Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in India. Narak Chaturdashi shares that date, while Govardhan Puja differs between Delhi and Mumbai.
The India Post holiday calendar confirms 8 November as Deepavali. Exact puja dates and hours still require a local panchang.
Key Highlights
- Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026.
- Choti Diwali, or Narak Chaturdashi, falls on 8 November in New Delhi, the morning of Lakshmi Puja.
- Lakshmi Puja is on Sunday, 8 November; its auspicious evening time varies by city.
- Govardhan Puja is listed for 9 November in Mumbai and 10 November in New Delhi.
- Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, 11 November.
Diwali 2026 Full Festival Calendar
The 2026 Diwali calendar gives this schedule for New Delhi, with Mumbai’s Govardhan Puja date included for comparison:
- 5 November, Thursday: Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasu Baras.
- 6 November, Friday: Dhanteras.
- 7 November, Saturday: Kali Chaudas.
- 8 November, Sunday: Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja.
- 9 November, Monday: Govardhan Puja in Mumbai.
- 10 November, Tuesday: Govardhan Puja in New Delhi.
- 11 November, Wednesday: Bhai Dooj.
The lunar tithis explain why Choti Diwali and Lakshmi Puja overlap in 2026.
Since 8 November is a Sunday, do not assume a compensatory Monday holiday. School calendars and workplace notifications may differ, especially where Govardhan Puja or Bhai Dooj is observed separately.
Dhanteras and Choti Diwali: Why the Dates Overlap
On 6 November, Dhanteras puja in Delhi is timed for 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM, according to Drik Panchang’s Dhanteras timings. Worship of Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera is customary; buying jewellery or utensils is optional.
Kali Chaudas falls on 7 November, but Narak Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali, is observed on 8 November in New Delhi. Its early-morning oil bath, known as Abhyang Snan, takes place while Chaturdashi tithi prevails.
Later that same Sunday, Amavasya begins at 11:27 AM, continuing until 12:31 PM on 9 November. Tamil Deepavali and North Indian Lakshmi Puja consequently share the date, though their principal rituals occur at different times.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on 8 November 2026
For New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. This falls within Pradosh Kaal, which runs from 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.
Local sunset changes the window. Other city timings (IST) are:
- Mumbai: 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM.
- Chennai: 6:07 PM to 8:09 PM.
- Bengaluru: 6:17 PM to 8:20 PM.
- Kolkata: 5:20 PM to 7:18 PM.
- Hyderabad: 6:07 PM to 8:08 PM.
These are location-specific muhurats, not national prayer hours. Families traditionally light diyas, prepare offerings, and worship Lakshmi and Ganesha.
Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj: Which Date Should You Follow?
The New Delhi panchang gives Tuesday, 10 November, with a morning window of 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM. Yet the Mumbai listing places worship on Monday, 9 November, in the afternoon and evening.
The Pratipada tithi runs from 12:31 PM on 9 November to 2 PM on 10 November; worship windows explain the difference.
The festival recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Annakut features food offerings, while Bali Pratipada and Gujarati New Year follow regional traditions.
Kali Puja takes place in West Bengal on Diwali night, while some Gujarati families perform Chopda Puja for their account books. Maharashtra’s Vasu Baras observance begins on 5 November. Such differences are easily missed when festival dates are presented as one uniform national schedule.
Bhai Dooj follows on 11 November. For Delhi, the afternoon tilak window is 1:10 PM to 3:20 PM. Sisters traditionally apply tilak and share a festive meal.
When Is Diwali in India in 2026?
Diwali is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. India Post lists it as a national holiday, while the evening Lakshmi Puja timing differs according to the city.
Is Choti Diwali on 7 or 8 November 2026?
Kali Chaudas is listed for 7 November, but Narak Chaturdashi falls on 8 November in New Delhi. That morning precedes Lakshmi Puja on the same day.
What Is the Lakshmi Puja Time in Delhi?
The recommended window is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November. These timings apply to Delhi, not automatically to Mumbai, Chennai, or other cities.
Is Govardhan Puja on 9 or 10 November?
Both dates appear in different location-specific Panchangs. Mumbai lists 9 November, while New Delhi lists 10 November; families should follow their local observance and timings.
When Is Bhai Dooj 2026 and Its Tilak Muhurat?
Bhai Dooj takes place on Wednesday, 11 November. In New Delhi, the afternoon tilak muhurat runs from 1:10 PM until 3:20 PM, according to Drik Panchang.
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