Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. This is a Sunday main Diwali — great news for NRIs abroad who can plan the full 5-day festival without work-week interference. Here's the complete guide covering Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj.
Diwali 2026 — 5-Day Schedule
- Day 1 — Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi — Friday, November 6, 2026
- Day 2 — Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi — Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Day 3 — Diwali / Lakshmi Puja — Sunday, November 8, 2026 (main day)
- Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / Annakut — Monday, November 9, 2026
- Day 5 — Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej — Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Day 1 — Dhanteras (Nov 6)
Meaning: Celebration of wealth and health. Worships Goddess Lakshmi + Lord Kubera + Lord Dhanvantari (physician of the gods).
Traditions:
- Buy gold, silver, or new utensils (auspicious purchase day)
- Light one diya at the main entrance in the evening
- Perform brief Lakshmi-Kubera puja
- Draw rangoli patterns at the doorway
Day 2 — Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi (Nov 7)
Meaning: Celebrates Krishna's victory over demon Narakasura.
Traditions:
- Early morning abhyanga snana (oil bath)
- Light 14 diyas in the evening
- Prepare for main Diwali next day
- Kids enjoy safe sparklers (in permitted areas)
Day 3 — Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (Nov 8, Main Day)
The main event:
- Pradosh Kaal Puja — 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM local time (the golden window for Lakshmi worship)
- Full home cleaning + rangoli + diyas at every entrance + electric lights
- Lakshmi + Ganesha idols worshipped together
- Kubera puja for wealth
- Family aarti + prasad
- Community fireworks (where permitted)
See our detailed Lakshmi Puja Vidhi Guide.
Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Nov 9)
Meaning: Celebrates Krishna lifting Govardhan mountain to protect villagers from Indra's rain.
Traditions:
- Prepare 56 varieties of food (Annakut/Chappan Bhog)
- Offer to Krishna + share as prasad
- Some traditions worship cows this day
- BAPS + ISKCON temples worldwide host large Annakut ceremonies
Day 5 — Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej (Nov 10)
Meaning: Celebrates brother-sister bond. Sisters apply tilak on brothers' foreheads + pray for their long life.
Traditions:
- Sisters host brothers for a special meal
- Apply tilak with rice + kumkum
- Exchange gifts
- Brothers give money/gift to sisters
How NRIs Celebrate the 5 Days
USA (NJ, NYC, Bay Area, Dallas, Chicago)
See our NJ Diwali Guide.
UK (London, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester)
See our London Diwali Guide.
Canada + Australia
See our Toronto and Sydney/Melbourne guides.
Practical Tips for the 5 Days
- Plan meals in advance — see 25+ Diwali Mithai Recipes
- Book Lakshmi + Ganesha idols by end October (Amazon delivery)
- Check local fireworks laws — see Eco Diwali + Fireworks Laws by Country
- Coordinate with family in India for video calls during Lakshmi Puja
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. The 5-day festival begins with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, and ends with Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
What are the 5 days of Diwali?
Day 1: Dhanteras (Nov 6) — buying gold. Day 2: Choti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdashi (Nov 7). Day 3: Diwali/Lakshmi Puja (Nov 8, main day). Day 4: Govardhan Puja/Annakut (Nov 9). Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Nov 10).
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?
The Pradosh Kaal muhurat on Sunday, November 8, 2026 runs from approximately 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM local time — the ideal window for Lakshmi Puja in your local time zone.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, defeating Ravana. It also honours Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Ganesha (wisdom). The lamps symbolise victory of light over darkness.
How do NRIs celebrate Diwali abroad?
NRIs perform home Lakshmi Puja, light diyas + string lights, exchange sweets/gifts, decorate with rangoli, attend temple aartis (BAPS/ISKCON/Sri Venkateswara), community events, and safe sparklers (where legal).
Related Diwali 2026 Coverage
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- Eco-Friendly Diwali Abroad — Fireworks Laws by Country
Shubh Deepavali! Happy Diwali 2026!
May Goddess Lakshmi bless every NRI home with wealth, wisdom, and infinite light this Diwali.
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