Diwali is the festival of light, joy and new beginnings, and Lakshmi Puja is its most cherished moment. On this evening, families across India light diyas, decorate their homes and welcome Goddess Lakshmi with love and devotion. This guide shares the Diwali 2026 date, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat, a simple puja vidhi and a complete samagri list, so you can celebrate with confidence and a happy heart.
Diwali 2026 Date
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on the night of Kartik Amavasya. Since it falls on a Sunday, many families will enjoy the festival together without the rush of a working day.
Diwali 2026 Festival Calendar
- Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November 2026 (read our guide: Dhanteras 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and What to Buy )
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj: Follow in the days after Diwali (please check your local panchang for exact dates)
Why Is Diwali on 8 November and Not 9 November?
Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal. The Amavasya tithi present during that evening window falls on 8 November, so 8 November is the right date for Lakshmi Puja, even though Amavasya may also be present at sunrise on 9 November.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is Pradosh Kaal, the evening twilight period after sunset. Many panchangs also recommend performing the puja in Vrishabha (Taurus) Lagna, a stable sign believed to bring lasting prosperity.
For Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja (Pradosh Kaal) window is approximately 5:47 PM to 7:13 PM.
Sunset time differs across India, so the muhurat shifts from city to city. Pradosh Kaal begins earlier in eastern cities like Kolkata (around 5:12 PM) and later in western cities like Mumbai (around 6:18 PM). Most other cities fall within a 10 to 30 minute range of the Delhi timing.
We recommend checking your city’s panchang or asking a trusted Vedic astrologer for the exact muhurat for your location. Performing the puja within the Pradosh Kaal of your own city is the best way to celebrate with complete peace of mind.
Puja Samagri List for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Keep these items ready before the muhurat so you can perform the puja calmly and happily:
- Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha (new ones are considered auspicious)
- A red or yellow cloth for the puja platform
- Roli, kumkum, turmeric and akshat (unbroken rice)
- Fresh flowers, especially lotus or marigold
- Ghee or sesame oil diyas, cotton wicks and incense sticks
- Sweets, fruits, batasha, khil and coconut
- Betel leaves and betel nuts
- Silver or gold coins and a few currency notes
- A kalash filled with water, with mango leaves and a coconut on top
- Ganga jal for purification
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Vidhi: Step by Step
Sincere devotion matters more than a perfect ritual. Here is a simple method you can follow at home:
- Prepare the home: Clean the house, decorate the entrance with rangoli and toran, and light diyas around the home. A bright and tidy home is traditionally believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Set up the altar: Spread a clean cloth on a raised platform. Place the Lakshmi and Ganesha idols along with the kalash and coins. Business owners can also place their account books.
- Begin with Ganesha: Worship Lord Ganesha first, as he is the remover of obstacles. Offer flowers, roli and sweets.
- Take the sankalp: Hold water and akshat in your right hand, state your name, place and wish for the puja, and release the water.
- Worship Goddess Lakshmi: Offer kumkum, flowers, akshat, fruits and sweets. Place coins near the idol.
- Chant mantras: Chant “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” with devotion. Even 11 or 108 repetitions bring calm and positivity.
- Perform the aarti: Light the diya, do the Lakshmi-Ganesh aarti together as a family and share prasad.
- Keep the lights on: Keep diyas burning and doors open during the muhurat to symbolise a warm welcome.
Do’s and Don’ts for Diwali Puja
Do’s
- Wear clean and bright clothes, preferably red, yellow or pink.
- Complete the puja inside the Pradosh Kaal window of your city.
- Keep the home well lit, especially the main entrance.
- Involve the whole family in the puja and aarti.
- Share sweets and good wishes with neighbours and loved ones.
Don’ts
- Avoid keeping the home dark or cluttered on Diwali evening.
- Avoid arguments and negative talk during the puja.
- Avoid performing the puja in a hurry. Take your time and enjoy it.
Lakshmi Puja for Business: Chopda Pujan
Business owners and traders often perform Chopda Pujan (worship of account books) on Diwali. New account books are marked with a swastika, and Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped for a prosperous new financial year. It is a beautiful way to begin the year with gratitude and positive intentions.
Vastu Tips for Diwali
- Keep the northeast corner clean and clutter-free.
- Place the Lakshmi-Ganesh altar in the northeast or north direction.
- Light a diya at the main door every evening during the festival.
- Remove broken or unused items before Diwali.
- Keep the entrance fresh with rangoli and flowers.
Celebrate Diwali 2026 with Astro OCCULT
Every family has its own planetary position, and the right muhurat and remedies can differ from person to person. If you would like personalised guidance, Astro OCCULT is here to help. Our experienced Vedic astrologers offer Kundli analysis, Vastu consultation, numerology guidance and puja advice, so you can choose the right muhurat and remedies for your birth chart.
Book a consultation today and welcome Diwali 2026 with clarity, confidence and joy.
