Diwali 2026

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Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8th November 2026. Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, stands as one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. This five-day celebration illuminates homes, hearts, and communities across the world, symbolizing the eternal triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

What is Diwali? Understanding the Festival of Lights

Diwali derives its name from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights.” Celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika (typically between mid-October and mid-November), this ancient festival brings together families and communities in a spectacular display of lights, colors, and joy. In 2025, the main Diwali celebration falls on October 20-21, marking an auspicious time for spiritual renewal and prosperity.

The Rich Mythology Behind Diwali

The Ramayana Connection

For northern Indian Hindus, Diwali celebrates the return of Prince Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. According to the ancient 3,000-year-old epic Ramayana, Lord Rama returned victorious with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after defeating the demon king Ravana. Wikipedia

The citizens of Ayodhya lit rows of clay lamps (diyas) to welcome their beloved prince home, creating a tradition that continues to this day. This story embodies the core message of Diwali: the victory of righteousness (Dharma) over evil (Adharma).

The Five Days of Diwali: A Complete Celebration

Day 1: Dhanteras – Welcoming Prosperity

The festival begins with Dhanteras, dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. This day is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Club Mahindra

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Also known as Choti Diwali or Small Diwali, this day commemorates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Families perform early morning oil baths and light diyas to ward off evil spirits.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja – The Main Festival

The third day represents the main Diwali celebration. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, performing elaborate pujas in the evening. Homes are adorned with countless diyas, creating breathtaking displays of light.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

This day honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan to protect villagers. In some regions, it’s celebrated as Annakut, offering a mountain of food to deities.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.

Diwali Decorations: Creating Festival Magic

Rangoli – Colorful Floor Art

Rangoli designs serve as the centerpiece of Diwali decorations. These intricate patterns created with colored powders, rice, or flower petals welcome Goddess Lakshmi into homes. Traditional motifs include lotus flowers, peacocks, geometric patterns, and diyas.

Diyas and Lighting

Clay diyas (oil lamps) remain the heart of Diwali celebrations. Families place these earthen lamps along windowsills, doorways, and courtyards, creating a warm, inviting glow. Modern celebrations also incorporate:

String lights and fairy lights
Decorative lanterns
LED candles
Brass and silver diyas for special pujas

Home Decoration Ideas

Transform your home for Diwali with these decoration ideas:

Create a toran (decorative door hanging) with marigold flowers
Design elaborate rangoli patterns at the entrance
Arrange diyas in geometric patterns
Hang paper lanterns in vibrant colors
Use fresh flowers like marigolds and roses
Display brass bells and traditional items

Celebrating Diwali: Traditions and Customs

Cleaning and Preparation

Weeks before Diwali, families engage in thorough spring cleaning, symbolizing the removal of negativity and preparation for new beginnings. Homes are whitewashed, decluttered, and beautifully decorated.

Lakshmi Puja Rituals

The evening Lakshmi Puja involves:

Lighting diyas and incense
Offering flowers, sweets, and fruits
Chanting mantras and prayers
Seeking blessings for prosperity and wisdom

Fireworks and Celebrations

While fireworks have become synonymous with Diwali celebrations, many communities now promote eco-friendly alternatives to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Festive Foods

Diwali brings an array of delicious traditional sweets and savory snacks:

Ladoos, barfi, and halwa
Samosas and pakoras
Gulab jamun and jalebi
Dry fruits and nuts

New Clothes and Gift Exchange

Wearing new clothes symbolizes fresh beginnings. Families exchange Diwali gifts, sweets, and dried fruits, strengthening bonds and spreading joy.

The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

Beyond the lights and festivities, Diwali holds deep spiritual meaning. It represents:

Inner illumination – awakening the divine light within
Renewal – letting go of past negativity
Unity – transcending barriers of caste, creed, and culture
Prosperity – both material and spiritual wealth
Knowledge – dispelling ignorance with wisdom

National Geographic describes Diwali as “India’s most important festival of the year—a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.”

Diwali Worldwide: A Global Celebration

Today, Diwali is celebrated globally by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Major celebrations occur in:

India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
United Kingdom and Europe
United States and Canada
Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji)
Australia and New Zealand

Many countries now recognize Diwali as an official holiday, showcasing the festival’s universal message of hope, light, and goodness.

Eco-Friendly Diwali: Celebrating Responsibly

Modern celebrations increasingly focus on sustainable practices:

Using clay diyas instead of electric lights when possible
Avoiding loud fireworks or choosing eco-friendly alternatives
Making organic rangoli with flower petals
Donating to those in need
Reducing waste and conserving resources

Conclusion: Embracing the Light Within

Diwali reminds us that no matter how dark the world may seem, light will always prevail. As we light our diyas and celebrate with loved ones, we reaffirm our commitment to goodness, knowledge, and compassion. This Festival of Lights encourages us to be the light we wish to see in the world, spreading joy, prosperity, and hope to all.

Whether you’re celebrating with traditional rituals, modern decorations, or simply taking a moment to reflect, Diwali offers everyone an opportunity to illuminate their lives and embrace new beginnings. May your Diwali be filled with light, laughter, and countless blessings!

Happy Diwali! Shubh Deepavali!