Diwali
Also known as: Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja, Festival of Lights
Dates follow the Indian calendar (IST). If you’re outside India, your local temple may observe a day earlier or later for tithi-based festivals.
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and Lord Rama's joyful return to Ayodhya. Homes glow with rows of oil lamps, families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening to welcome the goddess of prosperity, and sweets and gifts are shared with everyone. In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala the principal celebration is Naraka Chaturdashi day, greeted with a pre-dawn oil bath and morning fireworks — in 2026 it falls on this same date (see the Narak Chaturdashi entry).
For your location
Diwali Week at a glance
The five-day Diwali sequence — useful for planning travel and leave across the whole week, not just the main night.
| Date | Weekday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Dhanteras | |
| Sunday | Narak Chaturdashi | |
| Sunday | DiwaliYou are here | |
| Tuesday | Govardhan Puja | |
| Wednesday | Bhai Dooj |
Timing Advisory
This festival follows sunset timings. Local observance may differ by region and timezone. Please check with your local temple or trusted Panchang for exact muhurat.
📋 How to Observe
- 1
Clean and decorate your home with diyas and rangoli
- 2
Perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening during the auspicious muhurat
- 3
Share sweets and gifts with family, friends, and those in need
- 4
Celebrate gently — choose lamps over loud crackers where you can
🕉️ Sacred Mantras
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
Meaning: Salutations to the great goddess Lakshmi
शुभ दीपावली
Meaning: Auspicious festival of lights
Pandit ji's Message
Dear devotee, Diwali is a time for spiritual reflection and community celebration. Whether you're observing traditional rituals or adapting them to your modern life, remember that the sincerity of your devotion matters more than elaborate ceremonies. May this festival bring divine blessings to you and your family.
🙏 - Pandit Bala Krishan
Curious how Diwali's timing interacts with your own birth chart? Get a personal Vedic birth chart and AI reading at our sister site GuruJi.ai →