Diwali 2026
The days of Diwali, each dated from its tithi and timed for your city.
6 November 2026
Dhanteras
Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, opens the five days of Diwali. It falls on Trayodashi, the thirteenth day of the waning fortnight of Kartika (Ashwina in the amanta calendar followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the south), and is the day for buying metal or gold and lighting a lamp for Yama at the door.
8 November 2026
Naraka Chaturdashi
Naraka Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, Roop Chaudas or Kali Chaudas, falls on Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the waning fortnight, and marks Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Its central rite is the abhyang snan, a bath with oil and ubtan taken before sunrise.
8 November 2026
Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja is the main night of Diwali, kept on Amavasya, the new moon that ends the lunar month of Ashwina in the amanta calendar (Kartika in the purnimanta calendar of the north). Lamps are lit and Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped for prosperity in the year ahead.
10 November 2026
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja and Annakut are kept in the north, and Bali Pratipada in Maharashtra and Karnataka, on Pratipada, the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. Krishna is worshipped as Govardhan, the hill he lifted to shelter the people of Braj.
10 November 2026
Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year)
Bestu Varas, also Nutan Varsh, is the Gujarati New Year: the first day of the new Vikram Samvat year in the Gujarati calendar, kept on Pratipada of the bright fortnight of Kartika. Families greet each other with “Saal Mubarak”, visit temples and elders, and many businesses open their new account books.
11 November 2026
Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, also Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta or Yama Dwitiya, closes the five days of Diwali. Sisters mark their brothers’ foreheads with a tilak and pray for their long life. It falls on Dwitiya, the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.
Questions
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on 6 November 2026 across India, calculated from the tithi.
When is Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 falls on 8 November 2026 across India, calculated from the tithi.
When is Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026?
Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026 falls on 8 November 2026 across India, calculated from the tithi.
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Govardhan Puja 2026 falls on 10 November 2026 across India, calculated from the tithi.
When is Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) 2026?
Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) 2026 falls on 10 November 2026 across India, calculated from the tithi.
When is Bhai Dooj 2026?
Bhai Dooj 2026 falls on 11 November 2026 across India, calculated from the tithi.