Diwali 2026 Date: When is Deepavali? Check date, Lakshmi Puja muhurat, significance, rituals and home decoration tips

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. The festival of lights symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. People celebrate the occasion by decorating their homes with earthen lamps (diyas), colourful rangolis, flowers and lights. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, exchange gifts and sweets, and come together to celebrate the festival.

Diwali Date 2026

In 2026, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, according to the Hindu calendar. Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals performed on Diwali, as devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi to seek blessings for wealth, happiness and prosperity.

Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja Muhurat

Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during the Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset. The auspicious puja timings vary from city to city depending on the local sunset and planetary calculations.


For New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is expected to be from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on November 8, 2026. In Mumbai, the muhurat is approximately 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM.

How Is Diwali Celebrated Across India?

Diwali celebrations include decorating homes with diyas, candles, fairy lights, flowers and colourful rangolis. Families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha puja, prepare traditional sweets and savoury dishes, exchange gifts and visit relatives and friends. Markets and shopping areas are decorated, while people purchase new clothes, jewellery and household items.

Diwali 2026: Important Rituals And Traditions

Diwali is celebrated with several religious rituals and customs that vary across regions and communities. One of the most important traditions is cleaning and decorating homes before the festival, as devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits clean and well-lit houses. People decorate entrances with rangolis, flowers, torans and earthen lamps to welcome prosperity and good fortune.

On Diwali evening, families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, light diyas and offer flowers, sweets, fruits and other traditional offerings to the deities. Many households also worship their account books, business records and valuables, seeking blessings for financial growth and success. Lighting lamps in different parts of the home is another important custom, symbolising the victory of light over darkness.

How To Prepare Your Home For Diwali 2026?

Preparations for Diwali usually begin several days before the festival. People clean and organise their homes, decorate entrances and balconies with flowers and lights, and purchase new clothes and puja essentials. Here are some common ways families prepare for the festival:

• Clean the house: Thoroughly clean rooms, kitchens, balconies and entrances before the festival.
• Decorate with diyas: Place earthen lamps around balconies, windows, entrances and puja areas.
• Make rangolis: Create colourful rangoli designs at the entrance to welcome guests and prosperity.
• Prepare sweets: Make or purchase traditional sweets such as laddoos, kaju katli, barfi and gulab jamun.
• Arrange puja essentials: Keep flowers, incense sticks, fruits, sweets, kumkum, rice and diyas ready for Lakshmi Puja.
• Exchange gifts: Share sweets, dry fruits and gifts with family members, friends and neighbours.