Diwali 2026: Celebrating the Festival of Lights on November 8
Diwali Celebration Details
Jaipur will witness the joyous festival of Diwali on November 8, 2026, which falls on a Sunday. On the occasion of Kartik Amavasya, homes and temples will be illuminated with lamps, and special prayers will be offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. According to religious beliefs, performing Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh period on Diwali evening is considered auspicious.
Auspicious Timing for Lakshmi Puja
Based on the Panchang calculations for major cities in Rajasthan, the timings for Lakshmi Puja are as follows:
- Bikaner: From 6:11 PM to 8:07 PM.
- Jaipur: From 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM.
In Bikaner, the Pradosh period will last from approximately 5:47 PM to 8:24 PM. The Amavasya Tithi will commence on November 8 at around 11:28 AM and continue until approximately 12:31 PM on November 9. There may be slight variations in timings due to different Panchang calculations.
Materials Required for Lakshmi Puja
Before the puja, gather the following items: a platform, red or yellow cloth, idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lamps, ghee or oil, cotton wicks, incense sticks, roli, akshat, kalawa, flowers, garlands, fruits, sweets, coconuts, a kalash, and a puja thali.
Steps for Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning the home and puja area. Create a rangoli at the main entrance and arrange lamps.
- During the auspicious time, place a platform and cover it with red or yellow cloth.
- Set up the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on the platform. You may also include images of Goddess Saraswati and Kuber nearby.
- Start the puja by focusing on Lord Ganesha first.
- Next, offer tilak, akshat, flowers, garlands, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Light incense and lamps, chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, and recite the Lakshmi Chalisa and Aarti.
- After the puja, distribute prasad among all family members and light lamps at the main entrance and various spots around the house.
Important Considerations for Diwali
On Diwali, ensure that your home is clean and organized. Maintain a mindset of devotion and positivity during the puja. Place lamps in safe locations and keep children away from firecrackers. To be environmentally conscious, opt for low-smoke or smoke-free celebration alternatives.
Significance of Worshiping Lakshmi and Ganesha on Diwali
According to religious beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi is the deity of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, while Lord Ganesha is revered for wisdom, auspiciousness, and the removal of obstacles. This is why both deities are worshiped together during Diwali, as devotees seek happiness, peace, and prosperity for their families.