When Is Diwali 2026? Dates, Traditions & Where to Celebrate

Planning a trip around the festival of lights? Diwali 2026 falls in early November, with the main celebration mid-week. Because the date follows the Hindu lunar calendar, it shifts each year — here's how the days line up and how to plan around them.

Quick answer: Diwali's main night (Lakshmi Puja) is in early-to-mid November 2026. Confirm the exact date for your dwelling region, but the festive week is the first half of November.

The Five Days of Diwali 2026

Diwali spans five days, each with its own meaning:

1. 1Dhanteras — auspicious buying (gold, utensils) and the first lights.
2. 2Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) — pre-dawn rituals, homes lit.
3. 3Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali) — the big night of lamps, prayers and fireworks.
4. 4Govardhan Puja / Annakut — feasting and temple food offerings.
5. 5Bhai Dooj — celebrating siblings.

(Exact calendar dates shift slightly by region and almanac — always confirm locally when you book.)

Why the Date Changes Each Year

Diwali is set by the Hindu lunar calendar — it falls on the new-moon night (amavasya) of the month of Kartik, usually between mid-October and mid-November. That's why it lands on a different Gregorian date every year.

Planning Your Trip Around Diwali

• Book 2–3 months ahead. Diwali is peak travel season across India.
• Build in buffer days around the main night, when some sights and shops close.
• Combine it with the Golden Triangle. The festive season overlaps with the best weather for Delhi–Agra–Jaipur — see our best time to visit guide.

Where to Celebrate

• Jaipur — Rajasthan's Pink City puts on a dazzling show (Diwali in Jaipur guide).
• Varanasi & the Ganges — lamps floated on the river.
• Rishikesh — a quieter, spiritual alternative in the Himalayan foothills (Rishikesh guide).

Our Golden Triangle India: Diwali & Yoga Retreat is built around the festival — Diwali across the triangle, then a calm reset on the Ganges.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 falls in early November, with the main night (Lakshmi Puja) mid-week. The exact date varies slightly by region and lunar calendar, so confirm locally when booking.

How many days is the Diwali festival?

Five days — from Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj. The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the main Diwali celebration.

Why does Diwali's date change every year?

Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the new-moon night of the month of Kartik, so its Gregorian date shifts each year, usually landing between mid-October and mid-November.

Should I book my India trip early for Diwali?

Yes — Diwali is peak season. Flights, trains and hotels fill up weeks in advance, so book two to three months ahead for the best choice and prices.

Travel India for Diwali 2026

Lock in the festival of lights with a small group and a host who plans around the celebrations. See our Diwali & Yoga Retreat or all departures.