Diwali 2026

Diwali — Deepavali, the festival of lights — is celebrated on Amavasya (new moon) of Kartik month, the darkest night of the darkest fortnight, which is transformed into the most luminous night of the year through millions of lamps. It commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, as well as Goddess Lakshmi's emergence from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan).

The five-day festival sequence begins with Dhanteras (Trayodashi — worship of Dhanvantari and purchase of metals), followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali — Krishna's victory over Narakasura), main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. On the main night, homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli, and illuminated with diyas and candles. The Lakshmi Puja is the centrepiece — performed during the Pradosh kala in Sthira (fixed) lagna, with specific preference for Vrishabha lagna.

The panchang determines the Lakshmi Puja muhurat with precision. The Amavasya tithi must prevail during the Pradosh kala (evening), and the most auspicious window is the overlap of Pradosh kala with Vrishabha lagna (typically 1.5-2 hours). Astrologers also consider the Choghadiya and avoid Rahu Kaal. In 2026, with Diwali on a Sunday, the Rahu Kaal avoidance window shifts accordingly.

Diwali is pan-Indian and multi-religious — Jains celebrate Mahavira's attainment of moksha, Sikhs commemorate Guru Hargobind's release from prison, and Newar Buddhists honour Ashoka's conversion. The festival's universal message is that light dispels darkness, knowledge conquers ignorance, and good prevails over evil.