Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most widely celebrated festival in India. In 2026 the main day of Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday, 8 November, and the five-day celebration runs from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 11 November. This guide gives the dates, a muhurat guide, a simple puja vidhi and the meaning of the day.
Fri, 6 Nov: Dhanteras
Sat, 7 Nov: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (some calendars show 8 Nov)
Sun, 8 Nov: Diwali, Lakshmi Puja (Amavasya)
Tue, 10 Nov: Govardhan Puja / Diwali Padwa
Wed, 11 Nov: Bhai Dooj
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, 8 November 2026
Lakshmi Puja is performed after sunset in the Pradosh Kaal on Amavasya, preferably in a steady (sthir) lagna. Published timings for the evening of 8 November (IST) include:
- New Delhi: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM (Drik Panchang)
- Mumbai: about 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM
- Pune: about 6:24 PM to 8:24 PM
The Mumbai and Pune figures are calculated estimates from a published city table, and a one-minute difference appears between sources. Thane and nearby suburbs will be very close to Mumbai's timing. Please confirm the exact window on a trusted panchang or with your family priest.
Puja Samagri (Items You Will Need)
- Images or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, and optionally Saraswati and Kuber
- Silver or gold coins, new notes, and account books for business
- Kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut
- Roli, akshat, turmeric, kumkum and sandalwood paste
- Lotus or marigold flowers, durva grass and a garland
- Ghee lamps (diyas), incense, camphor
- Sweets, fruit, puffed rice (lahi), batasha and betel leaf with supari
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi: Simple Steps
- Clean and decorate. Clean the house, make rangoli at the entrance and place lamps at the doors and windows.
- Set up the altar. Place a clean cloth, set Lakshmi and Ganesha with the kalash, and light a lamp.
- Sankalp. Take a resolution with water in hand, stating your name, place and purpose.
- Invoke Ganesha first. Offer flowers and durva, and chant "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah".
- Worship Lakshmi. Offer water, roli, akshat, flowers and sweets, and chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah". Reading the Lakshmi stotra or Shri Suktam is also traditional.
- Worship the coins and account books with a tilak and flowers.
- Aarti. Sing the aarti of Lakshmi and Ganesha with a lamp.
- Prasad and lamps. Distribute prasad, and light lamps across the home.
What Diwali Means
Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness in many stories (see reasons to celebrate Diwali), and Lakshmi Puja asks for prosperity paired with wisdom and goodness. Read why the goddess is honoured in why Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on Diwali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of Diwali in 2026?
Sunday, 8 November 2026 is the main day of Lakshmi Puja, falling on Kartik Amavasya.
Is Lakshmi Puja done in the morning or evening?
In the evening, in the Pradosh Kaal after sunset on Amavasya. Many families also perform a small puja earlier in the day.
When is Diwali celebrated in Mumbai?
The same day as the rest of India. The evening Lakshmi Puja window in Mumbai is around 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM per a published city table; please verify locally.
Read Next
- Dhanteras Date, Puja Muhurat, Story, Puja Vidhi and Significance
- Govardhan Puja Date, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Bhog and Significance
- Bhai Dooj
- Why Is Lakshmi Puja Celebrated on Diwali?
Resources and references. HinduTone: Diwali 2026 complete guide | HinduTone: Lakshmi Puja muhurat 2026, city-wise | Drik Panchang (verify city timings)
Disclaimer. This article is shared for general knowledge and cultural interest. It draws on traditional beliefs, scriptural tradition and published panchang sources, and is not scientific, medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Astrology, Vastu, omens and religious observances are belief-based and offer no guarantee of any outcome. Dates, tithi and muhurat timings differ by city and by panchang, and the figures given here may change or contain errors, so please confirm them with your local panchang or family priest before you act. Fasting and dietary practices must suit your health; consult a doctor first if you are unwell, pregnant, elderly or on medication. Sansthaan and its writers accept no responsibility or liability for any decision, loss or consequence arising from the use of this content.
Sansthaan Team
Genuine astrologers offering authentic solutions in Mumbai and Thane, online and in person.
