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The festival season is almost upon us, and if you’re done shopping for Diwali outfits, stocking up on mithai and planning your rangoli designs, it’s time to get your festive calendar in order. After all, Diwali is rarely just a one-day affair. The celebrations unfold over several days, each bringing its own rituals, traditions and reasons to get together. Think homes lit up with rows of diyas, markets buzzing with last-minute shoppers, kitchens busy with festive preparations and plenty of sweets doing the rounds.
This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, with the festivities kicking off on Friday, November 6, with Dhanteras, and drawing to a close on Wednesday, November 11, with Bhai Dooj. Whether you're preparing for Lakshmi Puja, heading out for a festive meal, visiting family or simply looking forward to the annual mithai trail, there's plenty to keep track of over the five days.
What is Diwali and why is it celebrated?
Diwali or Deepawali – also known as the festival of lights celebrated the triumph of good over evil, with each day carrying its own significance and rituals. In Hindu mythology, this festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya with his wife, Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana after their 14 years of exile and Rama’s victory over Ravana. Different regions across India celebrate this occasion through stories associated with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna
Diwali festivities bring families together and are celebrated by lighting diyas, exchanging sweets and snacks and gifts, decorating homes with kandils (lanterns) and rangolis and offering prayers for happiness and prosperity.
Whether you are lighting diyas, going out for a festive meal, visiting family, or simply enjoying the mithai trail across the city, here's a day-by-day guide to Diwali 2026 and what each day celebrates.
Diwali 2026: Dates and significance of each day
In some parts of India, Diwali also begins with Vasubaras (which is on Thursday, November 5, 2026) – a tradition of worshiping the mother cow and her calf – for most people, the festival of lights officially begins with Dhanteras. As per Drig Panchang, here are the Diwali 2026 dates and their significance:
Friday, November 6, 2026: Dhanteras
The Diwali festivities start with Dhanteras – also known as Dhanatrayodashi. This day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari – it is associated with wealth, prosperity, and good health. People usually buy gold, silver, utensils, or anything new for the home, which is considered auspicious. So, if you have been waiting for a reason to add to your shopping cart, here's one rooted in tradition.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Chotti Diwali
Chotti Diwali – also known as Narak Chaturdashi in some regional calendars – is often observed in parts of western India, and it is associated with protection from negativity and the destruction of evil. The key Narak Chaturdashi ritual includes Abhyang Snan (ritual bath) – this also falls on November 8, 2026, for some western parts of India.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja)
This is the key festive day during Diwali. Narak Chaturdashi commemorates Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. This day is traditionally marked by an early-morning Abhyang Snan (bathing ritual), followed by festive food and celebrations. In the evening, families perform Lakshmi Puja, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. As per Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat in Mumbai is 6.27pm to 8.27pm.
Tuesday, October 10, 2026: Diwali Padwa (Bali Pratipada) and Govardhan Puja
Diwali Padwa, or Bali Pratipada, celebrates the bond between husbands and wives across Maharashtra, where couples exchange gifts and good wishes. This day is also associated with King Bali and his devotion to Lord Vishnu. Additionally, some calendars observe Govardhan Puja – offering Annakut (a variety of food items) to Lord Krishna – on this date instead, depending on regional traditions.
Wednesday, October 11, 2026: Bhai Dooj
Diwali wraps up with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. The rituals include sisters applying tilak, performing aarti, and praying for their brothers' well-being, while brothers traditionally offer gifts in return. This day is also known as Yama Dwitiya – the occasion is a reminder to make time for family beyond the festive feasting.