Diwali Festival Calendar 2026: As the festival of Diwali approaches, there is growing curiosity regarding the dates and auspicious timings (shubh muhurats) for the five major observances—from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. In 2026, the Diwali festivities will encompass Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi (also known as Roop Chaudas), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. For each of these, specific dates and auspicious time slots are observed for rituals. Certain traditions require worship during the 'Pradosh Kaal' (the period around sunset), while others emphasize the importance of 'Abhyang Snan' (ritual bath) or the specific timing of the 'Dwitiya Tithi' (the second lunar day). Therefore, it is essential to consult the 'Panchang' (Hindu calendar) to determine the correct dates and the most favorable times for worship. Let us explore when these five festivals—from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj—will be celebrated in 2026, and identify the auspicious timings for the associated rituals.

When is Dhanteras 2026? (Dhanteras 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat)

The festival of Dhanteras is celebrated before Diwali. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber are worshipped. The 'Pradosh Kaal' is considered particularly significant for performing rituals on Dhanteras. This day is also regarded as an auspicious time for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, and other metal items. Consequently, it is important to be aware of the auspicious timings for worship, the favorable 'Choghadiya' (time segments) for shopping, and the precise duration of the 'Trayodashi Tithi' (the thirteenth lunar day) on Dhanteras. Dhanteras - November 6
Puja Muhurat (auspicious time for worship) - 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM

Shopping Muhurat (auspicious time for shopping)
Daytime shopping: 11:36 AM to 12:24 PM
Evening shopping: 6:19 PM to 8:17 PM

Pradosh Kaal - 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
Trayodashi Tithi begins - November 6, 10:30 AM
Trayodashi Tithi ends - November 7, 10:47 AM

When is Narak Chaturdashi 2026? (Narak Chaturdashi 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat)

Narak Chaturdashi is also known as Roop Chaudas and Chhoti Diwali. This festival is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika. On this day, Abhyanga Snan (ritual bath), Yam Deepdaan (offering a lamp for Lord Yama), and the worship of Lord Shri Krishna hold special significance. For the Abhyanga Snan on Narak Chaturdashi, the time before sunrise is considered auspicious. Therefore, it is important to check the timings for the beginning and end of the Chaturdashi Tithi, as well as the auspicious time for sunrise and the Abhyanga Snan. Additionally, in the evening, a lamp (Deepdaan) is lit and offered in the name of Lord Yama (Yamraj).

Narak Chaturdashi - November 8
Roop Chaudas Puja Muhurat - 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM
Abhyanga Snan Muhurat - 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM

Chaturdashi Tithi begins - November 7, 10:47 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi ends - November 8, 11:27 AM

When is Diwali 2026? (Diwali 2026 Date and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat)

The main festival of Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the month of Kartika. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped during the evening, specifically during the 'Pradosh Kaal' (the twilight period). It is considered especially significant for the 'Amavasya Tithi' (new moon lunar day) to coincide with the Pradosh Kaal for the purpose of Lakshmi Puja. Additionally, the 'Sthira Lagna' (fixed ascendant) and the 'Vrishabha Kaal' (the period when the Taurus ascendant is active) are also considered auspicious for the worship. Along with the specific timing (Muhurat) for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali, one should also be aware of the timings for Pradosh Kaal, Nishita Kaal (midnight period), and the start and end times of the Amavasya Tithi.

Diwali - November 08
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM

Pradosh Kaal - 05:31 PM to 08:09 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM
Nishita Kaal - 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (November 09)
Simha Lagna (Leo ascendant) - 12:25 AM to 02:42 AM (November 09)

Amavasya Tithi begins - 11:27 AM on November 08
Amavasya Tithi ends - 12:31 AM on November 09

When is Govardhan Puja 2026? (Govardhan Puja 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat)

The festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the 'Pratipada Tithi' (the first day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Kartika. On this day, Lord Shri Krishna is worshipped, and an 'Annakoot' (a ceremonial offering of various food dishes) is organized. For Govardhan Puja, it is considered significant for the Pratipada Tithi to be present at the time of sunrise. A specific auspicious time (Muhurat) is observed for worship during the morning hours of this day. Govardhan Puja - November 10

Auspicious time for worship (Shubh Muhurat) - 06:40 AM to 08:50 AM

Pratipada Tithi begins - 12:31 AM on November 9

Pratipada Tithi ends - 02:00 PM on November 10

When is Bhai Dooj 2026? (Bhai Dooj 2026 Date and Tilak Muhurat)
Bhai Dooj is the final major festival of the Diwali celebrations. It is also known as Yam Dwitiya. On this day, sisters apply a *tilak* on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life and happiness. The afternoon period (*aparahna kaal*) holds special significance for the *tilak* ceremony on Bhai Dooj. Therefore, it is essential to check the auspicious timing (*muhurat*) for the *tilak*, alongside the start and end times of the *Dwitiya Tithi* (the second lunar day).

Bhai Dooj – November 11

Bhai Dooj *Tilak* Timing – 01:10 PM to 03:20 PM

*Dwitiya Tithi* begins – November 10 at 02:00 PM
*Dwitiya Tithi* ends – November 11 at 03:53 PM

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