Diwali is just a few days away, and Indian families across the United States are getting ready to celebrate. Homes will soon be filled with lights, sweets and festive decorations. This year, Diwali in the USA falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Families will celebrate the festival by lighting diyas, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and spending time with loved ones. If you’re celebrating in the US, it’s important to check the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for your city, as the timings vary by location.

When Is Diwali 2026 in the USA?

Diwali falls on November 8, 2026, in the United States. According to Drik Panchang, Lakshmi Puja will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The festival is observed on the new moon day, Amavasya, in the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

For many Indians living in the US, Diwali is also a time to feel closer to home. Even when family members live far apart, they often find ways to celebrate together.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Timings in the USA

Lakshmi Puja is an important part of Diwali celebrations. Families pray to Goddess Lakshmi for happiness, peace and good fortune. The puja muhurat depends on the city where you live. Sunset times and Panchang calculations differ across the US, so families should follow the local Panchang instead of using timings from India.

Here are the Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja timings for three US locations, as listed by Drik Panchang.

All timings are as per the local time of each city. The New Jersey timing listed above is for West New York and may differ slightly from timings in other parts of the state. If you live somewhere else in the US, check the muhurat for your own location before planning the puja.

Diwali 2026 Five-Day Festival Dates

Diwali celebrations last for five days in many Indian traditions. Each day has its own meaning, and families follow different customs depending on where they come from. Here are the five main festival dates for 2026 for the locations covered in this article.

Dhanteras marks the start of the celebrations. Many families clean their homes and buy something new for the occasion. Choti Diwali comes next, followed by the main Diwali celebration. The festival ends with Bhai Dooj, when brothers and sisters celebrate their bond.

These dates represent a commonly observed five-day sequence. Some festival observances may vary according to regional traditions and local Panchang calculations.

Why Is Lakshmi Puja Important During Diwali?

On Diwali, many Hindu families worship Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, good fortune and prosperity. People clean their homes, decorate their entrances and prepare a place for the puja. They offer flowers and sweets and pray for blessings for the year ahead. Prosperity means more than financial wealth. For many families, staying healthy, living peacefully and spending time with loved ones are just as important.

Diwali is also a time to appreciate the good things in life. People thank God for their blessings and hope for a happy year ahead.

How Do Indian Families Celebrate Diwali in the USA?

For many Indian families in the US, Diwali celebrations bring familiar traditions from back home in India. Families put up lights, make colourful rangoli and cook their favourite festive dishes. Some prepare sweets at home, while others pick them up from nearby Indian stores. Children look forward to wearing new clothes and helping their parents decorate the house.

The celebrations don’t always stay at home. Many families visit temples or attend Diwali gatherings in their neighbourhoods. These events often feature Indian food, music, dance and activities for children. For Indians who cannot visit home during Diwali, spending the evening with friends and other Indian families can make the festival feel more special.

What Is the Meaning of Lighting Diyas on Diwali?

Walk into an Indian home during Diwali, and you’ll often see small diyas glowing near the entrance or windows. Lighting these lamps is a long-standing tradition that families continue to follow. The diyas remind people that light can overcome darkness. 

Not every family decorates in the same way. Some prefer traditional oil lamps, while others use electric lights. Many use both. If you live in a US apartment where open flames are not allowed, LED diyas offer a flame-free way to enjoy the festive decorations.

Simple Ways to Celebrate Diwali Away From India

Missing home during Diwali is common, especially when your parents and relatives are in India. But you don’t need a big celebration to enjoy the festival. Put up a few lights, make a dish you love and spend some time decorating your home. You can also invite friends over for dinner or share sweets with your neighbours. It’s a nice way to introduce them to an Indian festival.

If you want to celebrate with a larger group, check whether a nearby temple or Indian association is hosting a Diwali event. And don’t forget your family back home. A video call while everyone is celebrating can make the distance feel a little smaller.

Diwali is also a good occasion to do something kind for others. You could donate food, help someone in need or simply share a meal with a friend who is spending the festival alone.

Lakshmi Puja timings differ from city to city, so check the local muhurat before making plans.

If you’re hoping to spend Diwali with family in India or the US, explore Indian Eagle deals and compare international flight prices before booking your trip.

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