Diwali 2026: Dates, 5-Day Festival Calendar & Shubh Muhurat

Diwali 2026 Dates: Diwali is one of the major Hindu festivals in India, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement across the country. According to religious beliefs, after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after Dussehra. To celebrate his return, Ayodhya was lit with diyas. This is the reason why Diwali is celebrated every year. However, Diwali is not just a one-day festival but a five-day religious celebration.

During the five-day Diwali festival, people celebrate Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. This year, the five-day Diwali festival of lights will begin on 6 November and continue until 11 November, 2026. Here is the complete festival calendar and auspicious timings.

What Happens on Each Day of the Five-Day Festival?

To learn about the exact dates, auspicious timings, and rituals of the festival of lights, you can chat with an astrologer.

Dhanteras: The Diwali festival begins on Dhanteras. It is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month. On this day, people consider it auspicious to buy jewellery, vehicles, and other items, and along with this, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber is also important. People also light diyas during Pradosh Kaal. 

Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM.

Naraka Chaturdashi: Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month. It is known by several names, including Chhoti Diwali, Roop Chaudas, and Kali Chaudas. 7 November will be the day of Kali Chaudas and Chhoti Diwali. However, according to Panchang calculations and the Udaya Tithi, Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated on 8 November in many places.

Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM (8 November).

Lakshmi Ganesh Puja: The Kartik Amavasya Tithi is an important part of the Diwali festival. On Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped; people light diyas in their homes and courtyards, exchange gifts, and celebrate by lighting Fuljhadi.

Puja Muhurat: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.

Govardhan Puja: Govardhan Puja is performed on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. It is also known as Annakut. On this day, people make a figure of Govardhan Hill(Parvat) using cow dung and worship it.

Puja Muhurat: 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM and 11:43 AM to 12:26 PM (Abhijit Muhurat).

Bhai Dooj: Bhai Dooj, also known as Yam Dwitiya, is the last festival of the five-day Diwali celebration. It is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Kartik Shukla Paksha. On this festival of the strong bond and trust between brothers and sisters, sisters apply a tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life, good health, and success.

Tilak Muhurat: 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM.