When is Diwali in 2026? Exact Date & Amavasya Tithi

The festival of lights, Diwali (Deepavali), will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026 across India and worldwide.

According to the Vedic Hindu Panchang, Diwali is celebrated on Kartika Krishna Paksha Amavasya during Pradosh Kaal.

Kartik Amavasya Tithi Timings:

  • Amavasya Tithi Begins: November 8, 2026 at 12:45 PM
  • Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 9, 2026 at 02:18 PM

Since Amavasya prevails during Pradosh Kaal, Vrishabha Lagna, and Nishita Kaal on the evening of November 8, the main Lakshmi Puja is observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Shubh Muhurat Timings

In Vedic astrology (Dharma Sindhu & Nirnaya Sindhu), performing Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal and inside a Fixed Ascendant (Sthir Lagna - Vrishabha / Taurus) ensures that Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity, resides permanently in the home and business.

1. Pradosh Kaal & Vrishabha Lagna (Best for Households & Families)

  • Pradosh Kaal: 05:32 PM to 08:09 PM
  • Vrishabha Lagna (Taurus Fixed Ascendant): 05:40 PM to 07:38 PM
  • Best Puja Window: 05:40 PM to 07:38 PM (Duration: 1 hour 58 mins)

Expert Recommendation: Performing Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber Puja between 05:40 PM and 07:38 PM provides maximum spiritual potency and lasting prosperity.

2. Mahanishitha Kaal & Simha Lagna (Best for Merchants, Tantric Seekers & Astrologers)

  • Mahanishitha Kaal: 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (Midnight)
  • Simha Lagna (Leo Fixed Ascendant): 12:08 AM to 02:24 AM (Early morning Nov 9)
  • Duration: 52 minutes (Mahanishitha Kaal window)

Diwali 2026 Choghadiya Muhurat (Day & Night Timings)

For businessmen opening offices, commercial establishments, or trading accounts, the day and night Choghadiya timings are as follows:

Choghadiya Slot Type Timings (Nov 8, 2026) Significance & Suitable Activity
Char (Neutral/Movement) Day 07:58 AM – 09:21 AM Ledger preparations, vehicle puja
Labh (Gain/Profit) Day 09:21 AM – 10:44 AM Opening cash boxes, business transactions
Amrit (Best/Immortal) Day 10:44 AM – 12:07 PM Commercial shop inauguration, Chopda Pujan
Shubh (Auspicious) Day 01:30 PM – 02:53 PM Religious rituals, charity, ancestral salutations
Shubh (Auspicious) Evening 05:32 PM – 07:09 PM Main Pradosh Kaal Household Lakshmi Puja
Amrit (Best) Night 07:09 PM – 08:46 PM Deepdan, Sri Suktam chanting, family feast
Char (Movement) Night 08:46 PM – 10:23 PM Closing accounts, fireworks, gifting
Labh (Gain) Midnight 01:38 AM – 03:15 AM (Nov 9) Kuber Sadhana, secret mantra chanting

Chopda Pujan (Bahi Khata Pujan) 2026 Timings

In Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and business hubs, traders commence their new accounting year (Vikram Samvat 2083) on Diwali with Chopda Pujan (worship of physical account books, digital billing software, laptops, and cash counters):

  • Morning Chopda Muhurat (Labh & Amrit): 09:21 AM to 12:07 PM
  • Afternoon Chopda Muhurat (Shubh): 01:30 PM to 02:53 PM
  • Evening Pradosh Chopda Muhurat: 05:40 PM to 07:38 PM

Chopda Vidhi: Inscribe Swastika (卐) and ‘Shubh Labh’ with Roli and Chandan on account ledgers. Place a silver coin, supari, and yellow kauri on the book and seek blessings from Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.

5-Day Diwali Calendar 2026 (Deepotsav Dates)

  1. Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi): Friday, November 6, 2026 — Yamadeep lighting (South-facing) & gold/silver/utensils purchase.
  2. Narak Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (Roop Chaudas): Saturday, November 7, 2026 — Abhyanga Snan & 14 oil diyas.
  3. Diwali (Badi Diwali / Lakshmi Puja): Sunday, November 8, 2026 — Main Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber Puja.
  4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Monday, November 9, 2026 — Govardhan Hill & Cow worship; Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas).
  5. Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya): Tuesday, November 10, 2026 — Brother-sister bonding, tika ceremony, and blessings.

Step-by-Step Diwali Lakshmi Puja Vidhi (16 Steps - Shodashopachara)

  1. Purification & Sankalp: Sip water 3 times saying ‘Om Keshavaya Namah, Om Narayanaya Namah, Om Madhavaya Namah’.
  2. Altar Setup: Place a red silk cloth on a wooden chauki facing North or East.
  3. Rice Bed: Make an Ashtadal (8-petal) lotus using raw unbroken rice (Akshat).
  4. Kalash Sthapana: Fill a copper or silver pot with holy Ganga water, 1 coin, betel nut, 5 mango leaves, and a coconut wrapped in red mauli.
  5. Deity Placement: Place Lord Ganesha to the left of Goddess Lakshmi. Place Goddess Saraswati and Lord Kuber alongside.
  6. Akhand Jyot: Light an auspicious 4-wick ghee lamp (Akhand Diya) in the centre.
  7. Shodashopachara Offerings: Offer Padya (foot wash), Arghya, Snana (holy bath with Panchamrita), Vastra (clothes), Janeu, Roli, Chandan, Akshat, Itra (attar), fresh Lotus flowers, Peeli Kauri (yellow cowrie), Supari, Dhoop, Deep, and Naivedya (Kheer, Batasha, Laddoos, fruits).
  8. Chopda & Cash Box: Place your account books, pen, and jewelry box before the deities.
  9. Mantra Japa: Chant the Maha Lakshmi Beej Mantra and Sri Suktam 11 or 108 times.
  10. Aarti: Sing Jai Ganesh Deva followed by Om Jai Lakshmi Mata.
  11. Deepdan (Diya Lighting): Place 21 or 27 sesame/mustard oil lamps throughout the home—veranda, terrace, entrance, kitchen, and Tulsi plant.

Powerful Diwali Mantras

1. Maha Lakshmi Beej Mantra

Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha॥
(Chant 108 times with a Kamal Gatta rosary for enduring prosperity and freedom from financial distress)

2. Kuber Dhan Prapti Mantra

Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha॥

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most auspicious time for Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026?

The best time is between 05:40 PM and 07:38 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026. This window combines the auspicious Pradosh Kaal with the Vrishabha Sthir Lagna (Taurus Fixed Ascendant).

How many diyas should be lit on Diwali?

Traditionally, either 13, 21, or 27 diyas are lit. A large 4-faced pure cow ghee diya should remain lit through the night at the home altar, while mustard or sesame oil lamps illuminate doors, windows, and outer boundaries.

Is there an Eclipse (Surya or Chandra Grahan) on Diwali 2026?

No, there is no solar or lunar eclipse on Diwali 2026 in India. There is no Sutak Kaal restriction, and all rituals can be conducted freely at the recommended muhurat timings.