Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with diyas, colourful lights and prayers for happiness and prosperity. As Diwali 2026 approaches, people are seeking clarity on whether the festival will fall on November 8 or November 9. Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to the Hindu calendar.
Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, or the new moon day, in the Hindu month of Kartik. On this occasion, people decorate their homes with diyas and colourful lights. They also worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for happiness and prosperity in their families. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is an important part of Diwali celebrations. People can perform their prayers during these timings. Lord Ganesha is worshipped to seek the removal of obstacles from auspicious activities. Diwali, the festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil, is celebrated with immense joy and devotion across India and in many parts of the world. The Amavasya night, or new moon night, holds special spiritual importance during the festival. To welcome him, the residents of Ayodhya lit countless lamps, illuminating the entire city. This tradition is believed to have marked the beginning of Diwali celebrations. Beyond its festive celebrations, Diwali also conveys a timeless message of hope, reminding people that faith, positivity, and perseverance can help overcome even the toughest challenges in life.
Because the Pradosh Kaal, the evening period considered important for worship, is also taken into account when deciding the festival date, diwali will be celebrated on November 8. In 2026, the Amavasya Tithi will begin at 11:28 am on November 8 and end at 12:32 pm on November 9. The following are the auspicious timings for Diwali 2026, according to the Panchang. On this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing his 14-year exile.
Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali is associated with happiness, peace and prosperity in the home, according to religious beliefs.
Since then, lighting diyas on Amavasya has symbolised the victory of light over darkness and righteousness over evil.
