Diwali 2026: When is the holy festival of Diwali, exact date, exact auspicious time of Lakshmi Puja and important rules

In Sanatan Dharma, the festival of Diwali (Diwali 2026) is considered to be the biggest, grandest and full of light festival. Every year on the Amavasya date of Kartik month, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country. According to religious and mythological beliefs, Maryada Purushottam returned to Ayodhya on this day after completing 14 years of exile with Lord Shri Ram, Mother Sita and Lakshman Ji. To celebrate his return, the people of Ayodhya had illuminated the entire city with ghee lamps. On the day of Diwali, there is a special tradition of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha as per the rituals, due to which there is never any shortage of happiness, peace, splendor and wealth in the house.

Exact date and time of Diwali 2026 according to Panchang

Based on the Vedic calendar and the position of the planets and stars, the calendar calculation regarding the date of Diwali this year is as follows:

• Beginning of Kartik Amavasya Tithi: It will be at 11:27 pm on 8th November.

• End of Kartik Amavasya Tithi: It will happen on November 9 at 12:31 pm.

• Diwali festival date: Considering the importance of Udayatithi and Pradosh period, the main festival of Diwali this year 08 November 2026 Will be celebrated.

Lakshmi Puja 2026: Most accurate and auspicious time

To get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali, it is considered best to worship during the stable ascendant and Pradosh period. Following are the auspicious times for Lakshmi Puja on 8th November:

• Main time of Lakshmi Puja: From 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM (Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes).

• Pradosh Kaal: From 05:31 pm to 08:09 pm.

• Taurus period (fixed ascendant): From 05:54 pm to 07:50 pm.

Apart from this, other special muhurtas of the day will be as follows: Brahma Muhurta from 04:59 am to 05:50 am, Vijay Muhurta from 02:06 pm to 02:50 pm, Twilight Muhurta from 05:48 pm to 06:13 pm, Nishita Muhurta from 11:49 pm to 12:41 pm and Amrit Kaal from 10:02 pm onwards. Will last till 11:44 pm.

Take special care of these things on Diwali

The festival of Diwali is not only a festival of lights, but it is also a symbol of discipline and purity. Some things should be kept in mind during the puja and on this auspicious day:

• Take care of cleanliness: There is a religious belief that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, resides only in those places where there is complete cleanliness and hygiene. Therefore, keep every corner of the house clean on the day of Diwali.

• Choice of colors and food: Do not wear black colored clothes at the time of worship, because black color is considered a symbol of negativity. On this day, consume completely satvik food and stay away from tamasic things.

• Maintain Positivity: Avoid arguing with anyone on the day of Diwali and do not harbor ill will or wrong thoughts towards anyone.