Diwali 2026: Is It on November 8 or 9? Know the Truth

Diwali in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, not November 9. The confusion comes from the fact that the Amavasya tithi continues into the afternoon of November 9. However, Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed on the evening when Amavasya coincides with Pradosh Kaal. That is why November 8 is the main Diwali date in 2026.





Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon day of the Hindu lunar month. In 2026, Amavasya begins at 11:27 AM on November 8 and ends at 12:31 PM on November 9. Since the tithi is present during the evening Pradosh period on November 8, that Sunday is observed as Diwali and Lakshmi Puja day. November 9 is not the main Lakshmi Puja date.





For Bhopal, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on November 8 is 6:03 PM to 8:01 PM. The Pradosh Kaal is expected to last from 5:38 PM to 8:12 PM. These timings are location-specific, so people in other cities should check their local Panchang before planning the puja.

Clean the puja area and place the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean platform. Light a diya and offer flowers, kumkum, rice, fruits and sweets. Begin by worshipping Lord Ganesha, followed by Goddess Lakshmi. Offer prayers with devotion and keep your account books, business records or valuables near the puja area if that is part of your family tradition. Conclude by offering prasad to everyone.

You can chant this simple and widely recited mantra during Lakshmi Puja:

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.

The mantra is an invocation to Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant it calmly while offering flowers or sitting before the deity. You may repeat it 11, 21 or 108 times, according to your family tradition and comfort. The focus should be on prayer and gratitude rather than the number of repetitions.

After the offerings, perform the aarti of Goddess Lakshmi with a lit camphor or ghee lamp. Many families sing the traditional “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata” aarti while ringing a bell. Move the aarti thali gently in front of the deity and pray for wisdom, peace and well-being. You can also sing Lord Ganesha's aarti before or after Lakshmi Mata's aarti, depending on your family custom.

Lighting diyas is one of the most loved Diwali traditions. Place them near the entrance, windows and puja area after sunset, taking care to keep them away from curtains and other flammable items. Families also decorate their homes with rangoli and flowers and share sweets with loved ones. These simple traditions make the festival a time for togetherness, generosity and fresh beginnings.

Lakshmi Puja is not only about asking for wealth. Goddess Lakshmi is also associated with good fortune, abundance and well-being. Diwali offers a chance to reflect on how we earn, save and use money, while remembering the value of honesty and kindness. As you light a diya this year, welcome the festival with gratitude and a wish for peace and prosperity in your home.


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