May the light of a thousand diyas fill your home with joy, your work with success and your heart with peace. Happy Diwali. 🪔✨
Diwali 2026: date, meaning and wishes
Sunday, 8 November 2026 18 days to go
Lakshmi Puja, the festival of lights.
What Diwali means
Diwali, or Deepavali, means a row of lamps. It celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, when the city lit thousands of clay lamps to welcome him home on the darkest night of the month.
The main evening is Lakshmi Puja, when families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and wisdom. Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli and lights, and doors are kept open so that Lakshmi can enter.
For Jains, Diwali marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. For Sikhs, it coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas. For businesses, it marks the start of a new financial year with the worship of new account books, known as Chopda Pujan.
Rituals and puja
- Lakshmi and Ganesh puja at the auspicious muhurat
- Lighting diyas at every doorway and window
- Drawing rangoli at the entrance
- Exchanging sweets and gifts with family, friends and neighbours
- Chopda pujan for traders and businesses
Diwali wishes
See all wishesWishing you a Diwali as bright as your smile and as sweet as your mother's kaju katli. 🪔🎆
Let this Diwali burn all your worries and light up a new beginning. Happy Deepavali. 🪔🙏
Lakshmi at your door, Ganesha in your thoughts, and light in every corner of your life. Happy Diwali. 🪔🌼
Diwali photos
See full gallery
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
What are the five days of Diwali in 2026?
Dhanteras on 6 November, Choti Diwali on 7 November, Lakshmi Puja on 8 November, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj in the days that follow. Regional calendars can differ by a day.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, the victory of light over darkness and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.