World · India Bureau
Diwali 2026: November 8 or 9? Date clarified with auspicious timings
Confusion persists over whether Diwali will be celebrated on November 8 or 9 next year. Here's the definitive date, new moon timing, and auspicious hours for Lakshmi and Ganesha worship.
LSN India ·
Diwali 2026 will be observed on November 9, settling widespread uncertainty among devotees about the exact celebration date. The festival, which marks the victory of light over darkness, falls on the new moon day or Amavasya in the Hindu lunar calendar, a date that shifts annually in the Gregorian calendar.
The Amavasya tithi for 2026 commences on November 8 and extends into November 9. However, the new moon phase will be most prominent on November 9, making it the primary date for festivities across most regions of India.
The auspicious timing for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha—the focal rituals of Diwali—will occur during specific hours on November 9. Devotees are advised to consult local astronomical data and their regional calendars, as the exact muhurat may vary based on geographic location and traditional practices followed in different communities.
Diwali remains one of India's most significant festivals, celebrated with lights, fireworks, prayers, and family gatherings. The date confusion arises annually due to the differences between the lunar calendar used for Hindu festivals and the standard Gregorian calendar followed for general purposes.