When is Diwali 2026? In Hinduism, the festival of Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. The festive spirit of Diwali is clearly visible in the markets; people are busy cleaning their homes and shopping for the occasion. A wide variety of lights and decorative items can be found in the markets. From celebrities to the general public, everyone celebrates this festival with immense joy. With Diwali fast approaching, it is worth noting that on this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha with full traditional rituals.
It is believed in Hinduism that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this sacred night are blessed with immense wealth and prosperity, ensuring they never face a shortage of food or essential resources. According to religious belief, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali brings lasting happiness and prosperity to one’s home, while also leading to an abundance of wealth and grain. As is often the case, there is some confusion regarding the exact date for this year’s Diwali celebrations. Let us find out which day and date the festival falls on this year.
Diwali 2026: Date and Auspicious Timing (Shubh Muhurat)
According to the Hindu calendar, the *Kartik Amavasya* (new moon) *tithi* will begin at 11:27 AM on November 8 and conclude at 12:31 PM on November 9. Consequently, in 2026, the festival of Diwali will be celebrated on November 8. For *Lakshmi Pujan* (the worship of Goddess Lakshmi), the auspicious time (*shubh muhurat*) is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.
Diwali Puja Essentials
Before beginning the Diwali *puja*, one should gather all the necessary items in one place. This includes idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, a *chowki* (a small raised platform or table), and a piece of red cloth for the ritual. Additionally, keep items such as roli (vermilion), kumkum, sandalwood paste, akshat (unbroken rice grains), betel leaves, betel nuts, panchamrit, a coconut, and Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) ready. You will also need a kalash (ceremonial pot), mango leaves, mauli (sacred red thread), and a janeu (sacred thread). Furthermore, gather flowers, fruits, durva (sacred grass), incense, camphor, a lamp (diya), and cotton wicks. Include puffed rice (kheel), sugar drops (batashe), and sweets among the items for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
Shubh Muhurat (auspicious timing) for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali:
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM
Pradosh Kaal Muhurat: 5:41 PM to 8:17 PM
Nishita Kaal Muhurat: 11:44 PM to 12:36 AM
You may perform your prayers and rituals during these auspicious times. According to religious belief, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on the night of Diwali brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to the home.
How to perform the worship of Lakshmi and Ganesha on Diwali?
1. Prepare a platform (chowki) for the puja and spread a clean red or yellow cloth over it.
2. Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera on the platform.
3. Light a ghee lamp in front of the deities.
4. Offer items such as roli, akshat, flowers, fruits, incense, a lamp, and sweets during the worship.
5. Perform the worship of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi according to the prescribed rituals (vidhi-vidhan).
6. Finally, perform the aarti of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
7. Upon completion of the puja, pray for happiness, prosperity, well-being, and financial growth.
8. After the puja concludes, seek forgiveness from Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for any mistakes that may have been committed, knowingly or unknowingly.