Diwali 2026: Complete festival dates from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, will be observed across a five-day period in 2026, with each day holding distinct religious and cultural significance in the Hindu calendar. The festival season begins with Dhanteras, followed by Chhoti Diwali, Diwali proper, Govardhan Puja, and concludes with Bhai Dooj.

Dhanteras, which marks the commencement of the Diwali festivities, traditionally involves purchasing precious metals and earthenware to invite prosperity into homes. Chhoti Diwali, or Small Diwali, precedes the main celebration and holds mythological importance in various regional traditions across India.

The principal day of Diwali sees lakhs of Indians perform Lakshmi Puja, the worship of the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The auspicious timings for these rituals are determined by the lunar calendar and vary by region, making it essential for devotees to consult local calendars and temple authorities for precise timings in their areas.

Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan mountain. The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between siblings, with sisters performing rituals for their brothers' well-being and longevity.

Indians across the country mark the festival by illuminating homes with lamps and candles, exchanging sweets and gifts, and bursting fireworks, making Diwali one of the most widely observed festivals in the Hindu calendar.