Diwali 2026: Choti & Badi Diwali Dates, Puja Muhurat, and Timings

Diwali is traditionally celebrated through several festivals, beginning with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj.

Here is the Diwali 2026 festival calendar for New Delhi:

Unlike some years, the main observances do not fall on five consecutive calendar dates in 2026. This happens because Hindu festivals follow lunar Tithis rather than fixed dates.

The festival calendar is based on the Drik Panchang Diwali Calendar for New Delhi.

Choti Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, the same day as Badi Diwali.

Also called Narak Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, Choti Diwali is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura, according to Hindu tradition.

The festival represents the removal of negativity and the importance of spiritual purification.

• Narak Chaturdashi: November 8, 2026
• Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM
• Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 10:47 AM on November 7
• Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 11:27 AM on November 8

Abhyanga Snan is a traditional oil-bath ritual performed before sunrise. Many families also light diyas and prepare their homes for the main Diwali celebration.

These timings are based on the Narak Chaturdashi Panchang.

Badi Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

It is the main day of Diwali, when devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for prosperity, wisdom, happiness and well-being.

Families decorate their homes with rangoli, flowers, and lamps. In the evening, they perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja and exchange sweets and gifts.

The recommended Lakshmi Puja window lasts approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes.

These are New Delhi timings; the exact muhurat may differ in other cities. Refer to the Diwali Lakshmi Puja timings for location-specific calculations.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Diwali 2026.

Hindu festival dates are determined using lunar Tithis. Narak Chaturdashi is associated with the Chaturdashi Tithi before sunrise, while Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during Amavasya in the evening.

On November 8, Chaturdashi continues through the early morning, and Amavasya begins at 11:27 AM.

Therefore, Choti Diwali rituals take place in the morning, while the main Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening.

Some families may observe Kali Chaudas on November 7, depending on regional traditions. This explains why different calendars sometimes mention November 7 or 8 for Choti Diwali.

Lakshmi Puja is among the most important Diwali traditions. Rituals differ between households, but a simple puja generally includes the following steps.

1. Clean and Decorate Your Home

Clean the puja area and decorate the entrance with rangoli, flowers, and diyas. Many families consider a clean, welcoming home an important part of Diwali preparations.

2. Prepare the Puja Samagri.

Common puja items include:

• Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
• Diyas, oil or ghee
• Flowers, incense, and kumkum
• Rice, fruits, and sweets
• Kalash, water and coconut
• Puja thali and offerings

3. Set Up the Puja Area

Place the idols or pictures on a clean, decorated platform. Arrange the offerings and light a diya safely.

4. Worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi

Begin with prayers to Lord Ganesha, followed by Goddess Lakshmi. Families may recite traditional mantras, offer flowers, and perform aarti.

5. Offer Prasad and Share Blessings

After the puja, distribute prasad among family members. Many households also light additional diyas around the home.

For detailed rituals, follow your family tradition or consult a knowledgeable priest.

Diwali celebrations include several other meaningful festivals.

Dhanteras—November 6, 2026

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the main Diwali festivities. The day is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera.

Many families purchase utensils, jewelry, or household items as part of their traditions.

Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Braj, according to Hindu tradition.

Devotees prepare Annakut offerings and express gratitude for nature and food.

Govardhan Puja morning Muhurat: 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM in New Delhi.

Bhai Dooj – November 11, 2026

Bhai Dooj celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.

Sisters traditionally apply tilak, perform aarti, and pray for their brothers’ well-being.

Diwali is a time for celebration, but a few thoughtful decisions can make the festival more comfortable for everyone.

Choose reusable decorations, use diyas carefully, and keep open flames away from curtains or other flammable materials.

Consider celebrating with lights, rangoli, sweets, and family gatherings instead of activities that increase noise and air pollution.

In Delhi NCR, follow the latest local directions regarding fireworks and pollution-control measures.

Families travelling during the festival should also allow extra time for traffic near markets, temples, and popular shopping areas.

Diwali often brings additional travel requirements, from family visits and festive shopping to airport pickups and journeys between Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.

Planning transportation in advance can help make festive travel more convenient, especially when several family members are travelling together.

Indian Travel House offers chauffeur-driven car rental services for personal and corporate travel requirements.

Whether you are arranging an airport transfer or visiting relatives across Delhi NCR, you can explore car rental services in Delhi and enquire about suitable travel arrangements.

Vehicle availability and booking terms should be confirmed in advance during the festive period.

1. When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, with the main Lakshmi Puja taking place in the evening.

2. When is Choti Diwali in 2026?

Choti Diwali, or Narak Chaturdashi, falls on November 8, 2026, according to the New Delhi Panchang.

3. What is the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali 2026?

The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in New Delhi is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on November 8, 2026.

4. Is Choti Diwali on November 7 or 8?

Narak Chaturdashi’s morning observance falls on November 8. Kali Chaudas is observed on November 7 in the New Delhi festival calendar.

5. When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?

Govardhan Puja falls on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

6. When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?

Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

7. Are Diwali Puja timings the same across India?

No. Auspicious timings vary by location, so devotees should check the Panchang for their city.

Conclusion

Diwali 2026 falls on November 8, with both Choti Diwali and Badi Diwali observed on the same date according to the New Delhi Panchang.

The Choti Diwali Abhyanga Snan Muhurat is 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM, while the main Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.

With Dhanteras on November 6, Govardhan Puja on November 10 and Bhai Dooj on November 11, families can plan their celebrations using the complete festival calendar.

May this Diwali bring happiness, prosperity, and new beginnings to every home.

Wishing you and your family a happy Diwali 2026 from Indian Travel House!