Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is the most celebrated and awaited festival in Hindu culture. This five-day grand celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. As we approach Diwali 2026, this comprehensive guide will help you celebrate each of the five sacred days with proper rituals, auspicious timings, and meaningful traditions.
Whether you're celebrating Diwali for the first time or seeking to deepen your understanding of traditional practices, this guide covers everything from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, with detailed puja procedures, powerful mantras, regional variations, and modern celebration ideas that honor both tradition and contemporary lifestyles.
🪔 Diwali 2026 Dates 🪔
October 19-23, 2026
Main Lakshmi Puja: October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
Mark your calendars for this auspicious five-day celebration!
The Significance of Diwali
Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" (row of lights), celebrates multiple significant events across Hindu mythology. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. In other regions, it marks Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, or the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean during Samudra Manthan.
📖 The Story of Rama's Return
According to the Ramayana, when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after defeating Ravana, the entire kingdom illuminated the city with oil lamps (diyas) to celebrate his homecoming. The darkest night (Amavasya) was turned into the brightest night, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This tradition of lighting diyas continues to this day, making Diwali the "Festival of Lights."
Beyond the religious significance, Diwali represents new beginnings, the importance of inner light, the value of family bonds, and the celebration of prosperity. It's a time for spiritual renewal, strengthening relationships, and expressing gratitude for life's abundance.
The Five Days of Diwali 2026
Day 1: Dhanteras
October 19, 2026 (Monday)
The Day of Wealth
- Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera
- Purchase of gold, silver, or utensils
- Lighting the first diyas
- Starting Diwali cleaning and decoration
- Evening Lakshmi puja
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi
October 20, 2026 (Tuesday)
Choti Diwali
- Celebration of Krishna's victory over Narakasura
- Traditional abhyanga snan (oil bath)
- Lighting diyas in the evening
- Preparing sweets and snacks
- Family gatherings begin
Day 3: Diwali (Amavasya)
October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
Main Lakshmi Puja
- Grand Lakshmi-Ganesh puja
- Lighting maximum diyas and candles
- Fireworks and celebrations
- Exchange of gifts and sweets
- New year for business communities
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
October 22, 2026 (Thursday)
Annakut & New Year
- Worship of Govardhan hill
- Offering 56 varieties of food (Chhappan Bhog)
- Gujarati and Marwari New Year
- Celebrating Krishna lifting Govardhan
- Feeding cows and animals
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
October 23, 2026 (Friday)
Brother-Sister Bond
- Sisters apply tilak to brothers
- Exchange of gifts and blessings
- Special prayers for long life
- Festive meals together
- Culmination of Diwali celebrations
Day 1: Dhanteras - October 19, 2026
🪙 Dhanteras: The Day of Wealth and Prosperity
⏰ Auspicious Timings for Dhanteras 2026
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. "Dhan" means wealth and "Teras" refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. This day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera (the treasurer of the gods), and is considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, and other valuables.
📖 Legend of Dhanteras
According to mythology, on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk during the churning (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of gold. Another legend tells of King Hima's 16-year-old son who was destined to die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His wife saved him by keeping him awake all night with stories and songs, and by placing all their ornaments and gold coins at the entrance, creating a mountain of light. When Lord Yama (the god of death) arrived in the form of a serpent, he was blinded by the dazzling light and left without taking the prince's life.
Complete Dhanteras Puja Procedure
Thoroughly clean your home, especially the puja area and entrance. Decorate the main door with marigold torans (garlands) and create a rangoli design at the entrance using colored powders or flowers.
Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on a clean cloth. If you've purchased new items (gold, silver, utensils), keep them near the deity for blessing during puja.
Light at least 13 diyas (representing Teras/13) using ghee or mustard oil. Place diyas at the entrance, in the puja room, and throughout your home. One diya should be kept burning all night facing south for Yamraj.
Begin with worshipping Lord Ganesh. Offer flowers, kumkum, and modak. Chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" 11 times to remove obstacles.
Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera together. Offer flowers, incense, fruits, and sweets. Place new purchases near them for blessing.
Recite Lakshmi and Kubera mantras (see below) 108 times using a mala. Pray for prosperity, good health, and wealth for your family.
Complete the puja with Lakshmi Aarti. Light camphor and wave it in circular motions while singing devotional songs.
Share the blessed sweets and fruits with all family members. Keep the purchased items in the puja room overnight before using them.
🕉️ Dhanteras Mantras
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मयै नमः
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalaalaye
Praseed Praseed, Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
Translation: "O Goddess Lakshmi, who resides in the lotus, please bestow your grace upon me."
ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये
धनधान्य समृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा
Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye
Dhanadhanya Samriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha
Translation: "O Lord Kubera, lord of wealth and riches, grant me abundance and prosperity."
🛍️ What to Buy on Dhanteras
Traditional Purchases (Most Auspicious):
- Gold jewelry or coins (symbolizes lasting wealth)
- Silver items or coins (removes negativity)
- Brass, copper, or steel utensils (for kitchen prosperity)
- Broom made from natural fibers (to sweep away bad luck)
- Lakshmi-Ganesh idols or pictures
Modern Options:
- Property or vehicles (new beginnings)
- Business investments or equipment
- Electronics for home or office
- Jewelry of any kind
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - October 20, 2026
🌅 Naraka Chaturdashi: The Day of Liberation
⏰ Auspicious Timings for Naraka Chaturdashi 2026
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali (Small Diwali) or Kali Chaudas, celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. This demon had captured and tortured 16,000 women. Krishna defeated him, liberating these women and freeing the world from evil. In South India, this day is celebrated as the main Diwali.
📖 The Victory Over Narakasura
Narakasura was a powerful demon who had obtained a boon that he could only be killed by his mother. He became tyrannical, terrorizing the heavens and earth. Lord Krishna, accompanied by his consort Satyabhama (believed to be an incarnation of Mother Earth, Narakasura's mother), fought and defeated the demon. Before dying, Narakasura realized his mistakes and requested that his death anniversary be celebrated with light and joy. Thus, the tradition of celebrating this day began.
Naraka Chaturdashi Rituals
Wake up early before sunrise. Apply a mixture of fragrant oil (sesame oil or coconut oil) mixed with ubtan (turmeric, gram flour, sandalwood paste) all over your body. Massage for 10-15 minutes. Then bathe with warm water. This ritual symbolizes cleansing of sins and purification of body and soul.
After the holy bath, wear fresh or new clothes. Traditional preference is for colorful attire, especially red, yellow, or orange.
Worship Lord Hanuman in the morning and Lord Krishna in the evening. Offer flowers, fruits, and specially prepared laddoos or other sweets.
In the evening, light 14 diyas (representing the 14th day of the lunar cycle). Place them at the entrance and around the house. One diya should be placed facing south for Yama, the god of death.
Complete all cleaning, shopping, and preparation for the next day's main Lakshmi Puja. Prepare sweets and savory snacks for family and guests.
🕉️ Naraka Chaturdashi Mantras
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Translation: "I bow to Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva."
ॐ हनुमते नमः
Om Hanumate Namah
Translation: "Salutations to Lord Hanuman."
Day 3: Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) - October 21, 2026
🪔 Diwali Amavasya: The Grand Celebration
⏰ Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026 (Most Important)
🌟 The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal when Sthir Lagna coincides with Amavasya Tithi
This is the main day of Diwali, celebrated on the darkest night (Amavasya) of the Hindu month Kartik. It marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The entire city was lit with oil lamps to welcome their king, and this tradition continues worldwide as millions light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their homes.
Diyas to Light on Main Diwali
Light maximum diyas throughout your home for divine blessings
Complete Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja Vidhi for Main Diwali
Ensure your entire home is spotlessly clean. Goddess Lakshmi doesn't enter dirty or cluttered places. Special attention to entrance, puja room, and living areas.
Make elaborate rangoli designs at the entrance using colored powders, flowers, or rice flour. Include Lakshmi's footprints (paduka) leading into your home, symbolizing her welcome.
Before puja, light diyas in every room, balcony, entrance, and outdoor areas. Decorate with electric lights, candles, and lanterns. The home should be brilliantly lit.
Place red or yellow cloth on a raised platform (chowki). Arrange idols/pictures of Lakshmi-Ganesh in the center. Also include Lord Kubera and Goddess Saraswati if possible. Place account books, business ledgers, and money near deities for blessing.
Always begin with Lord Ganesh worship. Apply kumkum, offer flowers, and chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" 11 times. Offer modak or laddoo.
Worship Goddess Lakshmi with complete devotion. Apply kumkum, offer lotus flowers (or marigold/rose), light incense and camphor. Offer panchamrit, fruits, dry fruits, and specially prepared sweets.
Recite Lakshmi mantras 108 times using a rudraksha or tulsi mala. Maintain mental focus and devotion throughout (see mantras below).
Narrate or listen to the story of Lakshmi's emergence from the ocean. This brings auspiciousness and deepens connection with the goddess.
Sing Lakshmi Aarti ("Om Jai Lakshmi Mata") with entire family. Light camphor or ghee diya and wave in circular clockwise motions. Ring bells throughout.
Bow down to deities and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. Pray for the well-being of all family members and society.
Share blessed sweets and fruits with everyone present. Distribute to neighbors and those in need.
Maintain diyas burning throughout the night, especially at entrance and puja room. This keeps the positive energy and welcomes Lakshmi's presence.
🕉️ Main Diwali Lakshmi Mantras (108 Times Each)
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
The most powerful Lakshmi beej mantra for wealth and abundance
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं महालक्ष्मी नमः पूर्णम्
Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Mahalakshmi Namah Purnam
For complete prosperity and fulfillment
ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पत्नी च धीमहि
तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात्
Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patni Cha Dhimahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat
Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra - for wisdom and prosperity
🎊 Diwali Celebrations After Puja
- Light Firecrackers: Traditional celebration with fireworks (follow local regulations and safety measures)
- Exchange Gifts: Share sweets, dry fruits, and gifts with family, friends, and neighbors
- Festive Dinner: Prepare special vegetarian feast with traditional dishes
- Card Games: Playing cards (especially with stakes) is considered auspicious as it's believed Goddess Parvati played dice with Lord Shiva on this night
- Business New Year: Many business communities start new account books after puja
- Stay Awake: Many devotees stay awake all night, keeping diyas lit and homes illuminated
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut) - October 22, 2026
🏔️ Govardhan Puja: Mountain of Food
Govardhan Puja celebrates the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger for seven days to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Indra. This day is also celebrated as Annakut (mountain of food) where 56 or 108 different food items are prepared and offered to Krishna.
📖 Krishna and Govardhan Hill
The people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra for good rains. Young Krishna convinced them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, which provided them with grass for cattle, water, and shelter. Angry Indra sent devastating rains to destroy Vrindavan. Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan hill like an umbrella, sheltering all villagers and their cattle for seven days until Indra realized his mistake and stopped the rains. This teaches us that nature and local environment should be respected and protected.
Govardhan Puja Procedure
Make a symbolic hill using cow dung (if available) or flour, rice, or flowers. Decorate it with miniature trees, houses, and figurines representing the Govardhan story.
Prepare 56 different types of vegetarian dishes (or as many as possible). This includes sweets, savories, fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, rice preparations, and breads. Arrange them artistically as an offering.
Worship Lord Krishna with devotion. Offer the prepared Annakut (mountain of food) to him. Chant Krishna mantras and sing devotional songs.
Walk around the created Govardhan hill clockwise 7 times, signifying the 7 days Krishna held the hill. If visiting an actual Govardhan temple, participate in the parikrama there.
Offer special food to cows and worship them. In Krishna's time, cows were central to the economy and are still considered sacred.
Share the prasad with family, friends, and community members. The emphasis is on abundance and sharing.
🕉️ Govardhan Puja Mantras
ॐ गोवर्धनाय नमः
Om Govardhanaya Namah
Salutations to Govardhan Hill
ॐ कृष्णाय गोविंदाय गोपीजनवल्लभाय नमः
Om Krishnaya Govindaya Gopijana Vallabhaya Namah
Salutations to Krishna, the cowherd and beloved of the gopis
🌾 New Year Celebrations
For Gujarati and Marwari communities, this day marks the beginning of the new year. New account books are opened after worship, business partnerships are renewed, and special prayers are offered for success in the coming year.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj - October 23, 2026
👫 Bhai Dooj: Celebrating the Sacred Brother-Sister Bond
Bhai Dooj, also called Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, or Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life and prosperity, while brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters always.
📖 Legend of Yama and Yamuna
Lord Yama (god of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. Delighted, Yamuna welcomed him with aarti, applied tilak on his forehead, and prepared a special meal. Pleased by her love, Yama granted her a boon that any brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed with long life and prosperity. He also declared that visiting one's sister on this day cleanses all sins.
Bhai Dooj Ritual Procedure
Arrange a thali with kumkum (red vermillion), rice grains, sweets, coconut, betel leaves and nuts, a diya, and flowers.
Sister performs aarti for her brother by waving a diya in front of him in circular motions while praying for his well-being.
Sister applies a sacred tilak (red kumkum with rice grains) on brother's forehead. This represents her blessing and prayer for his protection and long life.
Sister feeds sweets to her brother, and brother offers sweets to sister, symbolizing their sweet relationship.
Brother gives gifts (traditionally money, jewelry, clothes, or other items) to sister as a token of love and gratitude. Sister may also give return gifts.
Sisters prepare favorite dishes for brothers, and families enjoy a festive meal together, marking the conclusion of Diwali celebrations.
🕉️ Bhai Dooj Prayer
यमुना द्वादशी स्नानं कुर्यादाशु विमुच्यते
यम द्वादशी स्नानं कृत्वा नरः पापात् प्रमुच्यते
Translation: "One who takes holy bath and performs puja on Bhai Dooj is freed from all sins and fears."
Regional Diwali Variations Across India
🏔️ North India (Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana)
- Celebrates Rama's return to Ayodhya
- Emphasis on Lakshmi-Ganesh puja
- Grand firework displays
- Exchange of sweets and gifts
- Business community celebrates new year
🌴 South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh)
- Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day
- Celebrates Krishna's victory over Narakasura
- Early morning oil bath tradition
- Lighting of traditional lamps
- Preparation of special sweets like murukku
🌊 West India (Gujarat, Maharashtra)
- Gujarati New Year on Govardhan Puja
- Bestu Varas celebrations
- Elaborate rangoli competitions
- Traditional garba and dandiya
- Special business muhurat trading
🌾 East India (West Bengal, Odisha)
- Kali Puja celebrated instead of Lakshmi Puja
- Worship of Goddess Kali
- Night-long celebrations
- Cultural programs and artistic displays
- Traditional Bengali sweets
Complete Diwali Preparation Checklist
📋 Pre-Diwali Shopping (1-2 Weeks Before)
🧹 Cleaning & Preparation (1 Week Before)
🎨 Decoration (2-3 Days Before)
Modern & Eco-Friendly Diwali Ideas
🌱 Eco-Friendly Celebrations
- Use clay diyas instead of electric lights where possible
- Choose eco-friendly crackers or avoid them completely
- Natural rangoli with flower petals and rice
- Organic colors and materials
- Plant a tree as part of celebration
💝 Charitable Diwali
- Donate clothes, food to underprivileged
- Sponsor education for children
- Support local artisans and craftspeople
- Feed animals and birds
- Visit orphanages or old age homes with gifts
👨👩👧👦 Family Activities
- Family puja with everyone participating
- Storytelling sessions about Diwali legends
- Cooking traditional sweets together
- Creating handmade decorations
- Photo sessions in traditional attire
🎮 Modern Touches
- Virtual puja participation for distant family
- Online gift exchanges
- Digital rangoli competitions
- Social media sharing with #Diwali2026
- E-greetings to friends worldwide
Diwali Safety Guidelines
⚠️ Important Safety Precautions
- Firecracker Safety: Light crackers in open areas only, keep water buckets nearby, never hold crackers in hand, keep children at safe distance
- Diya Safety: Place diyas on stable surfaces away from curtains and flammable materials, never leave burning diyas unattended, keep away from children's reach
- Electrical Safety: Check all lights for damage before use, avoid overloading electrical outlets, use ISI marked products, keep switches accessible
- Health Safety: Avoid excessive sweets if diabetic, wash hands after handling crackers, protect ears from loud noises, stay hydrated
- Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors during crackers, provide comfortable space, don't force them to participate, comfort if scared
- Air Quality: Use air purifiers indoors, wear masks if necessary, limit outdoor exposure during heavy pollution, keep windows closed when crackers are being burst nearby
Conclusion: Celebrating the Victory of Light
Diwali is more than just a festival—it's a celebration of life, hope, prosperity, and the eternal victory of good over evil. Each of the five days carries deep spiritual significance and offers opportunities to strengthen family bonds, practice gratitude, seek divine blessings, and contribute to society.
As you celebrate Diwali 2026 from October 19-23, remember that the true essence of Diwali lies not just in the external lights we kindle, but in the inner light of consciousness, compassion, and wisdom that we cultivate. The rituals, pujas, and celebrations are means to elevate our consciousness and remind us of our higher purpose.
May This Diwali Illuminate Your Life
With Health, Wealth, Happiness, and Spiritual Awakening
May Goddess Lakshmi bless your home with prosperity, Lord Ganesh remove all obstacles from your path, and the divine light of Diwali guide you throughout the year. May your life be as bright as the thousands of diyas lit on this auspicious night!
Enhance Your Diwali Celebrations
Make your Diwali puja more powerful with our authentic Lakshmi-Ganesh Mantra Chanting Box. Complete with sacred mantras, puja guides, and traditional aarti recordings for perfect pronunciation.
Explore Diwali Special Collection →🪔 Wishing you and your family a blessed, prosperous, and joyous Diwali 2026! May the festival of lights illuminate every corner of your life with happiness and success. Happy Diwali! Shubh Deepavali! 🎆