Diwali 2026 — Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Rituals & Significance

Diwali (दिवाली) is the festival of lights — the biggest Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. It falls on Amavasya (New Moon) in the month of Kartik.

Diwali celebrations span 5 days: Dhanteras (Day 1 — buy gold/utensils), Narak Chaturdashi (Day 2 — early morning oil bath), Diwali/Lakshmi Puja (Day 3 — the main day), Govardhan Puja (Day 4 — worship of nature), Bhai Dooj (Day 5 — brother-sister bond).

Lakshmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening) when the Sthir Lagna (fixed sign) is rising — this ensures that Goddess Lakshmi stays permanently. The Puja includes worship of Ganesha (first), Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kubera.

Significance: Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and citizens lit diyas to celebrate.