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🪔 Hindu Festival · Kartik Maas

Diwali 2026

दीपावली

Also known as: Deepavali · Dipawali · Festival of Lights

Date 2026

Sunday, 8 November 2026

Tithi

Kartik Amavasya (Krishna Paksha, Kartik Maas)

Duration

5 Days

Sacred Mantra

ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमः

What is Diwali?

Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, the demon king. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to welcome him. It also marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Ganesha for wisdom.

📖 Source: Ramayana — Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya

5 Days of Diwali

1

Dhanteras6 Nov

Worship of Dhanvantari and Lakshmi; purchase of gold or silver is considered auspicious

2

Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)7 Nov

Celebrating Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura

3

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)8 Nov

Main day — Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped; lighting of diyas and fireworks

4

Govardhan Puja9 Nov

Worship of Govardhan hill; celebrates Krishna lifting the hill to protect villagers from Indra's rain

5

Bhai Dooj10 Nov

Sisters perform aarti and pray for their brothers; celebration of the brother-sister bond

How to Celebrate Diwali — Rituals

  • 🪔Cleaning and decorating homes with rangoli and flowers
  • 🪔Lighting clay diyas (oil lamps) to welcome Lakshmi
  • 🪔Lakshmi-Ganesha puja at sunset with specific mantras
  • 🪔Fireworks and celebration with family
  • 🪔Exchanging sweets (mithai) and gifts
  • 🪔Wearing new clothes

Regional Variations

south india

Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) is celebrated as the main day

west bengal

Kali Puja is performed instead of Lakshmi Puja on the main night

gujarat

The Hindu New Year (Bestu Varas) begins the day after Diwali

Associated Deities

🌸 lakshmi🐘 ganesha🦚 krishna🏹 rama

Sacred Places

🏰 ayodhya

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The 5-day festival begins on November 6 (Dhanteras) and ends on November 10 (Bhai Dooj).
❓ Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. It also commemorates Goddess Lakshmi's worship for prosperity and Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
❓ How many days is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated over 5 days — starting from Dhanteras and ending on Bhai Dooj.
❓ What is the main ritual of Diwali?
The main ritual of Diwali is Lakshmi-Ganesha puja performed at sunset on the main day. Diyas are lit, sweets are offered, and mantras are chanted to invite prosperity into the home.
❓ Is Diwali celebrated differently in different states?
Yes. In West Bengal, Kali Puja is the main celebration. In South India, Naraka Chaturdashi (the second day) is the major day. In Gujarat, the Hindu New Year begins the day after Diwali.

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