is how differently it is celebrated across India.

North India

Diwali is strongly connected with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Homes are illuminated with diyas, families perform Lakshmi Puja, sweets are exchanged and fireworks are traditionally associated with the celebrations.

West India

In Gujarat, Maharashtra and neighbouring regions, Diwali is closely associated with prosperity, business, family and the beginning of a new financial year in some communities. The festival sequence includes Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

West Bengal

West Bengal celebrates Kali Puja on the same night as Diwali. Kolkata is particularly known for its illuminated streets, Kali Puja pandals, temples and community celebrations.

South India

In several southern states, Naraka Chaturdashi has a particularly important place in the Diwali celebration. Families may begin the festival early in the morning with traditional oil baths, new clothes, prayers and sweets.

Odisha

Diwali traditions in Odisha include the worship of ancestors and lighting lamps. In some traditions, lamps are associated with guiding departed ancestors.

Nepal

Diwali’s broader cultural equivalent is Tihar, a multi-day festival that includes worship of different animals and culminates in Bhai Tika. The celebrations have their own distinct Nepalese traditions while sharing the wider festival-of-lights theme.

Diwali rituals and traditions

Although customs vary considerably, several practices are common across India.

Lighting diyas

The diya is perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Diwali. Families place lamps around windows, entrances, balconies, temples and courtyards. The light symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Rangoli and alpona

Many families decorate their homes with rangoli. In Bengal, traditional alpona is especially common. Patterns may include flowers, geometric shapes, religious symbols and footprints associated with Goddess Lakshmi.

Cleaning the home

Cleaning is traditionally completed before Diwali. The practice has both practical and symbolic significance, because a clean and well-maintained home is considered welcoming to prosperity.

New clothes

Wearing new clothes is a common Diwali tradition. Families often dress formally for the evening puja and family gatherings.

Sweets and food

Diwali is closely associated with sweets. Depending on the region, families prepare or exchange:

• Laddoo
• Barfi
• Jalebi
• Kaju katli
• Rasgulla
• Sandesh
• Chomchom
• Peda
• Chakli
• Gujiya
• Various homemade sweets

Regional food traditions make Diwali cuisine particularly diverse.

Gifts

Gift-giving has become an important part of modern Diwali. Families, friends and businesses exchange sweets, dry fruits, clothing and other gifts.

Why are lamps lit during Diwali?

The lamp represents light.

In the broadest interpretation, Diwali celebrates the movement from darkness towards light and from ignorance towards knowledge.

The physical act of lighting a lamp also transforms the home and neighbourhood, making the festival visually distinctive.

This is why the name Deepavali, often translated as a row or series of lamps, is so closely connected with the festival.

Why are fireworks associated with Diwali?

Fireworks became an increasingly popular part of Diwali celebrations over time.

Traditionally, the festival involved lamps, music, prayers and community celebrations. Firecrackers later became strongly associated with the public celebration of Diwali.

Today, many families choose to celebrate with diyas, lights and community events while reducing or avoiding fireworks because of concerns about air pollution, noise and safety.

Where fireworks are used, local laws and safety restrictions should always be followed.

Diwali mythology: one festival, many stories

There is no single universal Diwali mythology. Depending on the region, the festival may be associated with:

• Rama’s return to Ayodhya
• Krishna’s victory over Narakasura
• Goddess Lakshmi’s worship
• Kali Puja
• Govardhan Hill and Krishna
• The return of the Pandavas in certain regional traditions
• Jain traditions associated with Mahavira’s nirvana
• Sikh traditions associated with Bandi Chhor Divas

This diversity is an important part of understanding Diwali. It is better understood as a shared festival period containing several regional and religious traditions, rather than a celebration with one single origin story.

Diwali in Bengal vs Diwali in North India

Both celebrations occur around Kartik Amavasya, but their religious and cultural expressions are different.

Is Diwali a five-day festival?

Diwali is commonly described as a five-day festival, although the exact sequence varies by region. A commonly recognised sequence is:

• Day 1 — Dhanteras: Wealth and prosperity.
• Day 2 — Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali: Victory over Narakasura.
• Day 3 — Diwali / Deepavali: Main festival of lights, Lakshmi Puja and regional observances such as Kali Puja.
• Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
• Day 5 — Bhai Dooj: Brother-sister celebration.

Not every region follows exactly the same sequence or gives equal importance to every day.

Diwali 2026 in West Bengal

For West Bengal, the 2026 festive sequence comes shortly after Durga Puja and Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. The major autumn dates are:

• Durga Puja: October 16–21
• Kojagari Lakshmi Puja: October 25
• Kali Puja / Diwali: November 8
• Bhai Dooj: November 11

See our Durga Puja 2026 dates page for the full autumn season.

The West Bengal government portal confirms Kali Puja on November 8, 2026, while the state education holiday calendar lists additional holidays around Kali Puja on November 9 and 10, and Bhatridwitiya on November 11.

For Kolkata, this means the festive atmosphere continues well beyond Durga Puja, moving through Lakshmi Puja and eventually into Kali Puja and Diwali.

Diwali 2026: frequently asked questions

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

When is Deepavali 2026?

Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. Deepavali is another name for Diwali.

When is Diwali 2026 in India?

Diwali will be celebrated across India on November 8, 2026, although individual rituals and associated festivals can vary by region.

When is Kali Puja 2026 in West Bengal?

Kali Puja 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, coinciding with Diwali.

When is Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026?

In Kolkata, the published Diwali Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:20 PM to 7:18 PM on November 8, 2026.

When is Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6, 2026 in the 2026 national festival calendar.

When is Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?

Naraka Chaturdashi is observed around the Diwali period, with the 2026 national Panchanga listing it on November 8. Local observance can depend on the tithi and sunrise calculation.

When is Govardhan Puja 2026?

The national Panchanga lists Govardhana Puja on Monday, November 9, 2026, while some regional calendars, including a Kolkata-specific calculation, give November 10.

When is Bhai Dooj 2026?

Bhai Dooj 2026 is on Wednesday, November 11.

Is Diwali the same as Kali Puja?

Not exactly. They occur on the same new-moon night in 2026, but they represent different regional traditions. In West Bengal, Kali Puja is the major religious observance on Diwali night.

Diwali 2026: the festival of many traditions

Diwali is often called the festival of lights, but India’s celebration of Diwali is much more diverse than that phrase suggests.

In Ayodhya, the festival recalls Rama’s return. In many homes, it is a night for Lakshmi and Ganesha. In Bengal, the same night becomes Kali Puja. In South India, Naraka Chaturdashi has particular importance. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Diwali is closely connected with prosperity, family and new beginnings. In Nepal, the wider festival becomes Tihar.

And across these traditions, lamps remain a common symbol of hope, renewal and the triumph of light over darkness.

In 2026, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, bringing together one of India’s most diverse and enduring festival traditions.