Diwali 2026

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the festival of lights, celebrated across India as a five-day festival of the victory of light over darkness. It takes place from the Trayodashi (thirteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik to the Dwitiya (second day) of the Shukla Paksha.

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Families and Householders: Every household, young and old together, celebrates Diwali with cleaning, lights, and worship to welcome prosperity, health, and happiness into the home.
• Business Owners and Traders: Merchants worship their account books and tools on Lakshmi Puja night (Chopda Pujan) and seek blessings for the new financial year.
• Brothers and Sisters: On the last day, siblings honour their bond, with sisters praying for the long life of their brothers.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Day 1, Dhanteras: Lakshmi and Dhanvantari are worshipped in the evening in Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset), and a lamp is lit for Yama.
• Day 2, Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): The ritual bath is taken before sunrise, in the Brahma Muhurta, and lamps are lit in the evening. Gujarat observes this as Kali Chaudas.
• Day 3, Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Night): At home the puja is done in Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset), best in the part that overlaps the Sthir Lagna (Vrishabha); some families also keep Mahanishita Kaal, and offices and shops worship in an auspicious Choghadiya (Shubh, Labh, Amrit or Char). See the Lakshmi Puja guide on this page for the muhurats.
• Day 4, Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Done in the morning, with the Annakut offering of many foods. Gujarat celebrates the new year (Bestu Varas) on this day.
• Day 5, Bhai Dooj: The sister applies the tilak to her brother in the afternoon (Aparahna). Check the Bhai Dooj muhurat for your city on this page.

The Katha (Story of Rama's Return to Ayodhya)

Long ago, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya had to send his eldest son Rama into exile for fourteen years. Rama went to the forest, along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshmana, and lived there in simple devotion to dharma.

During the exile, the demon king Ravana abducted Sita. Rama gathered an army, with the help of Hanuman and the vanaras, crossed the sea, and fought a great battle in Lanka. He defeated Ravana and rescued Sita, and the exile came to an end.

When the news of their return reached Ayodhya, the citizens decided to welcome their beloved king home. On the new moon night (Amavasya) of Kartik, they cleaned their homes and streets and lit rows of earthen lamps everywhere, so that the dark night shone as bright as day. They told each other: "Our Rama has come home. Let every home glow with light and joy."

Since that day, people have celebrated Diwali by lighting lamps, decorating their homes, and sharing sweets, remembering the return of Rama and the triumph of dharma.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night:

• Images / Idols: Pictures or idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and a red cloth for the altar
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Akshat (unbroken rice grains), and turmeric
• Lamps & Lights: Many clay Diyas with Ghee or oil and cotton wicks, incense sticks, and camphor
• Rangoli Items: Coloured powder, flower petals, and rice flour for the rangoli at the entrance
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Sweets such as Laddu or Kheer, Batasha (sugar drops), puffed rice (Khil), and fruits
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers (especially lotus or marigold), Kalava (red thread), coins, and new clothes for the family

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Preparing the Home and Sankalp

1. In the days before Diwali, clean and declutter every room, the kitchen, and the entrance, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits clean homes.
2. Wake up early on the day of the puja, bathe, and wear new or clean clothes (preferably red, yellow, or other bright colours).
3. Take a little water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Lakshmi, today I worship you with full devotion. Bless my home with peace, prosperity, and happiness."
4. Hang a toran of mango leaves or marigold flowers on the main door, and make a rangoli at the entrance.

Step 2: The Days Before and After Diwali Night

1. Dhanteras: Worship Lakshmi and Dhanvantari in the evening, buy a small metal item or utensil, and light a Diya outside the house. See the Dhanteras guide on this page.
2. Narak Chaturdashi (Kali Chaudas in Gujarat): Take an early morning bath and light lamps in the evening. See the Narak Chaturdashi guide on this page.
3. Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Worship Govardhan with Annakut, a spread of many foods. In Gujarat this day is the new year; see the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) guide on this page.
4. Bhai Dooj: Sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life. See the Bhai Dooj guide on this page.

Step 3: Lighting the Lamps (Evening)

1. Lighting the Lamp: At dusk, light Diyas at the main door, windows, balcony, courtyard, and every room.
2. Placing the Rangoli: Complete the rangoli with coloured powder and flowers, and keep a Diya in the middle.
3. Preparing the Altar: Place the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on a Chowki covered with a red cloth in the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone).
4. Offering Naivedya: Keep the sweets, Khil, Batasha, and fruits ready in front of the deities.

Step 4: Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Night)

1. Light a Ghee Diya, apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and worship Ganesha first.
2. Offer flowers, tie Kalava, and offer the sweets and fruits, praying for blessings of wealth and wellbeing.
3. Recite or listen to the Lakshmi stotra or the story of Lakshmi, then perform the Lakshmi Aarti with the lit Ghee lamp.
4. For the full ritual, mantras and the detailed method, see the Lakshmi Puja guide on this page.

Step 5: Celebrating with Family

1. After the puja, step outside to see the lamps, and share sweets with family, friends, and neighbours.
2. Business owners may also worship their account books and tools on this night.
3. Spend the evening with family and friends, remembering the return of Rama and the triumph of dharma.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the sweet prasad among family members and children.
3. Let the Diyas burn through the night, and have a simple, sattvic meal together.

Dhanteras

Read the full Dhanteras guide

Kali Chaudas

Kali Chaudas is celebrated on Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha, the night before Diwali. Goddess Kali is worshipped that night for protection from fear and negative energy.

Read the full Kali Chaudas guide

Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Narak Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali, is the second day of Diwali. It is celebrated on Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha, with the early-morning oil bath (Abhyang Snan), and remembers Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.

Read the full Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) guide

Diwali

Read the full Diwali guide

Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas)

Read the full Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) guide

Bhai Dooj

Read the full Bhai Dooj guide