दीपावली
Diwali
The festival of lights, when Lakshmi Puja is done on the Amavasya evening and every home glows with lamps.
About Diwali
Diwali falls on the Amavasya of Kartika, the darkest night of the month, and is the centre of the five-day festival from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj.
It celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, and it is the night when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity. Lakshmi Puja is done in the evening during Pradosh Kaal.
How to celebrate
Clean and decorate the home, draw rangoli at the entrance and hang a toran of marigolds and mango leaves.
In the evening, set up the puja with idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, a kalash, coins, sweets and diyas.
Do Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal, after sunset.
Light diyas in every room, at the doors and on the windows, and keep one lamp burning through the night.
Share sweets with family and neighbours.
Do
- Keep the home clean and lit through the evening
- Do the puja in Pradosh Kaal for your city
- Keep a lamp burning at the entrance
Avoid
- Leaving the house dark after puja
- Loud crackers near animals and the elderly
Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Amavasya tithi begins at 11:28 AM on Sunday 8 November and ends at 12:32 PM on Monday 9 November IST.
What is the Diwali puja time in 2026?
In New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal is from 5:31 PM to 8:08 PM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why is Lakshmi Puja done after sunset?
Lakshmi is believed to visit homes on the night of Kartika Amavasya. Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset, is considered the most auspicious time for her worship.
Which gods are worshipped on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha together, along with Kuber and Goddess Saraswati in many homes.
Around Diwali
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
- Govardhan PujaTue 10 Nov
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