Diwali 2026 Calendar: When is Deepawali? Check date, day, complete festival schedule from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj and significance of each occasion

Diwali is one of the most important festivals for Hindus. Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The five-day festival will begin with Dhanteras on November 6 and conclude with Bhai Dooj on November 11.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. During the festival, people decorate their homes with diyas, candles and colourful rangolis, exchange sweets and gifts, and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for happiness, wealth and prosperity.

Diwali 2026 Date

This year Diwali will be celebrated on October 8th.

Diwali 2026: Complete Festival Calendar

• November 6, 2026 (Friday): Dhanteras
• November 7, 2026 (Saturday): Chhoti Diwali, Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja.
• November 8, 2026 (Sunday): Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Kali Puja, Chopda Puja and Sharda Puja.
• November 9, 2026 (Monday): Diwali Snan and Diwali Devpuja.
• November 10, 2026 (Tuesday): Govardhan Puja, Annakut, Bali Pratipada and Gujarati New Year.
• November 11, 2026 (Wednesday): Bhai Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya and Chitragupta Puja.

Diwali 2026: Five-Day Festival And Its Significance

1. Dhanteras – November 6, 2026
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. The festival is associated with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari and is considered an auspicious occasion for purchasing gold, silver, jewellery and new utensils. Many families clean and decorate their homes and perform special prayers for wealth, health and prosperity.

2. Chhoti Diwali – November 7, 2026
People traditionally light diyas, take ritual baths and decorate their homes as part of the celebrations.

3. Diwali - November 8, 2026
Diwali is the main day of the Festival of Lights. On this occasion, families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for happiness, wealth and prosperity. People decorate their homes with flowers, lights and rangolis, light earthen lamps and exchange sweets and gifts with friends and relatives.

4. Govardhan Puja – November 10, 2026
Devotees prepare and offer a variety of food items, known as Annakut, to Lord Krishna.

5. Bhai Dooj – November 11, 2026

Bhai Dooj marks the end of the major Diwali festivities. The festival celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life and happiness. Brothers, in return, give gifts and promise to protect and support their sisters.