When is Diwali 2026? Diwali, the grand festival of lights and happiness, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The five-day Diwali festivities begin with Dhanteras. In recent years, variations in the lunar calendar dates have often led to confusion regarding the exact date of Diwali. If you have any doubts about when the festivals—from Dhanteras to Diwali—will be celebrated this year, let us clear them up.

Pandit Subhash Pandey, a professor in the Department of Astrology at Banaras Hindu University, explained that the five-day grand festival of Diwali commences on the *Trayodashi* (13th day) of the *Kartik Krishna Paksha* (the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik). Dhanteras, the first day of this five-day celebration, is observed on this day. On this occasion, Goddess Lakshmi (the deity of wealth) and Lord Dhanvantari (the deity of health and healing) are worshipped. This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 6.

The following day, November 7—which falls on the *Chaturdashi* (14th day)—marks the observance of Narak Chaturdashi and Hanuman Jayanti. On this day, a lamp is lit in the name of Yama (the God of Death); it is believed that this ritual dispels the fear of untimely death. The day following Narak Chaturdashi is *Amavasya* (the new moon day), and Diwali is celebrated on this very day.

According to the Vedic Hindu calendar, the *Kartik Amavasya* *tithi* (lunar day) begins at 11:27 AM on November 8 and concludes at 12:29 PM on November 9. For the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during Diwali, the presence of the *Amavasya* *tithi* during the *Nishakaal* (nighttime period) is essential. Therefore, Diwali will be celebrated on November 8 this year.

The most auspicious time for worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesha on Diwali is between 7:35 PM and 8:56 PM. Ritual prayers can be performed in homes and business establishments during this window.

The festival of Annakut is celebrated on the day following Diwali. The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the day following this—specifically, on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Kartik month. This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 10.

On this day, sisters pray for the long lives of their brothers. The five-day grand festival of Diwali concludes with Bhai Dooj.

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