Diwali (Deepavali)
Diwali is the festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Puja Muhurat for Diwali (Deepavali) (2026)
Upcoming Dates Calendar (2025 - 2027)
| Year | Observed Date | Day & Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025-10-20 | Kartika (Amavasya) |
| 2026 (Current) | 2026-11-08 | Kartika (Amavasya) |
| 2027 | 2027-10-29 | Kartika (Amavasya) |
Significance & History
Deepavali marks the night of Kartika Amavasya when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity, auspiciousness, and spiritual illumination. Families illuminate homes with earthen lamps (diyas), share sweets, and welcome positive divine energies.
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
- Cleanse the sacred altar and sprinkle Ganga jal.
- Spread a clean red cloth on a wooden pedestal (chowki).
- Install idols of Goddess Lakshmi on the right and Lord Ganesha on the left.
- Place a Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut with swastika.
- Light a pure cow ghee diya (Akhand Diya) and dhoop.
- Offer Roli, Akshat (unbroken rice), Chandan, and fresh lotus or marigold flowers.
- Chant Lakshmi Beej Mantra and recite Sri Suktam.
- Perform Kuber Puja and Chopda (account books) Puja for business growth.
- Offer Kheer, batasha, seasonal fruits, and sweets as Naivedya.
- Perform Lakshmi Aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata) and Ganesh Aarti with the family.
- Place 13, 21, or 27 earthen diyas in all corners, main entrance, and Tulsi plant.
Essential Puja Samagri List
Sacred Mantras for Chanting
Maha Lakshmi Maha Mantra
Meaning: O Supreme Goddess Lakshmi, who resides in the lotus, bestow your divine grace, purity, and abundant prosperity upon us.
Ganesha Gayatri Mantra
Meaning: We meditate on the single-tusked Lord with a curved trunk. May Lord Ganesha illuminate our intellect.
Kuber Dhan Prapti Mantra
Meaning: We offer oblations to Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the celestial realm and master of all wealth. Bless us with ethical abundance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Diwali in 2026 and what is the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026 on Kartika Amavasya. The primary auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is during Pradosh Kaal and fixed Vrishabha Lagna from 05:40 PM to 07:38 PM (duration: 1 hour 58 minutes).
Why is Lakshmi Puja performed during Pradosh Kaal and Sthir Lagna on Diwali?
Pradosh Kaal begins at sunset and is the traditional hour of divine benevolence. When Pradosh Kaal coincides with a Fixed Ascendant (Sthira Lagna like Vrishabha), Goddess Lakshmi's divine grace is believed to reside permanently (Sthira Vaas) in the devotee's home and workplace without vacillating.
What is Chopda Pujan (Bahi Khata Pujan) Muhurat on Diwali 2026?
Chopda Pujan is the consecration of new financial ledgers by traders and business owners. On Diwali 2026, the optimal Chopda Pujan window is from 05:40 PM to 07:38 PM (Vrishabha Lagna), or in the evening Labh & Amrit Choghadiya from 08:46 PM to 01:40 AM.
What are the 5 days of Deepotsav 2026 dates?
The five days of Deepotsav 2026 are: 1. Dhanteras (Nov 6, 2026), 2. Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali (Nov 7, 2026), 3. Diwali / Maha Lakshmi Puja (Nov 8, 2026), 4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Nov 9, 2026), and 5. Bhai Dooj (Nov 10, 2026).
Why are Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha worshipped together on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi is the bestower of wealth and prosperity, while Lord Ganesha is the embodiment of intellect and wisdom (Buddhi). Wealth without wisdom can lead to ruin; worshipping them together ensures that wealth is managed with discernment, humility, and righteousness.
How many diyas should be lit on Diwali and what is the Yamadeep ritual?
Traditionally, minimum 13, 21, or 27 diyas are lit. On Dhanteras and Choti Diwali, a 4-wick lamp (Yamadeep) facing South is lit outside the house to avert untimely demise. On Diwali night, pure cow ghee lamps are placed at the altar, entrance, cash safe, kitchen, and Tulsi plant.