Diwali Festival Calendar 2026: Key Dates and Auspicious Timings

As Diwali 2026 approaches, it's crucial to know the key dates and auspicious timings for the celebrations. This guide covers everything from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, detailing the specific rituals and their significance. Learn about the best times for worship and shopping, ensuring you make the most of this festive season. Don't miss out on the essential details that will help you celebrate Diwali with joy and reverence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 15:02 IST

Diwali Festival Calendar 2026

Diwali Festival Calendar 2026: With the Diwali festival on the horizon, many are eager to learn about the dates and auspicious timings (shubh muhurats) for the five key celebrations—from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. In 2026, the Diwali festivities will include Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi (also referred to as Roop Chaudas), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each of these occasions has specific dates and favorable time slots for rituals. Some traditions emphasize worship during the 'Pradosh Kaal' (the time around sunset), while others highlight the significance of 'Abhyang Snan' (ritual bath) or the timing of the 'Dwitiya Tithi' (the second lunar day). Therefore, consulting the 'Panchang' (Hindu calendar) is crucial to identify the correct dates and optimal times for worship. Let's delve into the celebration dates for these five festivals in 2026 and pinpoint the auspicious timings for the rituals involved.

Dhanteras 2026: Date and Auspicious Timing

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

Dhanteras is celebrated prior to Diwali, honoring Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber. The 'Pradosh Kaal' is particularly important for rituals on this day. It is also considered an auspicious occasion for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, and other metal items. Hence, knowing the auspicious timings for worship, the favorable 'Choghadiya' (time segments) for shopping, and the exact duration of the 'Trayodashi Tithi' (the thirteenth lunar day) on Dhanteras is essential. 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

Narak Chaturdashi 2026: Date and Auspicious Timing

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

Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Roop Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in Kartika month. This day is significant for performing Abhyanga Snan (ritual bath), Yam Deepdaan (offering a lamp for Lord Yama), and worshipping Lord Shri Krishna. The time before sunrise is considered auspicious for the Abhyanga Snan. Therefore, it is vital to check the timings for the start and end of the Chaturdashi Tithi, as well as the auspicious time for sunrise and the ritual bath. In the evening, a lamp (Deepdaan) is lit in honor 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

Diwali 2026: Date and Lakshmi Puja Timing

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

The main Diwali festival occurs on the new moon day (Amavasya) of Kartika month. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped during the evening, particularly during the 'Pradosh Kaal' (twilight period). It is especially significant for the 'Amavasya Tithi' (new moon lunar day) to align with the Pradosh Kaal for Lakshmi Puja. Additionally, the 'Sthira Lagna' (fixed ascendant) and the 'Vrishabha Kaal' (when the Taurus ascendant is active) are also deemed auspicious for worship. Alongside 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

Govardhan Puja 2026: Date and Auspicious Timing

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

Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the 'Pratipada Tithi' (the first day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in Kartika month. On this day, Lord Shri Krishna is worshipped, and an 'Annakoot' (a ceremonial offering of various food dishes) is prepared. For Govardhan Puja, it is significant for the Pratipada Tithi to be present at 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

Bhai Dooj 2026: Date and Tilak Timing

When is Bhai Dooj 2026? (Bhai Dooj 2026 Date and Tilak Muhurat)
Bhai Dooj marks the final major celebration of the Diwali festivities, 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*) is particularly significant for the *tilak* ceremony on Bhai Dooj. Thus, it is crucial to check the auspicious timing (*muhurat*) for the *tilak*, along with 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

Social Media

PC Social Media