Diwali 2026 Date and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 8 November Timings, Rituals and Zodiac Tips
Diwali 2026 is just days away, and the most searched question in Indian homes right now is simple: what is the exact Lakshmi Puja muhurat this year? According to Drik Panchang, Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, and the Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm IST, during Pradosh Kaal and the fixed Vrishabha Lagna.
This guide gives the five-day Diwali calendar, city-wise timings, a simple step-by-step puja plan and a few zodiac-based tips. Please confirm local timings with your family priest or a trusted panchang for your city, because muhurat changes with location.
Quick answer
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. In New Delhi the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm, inside Pradosh Kaal (5:31 pm to 8:09 pm) with Vrishabha Lagna, as per Drik Panchang. Other cities have slightly different timings.
City-wise Lakshmi Puja muhurat (8 November 2026)
| City | Approximate muhurat (IST) |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm |
| Mumbai | 6:27 pm to 8:27 pm |
| Kolkata | 5:20 pm to 7:18 pm |
| Chennai | 6:07 pm to 8:09 pm |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 pm to 8:20 pm |
New Delhi timing is from Drik Panchang. Other cities are as reported by astropatri.com and News18’s Diwali 2026 calendar. Always cross-check with a local panchang.
The astrology behind the date
Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartika. The exact astronomical new moon this year occurs on 9 November 2026 at 07:02 UTC (12:32 pm IST), at about 16°53′ Scorpio in the Western tropical zodiac. Hindu festival dates follow the tithi, and because Amavasya tithi is present during Pradosh Kaal on the evening of 8 November, the Lakshmi Puja is observed on 8 November.
Interestingly, this Diwali comes while Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio (until 13 November) and Venus is retrograde in Libra (until 14 November). Astrologers often read this as a time to review finances and relationships rather than make hasty big decisions, which matches the reflective spirit of the festival.
Five days of Diwali 2026
The five-day festival usually runs from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. The exact dates depend on tithi, so check your local panchang for Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. The main Lakshmi Puja is on 8 November 2026.
| Day | Festival | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Buying metal, Dhanvantari puja |
| Day 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali | Abhyang snan, lamps |
| Day 3 | Lakshmi Puja (8 Nov 2026) | Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, diyas |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja | Annakut offering |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Sibling bond |
Simple Lakshmi Puja steps at home
- Clean the house and puja space in the morning. Make a rangoli at the entrance.
- Place a red or yellow cloth on a chowki. Keep idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Keep a kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut.
- Light a ghee diya and incense at the start of the muhurat.
- Offer flowers, rice, kumkum, sweets and coins. Many families also keep account books or a new pen for blessings.
- Recite Lakshmi and Ganesh mantras or aarti with your family.
- Light diyas throughout the house and at the main door.
Zodiac tips for Diwali 2026
These are light, positive suggestions based on the elements of the signs.
| Sign | Colour idea | Focus for the evening |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Red | Begin a new savings habit |
| Taurus | White | Gratitude for home comforts |
| Gemini | Green | Write down money goals |
| Cancer | Silver or white | Family time and blessings |
| Leo | Gold | Generosity and gifts |
| Virgo | Green | Clean and organise finances |
| Libra | Pink | Mend a relationship |
| Scorpio | Maroon | Release an old worry |
| Sagittarius | Yellow | Plan a meaningful trip |
| Capricorn | Blue | Set a career intention |
| Aquarius | Blue | Help someone in need |
| Pisces | Yellow | Prayer and quiet reflection |
Safety and kindness
Keep diyas away from curtains, keep a bucket of water nearby, and think about pets and elders who may be scared by crackers. Choose quieter celebrations where you can. For deeper reading, see our Scorpio season 2026 guide and our article on crystals that boost Venus energy.
What to keep ready for Lakshmi Puja
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lakshmi and Ganesha idols or pictures | Main worship |
| Red or yellow cloth and a chowki | Sacred seat |
| Kalash, mango leaves, coconut | Symbol of abundance |
| Ghee diya, oil diyas, incense | Light and purity |
| Kumkum, haldi, rice (akshat) | Offerings and tilak |
| Flowers, especially lotus or marigold | Offering to Lakshmi |
| Sweets, puffed rice (kheel), batashe | Bhog |
| Coins, account books, new pen | Prosperity blessings |
Do’s and don’ts on Diwali night
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Start puja within the muhurat for your city | Rush the puja to burst crackers |
| Keep the main door lit through the evening | Leave diyas unattended near curtains |
| Share sweets with neighbours and helpers | Waste food or overspend in a hurry |
| Keep the house clean and bright | Argue or speak harshly on the festive night |
| Offer gratitude for what you have | Gamble with money you cannot afford to lose |
Why Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Amavasya
Amavasya is the darkest night of the lunar month. Lighting lamps on this night symbolises bringing light into darkness and inviting prosperity, wisdom and good fortune into the home. Many traditions also link Diwali with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, when people lit rows of lamps to welcome him. Different regions celebrate in their own ways, from Kali Puja in Bengal to the start of the new year for many Gujarati business families, but the shared message is the victory of light over darkness.
Money mindset tips for the new year
Astrologically and practically, Diwali is a natural moment for a fresh financial start. Open a separate savings account or SIP, clear one small debt, write a simple monthly budget, and decide one thing you will stop spending on. Small, steady steps matter more than a single big purchase made only because the date is auspicious.
A note on regional calendars
Purnimanta and Amanta calendars name months differently, and some South Indian families celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi as the main Deepavali day. Follow your family tradition and local panchang.
FAQ
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, as per Drik Panchang.
What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on Diwali 2026?
In New Delhi it is 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm IST. Timings differ by city, so check a local panchang.
What is Pradosh Kaal on Diwali 2026?
In New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal on 8 November 2026 is from about 5:31 pm to 8:09 pm.
Why is Diwali on 8 November if the new moon is on 9 November?
Hindu festivals follow the tithi. Amavasya tithi prevails during Pradosh Kaal on the evening of 8 November, so Lakshmi Puja is done that evening.
Is Mercury retrograde during Diwali 2026?
Yes. Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio until 13 November 2026, and Venus is retrograde until 14 November.
Disclaimer: Muhurat timings are taken from published panchang sources and can vary by location. Astrology content is for faith, culture and reflection and is not professional advice.
