Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, bringing together traditions of worship, lights, decorations and family gatherings. Also known as Deepawali, the festival is observed on Amavasya during the Hindu month of Kartik. Homes, shops and workplaces are traditionally decorated with diyas, rangoli, flowers and colourful lights to mark the occasion.
Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is one of the most important rituals performed on Diwali evening. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and pray for prosperity, happiness and well-being. The timing of the puja is considered important in many Hindu traditions, with families preferring to perform the rituals during the prescribed Pradosh Kaal and auspicious muhurat.
If you are planning your Diwali celebrations in 2026, here is a look at the festival date, Amavasya timings, Lakshmi Puja muhurat and the important dates surrounding the festival.
When Is Diwali in 2026?
According to the Hindu Panchang timings cited for the festival, the Kartik Amavasya Tithi is scheduled to begin at 11:27 AM on November 8, 2026, and conclude at 12:31 PM on November 9, 2026.
Since Amavasya will prevail during the Pradosh period on November 8, Diwali will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to the traditional calculation cited.
On Diwali evening, people traditionally illuminate their homes and businesses with diyas and decorative lights. Lakshmi and Ganesha are then worshipped during the auspicious evening period.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
The auspicious period cited for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja on November 8, 2026, is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.
Families may perform the main Diwali puja during this period according to their local and family traditions.
Since Panchang timings can differ slightly depending on geographical location and the calendar system being followed, devotees may also check the local muhurat for their city before beginning the puja.
Ahead of the worship, families traditionally clean their homes and prepare a dedicated puja area. Diyas, flowers, rangoli and other decorations are commonly used to create a festive atmosphere.
Diwali 2026 Festival Calendar
Diwali celebrations extend beyond the main Lakshmi Puja day. Several important festivals are observed around Deepawali, creating a multi-day festive period.
According to the dates cited, Dhanteras will fall on Friday, November 6, 2026, followed by Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi on Saturday, November 7.
The main Diwali celebration will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Govardhan Puja will be observed on Tuesday, November 10, while Bhai Dooj will fall on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Families should note that specific ritual timings may vary by location even when the main festival date remains the same.
How to Prepare for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali
Cleaning the home and puja area is traditionally considered an important part of Diwali preparations. After cleaning the worship space, devotees can prepare a puja chowki and cover it with a clean red or yellow cloth.
The idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha can then be respectfully placed on the chowki.
A Kalash may also be positioned near the puja area and decorated with roli or kumkum according to the family's customary method.
Worship traditionally begins by remembering and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Devotees may offer roli, sandalwood, akshat, flowers and garlands.
Goddess Lakshmi is then worshipped with flowers, fruits, sweets, akshat and other traditional offerings.
A diya is lit at the worship area, after which family members may recite prayers, mantras or the Diwali puja katha according to their tradition.
The ceremony generally concludes with aarti, followed by the distribution of prasad among family members.
Why Is Goddess Lakshmi Worshipped on Diwali?
In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi is associated with prosperity, fortune and abundance. Worshipping her on Diwali night is therefore considered an important part of the festival.
Devotees clean and illuminate their homes and pray for happiness, prosperity and well-being for their families. These practices are rooted in religious belief and may differ across regions and communities.
Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi because he is associated with auspicious beginnings, wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
This is why Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja remains one of the central religious traditions of Diwali celebrations in many households.
Check Local Panchang Before Lakshmi Puja
While Diwali 2026 is set to be observed on November 8 according to the Panchang details cited above, the exact Lakshmi Puja and Pradosh Kaal timings can vary depending on the location.
Those planning to perform the rituals at a precise auspicious time should therefore check a trusted local Panchang or consult a knowledgeable priest for city-specific timings.
With diyas illuminating homes and families gathering for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, Diwali continues to be a festival centred on light, devotion, prosperity and togetherness.
