Diwali, also called Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most popular festivals. Families celebrate by lighting diyas, making colorful rangolis, offering prayers, and sharing sweets and gifts. Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Families also pray to Goddess Lakshmi for a happy, peaceful, and prosperous life. Here is everything you need to know about the Diwali 2026 date, puja timings, history, and traditions.

When Is Diwali 2026? Date and Lakshmi Puja Timings

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. Most families offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi in the evening, around sunset. According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. Here are the important Diwali 2026 dates and timings:

• Diwali 2026: Sunday, November 8
• Dhanteras 2026: Friday, November 6
• Choti Diwali 2026: November 8 in much of India, with some regional calendars observing it on November 7.
• Lakshmi Puja Timings: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.
• Amavasya Starts: November 8 at 11:27 AM.
• Amavasya Ends: November 9 at 12:31 PM.

Note: These puja timings are for New Delhi (IST). Timings may vary in other cities, so it’s best to check your local panchang before performing Lakshmi Puja.

Why Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. One of the most popular Hindu traditions connects the festival to Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. People celebrated his return by lighting diyas across Ayodhya. During Diwali, families also pray to Goddess Lakshmi for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life.

Diwali also holds religious significance for other communities. Jains celebrate the spiritual liberation of Lord Mahavira. While the reasons for celebrating may differ, Diwali is a special time for families to come together and enjoy the festivities.

Story Behind Diwali Celebrations

The Ramayana tells one of the most popular stories associated with Diwali. According to the story, Lord Rama left Ayodhya and spent 14 years in exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. During their time in the forest, Ravana, the king of Lanka, kidnapped Sita. Rama set out to find her with the help of Hanuman and his allies. After a long battle, Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita.

According to the traditional account associated with Diwali, people in Ayodhya welcomed Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana home by lighting diyas all around the city. The glowing lamps were their way of welcoming Rama home after so many years. This is one of the reasons people light diyas during Diwali. For many families, the lamps are a reminder that good can overcome evil and that difficult times do not last forever.

How Is Diwali Celebrated Across India?

Diwali celebrations vary across India. Most families light diyas, decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and share sweets with loved ones. Each region also has its own traditions.

North India: Families decorate their homes with diyas and lights, perform Lakshmi Puja, and spend time with relatives and friends. Sharing sweets is also a big part of the celebrations.

Gujarat: The Gujarati New Year follows Diwali, although its date depends on the regional calendar. Many business owners perform Chopda Puja, a tradition in which they offer prayers over their account books and hope for a successful year ahead.

West Bengal: Kali Puja is an important part of the celebrations. People offer prayers to Goddess Kali and decorate their homes with diyas and colorful lights.

Maharashtra: Diwali celebrations continue for several days. Families follow traditions such as Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, and Bhau Beej. Families also make traditional snacks and sweets to enjoy and share with their loved ones.

South India: Many families start the day with a traditional oil bath, wear new clothes, offer prayers, and enjoy sweets. In several South Indian traditions, Deepavali also celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.

These traditions may be different, but they all make Diwali a special time for families to come together and celebrate.

Why Do People Light Diyas and Make Rangoli on Diwali?

Lighting diyas and making rangoli are two popular Diwali traditions. Both add beauty to the celebrations and carry special meanings.

Significance of Lighting Diyas

During Diwali, families light small clay lamps called diyas and place them near doors, windows, balconies, and prayer areas. Lighting diyas symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. They also symbolize hope, happiness, and positive energy. According to the traditional story, people lit oil lamps to welcome Lord Rama back to Ayodhya. Families continue this custom as an important part of Diwali celebrations.

Importance of Rangoli During Diwali

Rangoli is a colorful design that people create on the floor, usually near the entrance of their homes. Families use colored powders, flowers, rice flour, and other materials to make beautiful patterns. Rangoli adds a festive touch to homes and symbolizes a warm welcome, happiness, and good fortune. Many people also believe that decorating their entrances creates a welcoming space for Goddess Lakshmi.

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on November 8, bringing families together through lights, prayers, sweets, and traditions. If you’re planning to visit family or friends abroad this Diwali, check out Indian Eagle deals on international flights to plan your festive trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali, also called Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in India.

What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2026?

In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is between 5:54 PM and 7:50 PM on November 8, 2026. Timings may vary by city.

When is Choti Diwali in 2026?

Choti Diwali is observed on November 8 in much of India in 2026, although some regional calendars mark it on November 7. The pre-dawn Naraka Chaturdashi observance falls on November 8.

Why do people celebrate Diwali?

Diwali reminds people that goodness and light can overcome evil and darkness. A popular Hindu tradition connects the festival with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Why do people light diyas on Diwali?

People light diyas to symbolize hope, happiness, and the victory of light over darkness. The tradition is also associated with welcoming Lord Rama back to Ayodhya.

Which gods are worshipped during Diwali?

Many Hindu families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during Diwali. They seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and new beginnings.

The post Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Timings, History and Significance appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.