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
Related Diwali 2026 Coverage
- Diwali 2026 in New Jersey — Biggest NRI Events
- Diwali 2026 in London — Trafalgar Square + UK
- Diwali 2026 in Toronto — Biggest Canadian Diwali
- Diwali 2026 in Sydney + Melbourne Australia
- Lakshmi Puja Vidhi 2026 for NRIs — Mantras + Muhurat
- 25+ Diwali Sweets Mithai Recipes for NRI Families
- 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.