Festival
Diwali 2026 date: the full 5-day calendar, plus Diwali 2027
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, the main day of Lakshmi Puja. In 2027 it comes earlier, on Friday 29 October.
Diwali is not one day but five. Below you find each day, what it is for, and a practical countdown so the festival does not turn into a last-minute rush.
Diwali 2026: the five days
| Day | Date 2026 | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday 6 November | Buying gold, silver or new utensils |
| Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Saturday 7 November | Early bath, diyas in the evening |
| Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) | Sunday 8 November | Main puja, lamps and family gathering |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday 9 or Tuesday 10 November | Annakut offering of food |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday 10 November | Sisters pray for their brothers |
Dates follow the widely used North Indian panchang. In 2026 the Pratipada tithi starts at midday on 9 November, so calendars list Govardhan Puja on the 9th or the morning of the 10th. Check your local panchang for puja muhurat.
Diwali 2027 date
Diwali 2027 falls on Friday 29 October, with Dhanteras on 27 October, Govardhan Puja on 30 October and Bhai Dooj on 31 October. It comes ten days earlier than in 2026, so start planning travel in July.
Diwali countdown: what to do and when
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 60 days before (9 Sept 2026) | IRCTC train bookings open: set an alert for the exact morning |
| 6 weeks before | Apply for leave, book flights and buses |
| 3–4 weeks before | Deep clean and small repairs, whitewash if needed |
| 2 weeks before | Order gifts and courier sweets to family in other cities or abroad |
| 1 week before | Buy diyas, rangoli colours, puja items and new clothes |
| Dhanteras | Planned purchase of gold, silver or utensils |
| After Bhai Dooj | Thank-you messages and return gifts |
Things people forget every Diwali
- Tatkal booking time: it opens at 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for sleeper, one day before the journey.
- Gifts for domestic staff, drivers and building staff (often a Diwali bonus).
- Calls to elderly relatives who live alone.
- Pet safety during crackers: a quiet room, windows closed.
- Local cracker rules: many cities restrict timings or allow only green crackers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of Diwali 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Dhanteras is on 6 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November.
When is Diwali 2027?
Diwali 2027 falls on Friday 29 October.
Is Diwali always in October or November?
Yes. It falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik, which lands between mid-October and mid-November.
When should I book trains for Diwali?
IRCTC opens bookings 60 days ahead. For Diwali 2026, that is around 9 September for travel on 8 November.