Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, 5-Day Guide and Source Details
Find Diwali date, Lakshmi Puja muhurat, 5-day festival overview and source details in one place.
Live Data via DivineAPI Β· 2026Diwali 2026
About Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and among Hindu communities worldwide. Observed on the Amavasya (new moon night) of the Kartik month, Diwali spans five days: Dhanteras, Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi), Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. The festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, the victory of light over darkness, and is the occasion for Lakshmi Puja β worship of the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Stories and Traditions Associated with Diwali
Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon night) of the Kartik month. In the Vaishnava tradition, the festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, following his victory over Ravana. The lighting of diyas across the kingdom to welcome their king is the central image of this tradition.
Diwali is also the primary occasion for Lakshmi Puja β the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is calculated from the Panchang, based on the Pradosh Kaal (the auspicious twilight period) and the Vrishabha Lagna. Businesses traditionally open new account books on this day.
The five-day festival also includes Dhanteras (worship of Dhanvantari and purchase of gold/metal), Naraka Chaturdashi (small Diwali, associated in some traditions with Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura), Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
β¦Note on Traditions
The significance attached to Diwali and the form of worship vary across Hindu traditions and regions. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat shown above is sourced from DivineAPI and is based on DivineAPI data for your selected city.
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi
Preparation and Cleaning
In the days before Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli, lights and diyas. The puja area is prepared with a clean cloth, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and puja items.
Lakshmi Puja at Muhurat
Lakshmi Puja is performed during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal muhurat on Diwali night. The idols are offered flowers, sweets, coins and incense. The timing shown in the card above is sourced from DivineAPI β verify before following.
Lighting Diyas
Diyas are lit throughout the home, on doorsteps and in windows after the puja. The lighting of lamps symbolises the victory of light over darkness and the welcoming of prosperity.
βΉοΈ Ritual practice and muhurat timing may vary by family tradition and region. Verified muhurat will be shown once source integration is confirmed.
Puja Samagri
Lakshmi Puja Items
- β’Idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- β’Lotus flowers
- β’Red cloth
- β’Sweets and dry fruits
- β’Gold or silver coin (for puja)
- β’Diya and oil
- β’Incense
Dhanteras Items
- β’New utensils or metal items
- β’Gold or silver (symbolic)
- β’Diya
Note
- β’Samagri requirements may vary by regional custom and family tradition.
βΉοΈ Samagri requirements may vary by family and regional tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details and Verification
Date and Muhurat Source
Hindu Panchang Β· 2026
Editorial Review Status
2026
Last Verified On
Not yet verified
Region Basis
Pan India β panchang-based date and Lakshmi Puja muhurat to be connected before publication
