Diwali 2026 will bring an unusual calendar of celebrations, with Narak Chaturdashi and the main Diwali festival falling on November 8, according to the festival schedule published by Navbharat Times. The celebrations begin with Dhanteras on November 6.
The five major observances include Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Each festival has its own religious significance, rituals and traditions, making November an important month for Hindu households.
The overlap of Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali is one of the notable features of this year’s calendar. However, festival observances can differ depending on regional traditions, local Panchang calculations and the timing of the lunar tithi.
Diwali Calendar 2026: Complete Festival Date List
| Festival | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | November 6, 2026 | Friday |
| Hanuman Jayanti | November 7, 2026 | Saturday |
| Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | November 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | November 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| Govardhan Puja | November 10, 2026* | Tuesday |
| Bhai Dooj | November 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
*Govardhan Puja is listed on November 9 in some Panchang calendars, so devotees should check their local observance timings.
Dhanteras 2026 – November 6, Friday
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival celebrations. It falls on the Trayodashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik and is also known as Dhantrayodashi.
The day is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kubera. Devotees perform prayers for good health, prosperity and financial well-being.
Buying gold, silver, jewelry and new utensils is a popular Dhanteras tradition. Many households also light lamps during Pradosh Kaal as part of their religious observances.
Narak Chaturdashi and Choti Diwali 2026 – November 8, Sunday
Narak Chaturdashi, commonly known as Choti Diwali, is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna defeated Narakasura and freed thousands of captives.
Lighting five or seven diyas is among the traditional practices associated with this occasion. Families also observe early morning bathing rituals and decorate their homes with lamps and rangoli.
The 2026 calendar has an unusual arrangement, with Narak Chaturdashi and the main Diwali celebration both listed on November 8. Some regional calendars assign Choti Diwali observances to November 7 because of differences in tithi-based calculations.
Diwali 2026 – November 8, Sunday
The main Diwali celebration will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The festival falls on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after their victory over Ravana. According to the traditional account, people welcomed them by lighting rows of oil lamps.
Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals performed during Diwali. Families decorate their homes, light diyas, exchange gifts and sweets, and pray for happiness and prosperity.
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat varies by location because it depends on local sunset and Panchang calculations. Devotees should check city-specific timings before planning their prayers.
Govardhan Puja 2026 – November 10, Tuesday
Govardhan Puja is associated with Lord Krishna and his protection of the people of Vrindavan. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect villagers and cattle from heavy rain sent by Lord Indra.
Devotees prepare Annakut, a traditional offering featuring a variety of food items, and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The festival also highlights the importance of nature, agriculture and cattle in traditional Hindu culture.
There is a regional date variation for Govardhan Puja in 2026. Some Panchang calendars list November 9, while others place the observance on November 10, so local religious guidance is important.
Bhai Dooj 2026 – November 11, Wednesday
Bhai Dooj marks the final major celebration in the traditional Diwali festival sequence. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters and is observed on the Dwitiya tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik.
On this occasion, sisters apply a ceremonial tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life, happiness and prosperity. Brothers traditionally give gifts and reaffirm their commitment to protecting and supporting their sisters.
The festival is also associated with the story of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna. According to tradition, Yama visited Yamuna, who welcomed him with a tilak and a meal, giving rise to the significance of the occasion.
