When is Diwali?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the day of Lakshmi Puja in India. Diwali follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar: Lakshmi Puja falls on Amavasya, the new-moon day of the month of Kartika in the calendar used across most of north India (called Ashvin in the amanta calendar of the south and west). The puja is performed in the evening, during the period after sunset called pradosh kaal, on the day when the new-moon phase covers that evening. As a result, Diwali usually falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Diwali dates through 2036
| Year | Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 29 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 17 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 5 | Monday |
| 2030 | October 26 | Saturday |
| 2031 | November 14 | Friday |
| 2032 | November 2 | Tuesday |
| 2033 | October 22 | Saturday |
| 2034 | November 10 | Friday |
| 2035 | October 30 | Tuesday |
| 2036 | October 18 | Saturday |
Sources: timeanddate.com's India holiday calendars and the New Delhi festival dates of the AstroSage panchang, which agree for every year listed; Prokerala gives the same dates for the years it publishes.
Why Diwali can fall on different days
Because the date depends on when the new-moon phase begins and ends compared with local sunset, two calendars can disagree when the phase changes close to evening. Panchangs calculated for North American cities sometimes put Lakshmi Puja a day earlier than in India; in 2027, for example, some U.S. calendars list October 28 while India celebrates on October 29. Regional customs matter too. In Tamil Nadu and much of south India, Deepavali is celebrated on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi, which can be the day before Lakshmi Puja. In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam the same night is Kali Puja. Gujarat celebrates its new year right after Diwali, and Nepal celebrates the five-day festival of Tihar. Check with your temple for the local date and puja timings.
The five days of Diwali
- Dhanteras: a day for buying gold, silver or new utensils.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): marks Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
- Lakshmi Puja: the main night, when the goddess of prosperity is worshipped along with Ganesha.
- Govardhan Puja: honors Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill.
- Bhai Dooj: celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
The festival days don't always fall on five consecutive calendar dates; in some years two observances share a day.
What Diwali celebrates
For many Hindus Diwali recalls the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, as told in the Ramayana, and the victory of light over darkness. Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment, and Jains commemorate the nirvana of Mahavira. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rows of clay lamps (diyas), electric lights and colorful rangoli designs; families wear new clothes, share sweets with neighbors and set off fireworks, though many Indian cities now restrict firecrackers because of air pollution. In the United States Diwali is not a federal holiday, but a growing number of school districts and states recognize it.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026, the main day of Lakshmi Puja, is on Sunday, November 8, 2026 in India. Some calendars calculated for other regions or time zones list it a day earlier or later.
Why does the date of Diwali change every year?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Lakshmi Puja falls on the new-moon day (Amavasya) of Kartika, which lands on a different Gregorian date each year, usually between mid-October and mid-November.
How many days is Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day festival: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Lakshmi Puja is the main day.
Why do some calendars show a different day for Diwali?
The new-moon phase can begin or end close to sunset, so panchangs calculated for different places, especially outside India, sometimes choose different days. Regional traditions, such as Deepavali on Naraka Chaturdashi in south India, add more variation.
Is Diwali a holiday in the United States?
Diwali is not a federal holiday. Some states and school districts recognize it or close schools for it, and many communities hold public celebrations.
Last updated: October 8, 2026