Diwali 2026 Dates & Calendar: Complete Guide to 5 Days, Deepavali Muhurat & Holidays

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Celebrated with family and friends, this joyous festival brings homes alive with diyas, colourful rangolis, festive delicacies and prayers for prosperity and happiness.

If you’re planning a memorable Diwali celebration with your loved ones in 2026, here’s everything you need to know about the festival date and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat. Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026. In Mumbai, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is from 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM, making it the ideal time for devotees to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and seek blessings for wealth, peace and prosperity. Please note that puja timings may vary depending on your city and local Panchang.  

When Is Diwali 2026? – 5 Days of Diwali Explained

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is celebrated over five days, with each day holding its own cultural and religious significance. From Dhanteras and Choti Diwali to Lakshmi Puja and Bhai Dooj, each occasion brings families and friends together to celebrate prosperity, happiness, and new beginnings. Here’s the complete Diwali calendar 2026, with the dates, days, and names of the major festivals to help you plan your celebrations.

Day 1 – Dhanteras (November 6, 2026 – Friday)

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. On this auspicious day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking health, wealth and prosperity. It is also considered an auspicious occasion to purchase gold, silver, utensils and other new items for the home. The Dhanteras Puja Muhurat is 6:35 PM – 8:34 PM IST.

Day 2 – Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi (November 7, 2026 – Saturday)

Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. People traditionally begin the day with an auspicious oil bath, light diyas and prepare their homes for Diwali celebrations. In some traditions, Kali Chaudas rituals are performed late at night. The Kali Chaudas Muhurat is approximately 11:56 PM on November 7 to 12:47 AM on November 8 IST.

Day 3 – Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (November 8, 2026 – Sunday)

Diwali, the main festival of lights, is celebrated to welcome prosperity, happiness and new beginnings. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, decorate their homes with diyas and colourful rangoli, exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals with loved ones. The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Mumbai is approximately 6:27 PM – 8:27 PM IST.

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (November 09, 2026 – Tuesday)

Govardhan Puja celebrates the day Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains. Devotees worship Lord Krishna and prepare a variety of food offerings, known as Annakut, as a gesture of gratitude and devotion. The Govardhan Puja Muhurat in Mumbai is approximately 6:43 AM – 8:58 AM IST. An evening puja may also be observed according to local traditions.

Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (November 11, 2026 – Wednesday)

Bhai Dooj marks the final day of the traditional five-day Diwali festival. It celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters performing a tilak ceremony and praying for their brothers' happiness, health and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and reaffirm their love and protection. The Bhai Dooj tilak timing is approximately 1:30 PM – 3:45 PM IST in Mumbai, subject to local Panchang variations.

Holiday List in Diwali 2026

Celebrate the Diwali 2026 Long Weekend at Imagicaa with exciting Diwali Offer

Diwali is a time to celebrate new beginnings, create beautiful memories and spend quality time with family and friends. This year, make your Deepawali celebrations extra special at Imagicaa, where there’s something for everyone. Enjoy thrilling rides at the Theme Park, exciting water slides at the Water Park, a festive getaway at Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli, and unforgettable entertainment with the grand Imagicaa Night Parade. From dazzling festive décor and live entertainment to exciting Diwali offers, Imagicaa brings together everything you need for a memorable festive outing. So, gather your loved ones, plan your Diwali getaway and explore the latest tickets and offers for a celebration filled with fun, excitement and togetherness.

Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026 – Auspicious Time for Prosperity & Sustainable Growth 

Diwali Muhurat Trading marks an auspicious start to the new Samvat year, symbolising prosperity, wealth creation and fresh beginnings. During this special one-hour trading session, investors embrace new opportunities with optimism and the hope of a prosperous year ahead.

Much like the adrenaline-pumping twists and high-speed thrills of Imagicaa’s Nitro, Muhurat Trading brings its own rush of excitement and anticipation. It’s where tradition meets momentum, and every new beginning holds the promise of an exciting journey ahead.

FAQs

When in Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in India.

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026, in India.

What are the 5 days of Diwali 2026?

Dhanteras, Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi), Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj are the five days of Diwali festival.

Is Diwali 2026 a public holiday in India?

Yes, Diwali 2026 on November 08 (Sunday) is a public holiday across India.

When is Choti Diwali 2026?

Choti Diwali will be celebrated on Saturday, November 07, 2026.

Which states have holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj?

Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana will be observing holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, extending the Diwali festival holiday week.

What are the trending Diwali hashtags for 2026?
The trending Diwali Hashtags are:
#HappyDiwali2026

#Deepavali2026

#FestivalOfLights

#DiwaliCelebration

#ImagicaaMagic

#DiwaliAtImagicaa

#FamilyFun

#MumbaiEvents

#FestiveSeason

#DiwaliVibes