Diwali 2026: Dates, 5-Day Festival Calendar & Shubh Muhurat

Diwali 2026 Dates: Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India. The occasion brings families and communities together to celebrate happiness, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing his 14-year exile. To welcome their beloved king, the people of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with glowing oil lamps, symbolizing joy and the triumph of righteousness.

This beautiful tradition continues today as millions of people illuminate their homes with diyas and celebrate Diwali with devotion and excitement. However, Diwali is not limited to a single day. It is traditionally celebrated through five important festivals, each carrying its own religious significance and customs.

The five major celebrations include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. In 2026, the Diwali festivities will begin on November 6 and conclude on November 11. Let's explore the complete Diwali 2026 calendar, important festival dates, traditional rituals, and auspicious puja timings with Wow Jyotish.

Diwali 2026 Calendar: Dates of the Five Major Festivals

If you want to learn more about Diwali 2026 festival dates, auspicious puja timings, religious traditions, or spiritual remedies, you can connect with an astrologer through Wow Jyotish for personalized guidance.

Dhanteras 2026: Beginning of the Diwali Celebrations

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and holds special importance in Hindu traditions. Also called Dhantrayodashi, this festival falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of Kartik.

In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6.

This day is associated with wealth, prosperity, good health, and new beginnings. Many families consider it auspicious to purchase gold, silver, jewelry, utensils, vehicles, and other valuable items.

Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber to seek blessings for health, financial stability, and abundance. Lighting diyas during Pradosh Kaal is another important tradition observed on this occasion.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Chhoti Diwali and Abhyanga Snan

Naraka Chaturdashi is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. This festival is also widely recognized as Chhoti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, and Roop Chaudas.

In 2026, Kali Chaudas and Chhoti Diwali will be observed on Saturday, November 7. However, based on Panchang calculations and the sunrise-based Udaya Tithi tradition, several regions will celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi on November 8.

One of the most important customs associated with Naraka Chaturdashi is Abhyanga Snan, a traditional early-morning oil bath. According to Hindu beliefs, performing this ritual before sunrise symbolizes purification and the removal of negative influences.

People also decorate their homes with lamps, prepare traditional sweets, and participate in religious activities.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on November 8.

Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Ganesh Puja and Festival of Lights

The main Diwali celebration takes place on the Amavasya Tithi of the Kartik month. This is considered one of the most important occasions for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, who represents wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

In 2026, the main Diwali festival will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8.

On this special evening, people clean and decorate their homes, create beautiful rangoli designs, and illuminate their surroundings with traditional clay lamps and decorative lights.

Families gather to perform Lakshmi Ganesh Puja, offer sweets and prayers, and seek divine blessings for happiness, prosperity, and success.

Exchanging gifts, sharing festive meals, visiting loved ones, and lighting sparklers are also popular ways of celebrating this joyful occasion.

According to religious traditions, performing Lakshmi Puja during an auspicious time is believed to invite positive energy, financial well-being, and harmony into the household.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Ganesh Puja Muhurat: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.

Govardhan Puja 2026: Celebrating Lord Krishna's Divine Protection

Govardhan Puja is another important festival observed during the Diwali celebrations. It falls on the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.

Also known as Annakut Puja, this occasion is dedicated to Lord Krishna and commemorates his divine act of protecting the residents of Gokul from heavy rainfall by lifting Govardhan Hill.

In 2026, Govardhan Puja will take place on Tuesday, November 10.

On this day, devotees traditionally create a symbolic representation of Govardhan Hill using cow dung and decorate it with flowers. They offer prayers to Lord Krishna and express gratitude for nature's blessings.

In many temples and households, a variety of freshly prepared dishes are offered to Lord Krishna as part of the Annakut celebration.

The festival emphasizes gratitude, devotion, environmental respect, and the importance of protecting nature.

Govardhan Puja 2026 Auspicious Timings:

• Morning Puja Muhurat: 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM.

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:43 AM to 12:26 PM.

Bhai Dooj 2026: Celebrating the Bond Between Brothers and Sisters

Bhai Dooj marks the conclusion of the traditional five-festival Diwali celebration. This beautiful occasion celebrates the affection, trust, and lifelong relationship shared between brothers and sisters.

Also called Yama Dwitiya, Bhai Dooj is observed on the Dwitiya Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha.

In 2026, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11.

During the celebration, sisters apply a traditional tilak to their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long lives, good health, happiness, and success.

Brothers, in return, express their love and appreciation by presenting gifts and promising to support their sisters.

Families often celebrate the occasion by preparing special meals, exchanging sweets, and spending meaningful time together.

Bhai Dooj represents the importance of family relationships and brings the Diwali celebrations to a heartfelt conclusion.

Bhai Dooj 2026 Tilak Muhurat: 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM.

Celebrate Diwali 2026 with Auspicious Traditions

Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It is a celebration of faith, togetherness, prosperity, and fresh beginnings. From purchasing auspicious items on Dhanteras to celebrating the loving bond of siblings on Bhai Dooj, every festival carries a meaningful religious and cultural tradition.

Understanding the Diwali 2026 festival calendar can help families plan their celebrations, religious ceremonies, shopping, and traditional activities.

For additional information about Diwali 2026 dates, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Dhanteras shopping timings, Govardhan Puja rituals, Bhai Dooj traditions, and other auspicious occasions, you can explore Wow Jyotish or connect with its astrologers for personalized guidance.

Note: The puja timings above are based on the supplied festival calendar. Auspicious timings may differ depending on location, so confirm the exact muhurat using your local Panchang before performing religious ceremonies.