Diwali 2026 dates and traditions in India

Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to the Hindu calendar. The Amavasya तिथि begins at approximately 11:27 AM on November 8 and continues until 12:31 PM on November 9. Because the main Lakshmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal, the festival falls on November 8.

In New Delhi, the auspicious timing for Lakshmi Puja is scheduled from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. Following Diwali, Govardhan Puja is set for Tuesday, November 10, and Bhai Dooj will be observed on Wednesday, November 11.

Traditional practices for the festival include creating Rangoli and Swastika symbols at home entrances. Rangoli, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rangavali’, is intended to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into clean and beautiful spaces while removing Vastu defects and negative energy. The Swastika is also used as a sacred symbol to invite prosperity and positive energy into the household.