India’s most significant festival, Diwali—the festival of lights—holds deep cultural importance. Its name comes from Deepavali, a Sanskrit term meaning “row of lights.” Hindu tradition traces the celebration to Lord Ram’s triumphant return from exile, accompanied by his wife, Goddess Sita, and brother, Laxman.
Legend has it that he reached home after sunset, and his people lined the streets with traditional oil lamps to guide the trio to the palace. Beyond its religious interpretation, Diwali is celebrated as a victory of good over evil and also marks the Hindu New Year.
Who Celebrates Diwali?
Diwali was traditionally observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, but now, irrespective of their faith, people around the world celebrate Diwali as a cultural and spiritual occasion.
The Diwali date changes every year because it is dependent on the cycle of the moon, but typically, Diwali takes place in late October or early November. Diwali celebrations span five days, with the most important aspect of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja (prayers for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth) taking place on the third night, which is the darkest night in the lunar month.
Diwali 2026 Date
The Diwali 2026 date is November 8; this is the day of Lakshmi Puja, when prayers are offered to the goddess of wealth and Lord Ganesha, the Elephant God who blesses new beginnings. Together, prayers to Lakshmi and Ganesh are said to bring prosperity and good luck.
The five days of Diwali 2026 start with Dhanteras on November 6. On Dhanteras, people buy gold, silver, utensils and other household items as a sign of good luck. They clean their homes and evoke Lakshmi and Ganesh’s blessings.
Diwali Celebrations
Chhoti Diwali is on November 7 and is essentially celebrated as Diwali eve. On this day, people cleanse and beautify themselves and their homes and put up decorations, including designs in coloured flour and powders, and visit homes of loved ones with gifts and sweets.
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The third day, when Lakshmi Puja takes place, is what most people know as Diwali (this year taking place on November 8). On this day, people light traditional oil and wax lamps, pray to Lakshmi and Ganesh, distribute sweets and burst crackers. Homes, shops, buildings and public areas are decorated with lights.
The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, November 9, with auspicious muhurats (time slots) throughout the day for devotees to pray to Lord Krishna. The fifth and final day of the Diwali celebration is marked by Bhai Dooj on November 10; this day honours the bond between siblings.
Before Diwali 2026 arrives, cleaning your home and office is a key aspect of the preparations. The idea is to rid yourself of stagnant energy and all that does not serve you any more to make way for new, positive vibes.
Diwali Decorations
Lights are the key component of decorating your home for Diwali, and lights for Diwali come in many shapes and forms, from small terracotta lamps filled with oil that are lined along the exterior walls, to fairy lights that crisscross courtyards, roofs and even streets.
Another key aspect of Diwali decorations is the Rangoli. People draw patterns in coloured powder, sometimes even dyed flour or easy-to-clean paint, in and around their homes: from the main entry and hallways, to around door frames and terraces.
Given that Diwali is the biggest festival in India, it should come as no surprise that the brightest stars in Bollywood go all out for their Diwali celebrations. The mastermind behind the Ambani wedding extravaganza, and Bollywood’s favourite fashion designer, Manish Malhotra’s Diwali bash attracts India’s most beautiful celebrities.