Diwali 2026 Date and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026. However, some people are confused about whether the festival falls on November 8 or November 9 because the Amavasya Tithi continues into the following day.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the main Diwali celebration and Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja will take place on November 8.
The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and is associated with happiness, prosperity and new beginnings.
Families traditionally decorate their homes, light earthen lamps, exchange sweets and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
Here is everything you need to know about the Diwali 2026 date, auspicious puja timings, Amavasya Tithi and traditional celebrations.
When Is Diwali in 2026: November 8 or November 9?
Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Although the Amavasya Tithi extends until the afternoon of November 9, the main Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during Pradosh Kaal on November 8.
Pradosh Kaal refers to the period around sunset and the early part of the evening.
According to traditional Hindu calendar calculations, the presence of Amavasya during this period plays an important role in determining the date of Lakshmi Puja.
Since Amavasya is present during the evening of November 8, that date is observed as the main Diwali celebration.
Therefore, devotees planning Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja should generally prepare for November 8 rather than postponing the main ceremony until November 9.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Jaipur
The auspicious timing for Lakshmi Puja depends on the location because sunset and other Panchang calculations vary between cities.
For Jaipur, Rajasthan, the important timings are:
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Diwali 2026 | Sunday, November 8 |
| Lakshmi Puja Muhurat | 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM |
| Muhurat Duration | 1 hour 56 minutes |
| Pradosh Kaal | 5:40 PM to 8:16 PM |
| Vrishabha Kaal | 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM |
| Amavasya Begins | November 8, 11:27 AM |
| Amavasya Ends | November 9, 12:31 PM |
All timings are in Indian Standard Time and apply to Jaipur.
Devotees living in other cities should check their local Panchang for the appropriate puja window.
Diwali 2026 Amavasya Tithi: Starting and Ending Time
Amavasya is the new moon phase of the Hindu lunar calendar.
It holds special religious significance during Diwali because the festival's principal Lakshmi Puja is traditionally associated with Kartik Amavasya.
In 2026, Amavasya begins at approximately 11:27 AM on November 8 and ends at around 12:31 PM on November 9.
This means the lunar date continues across two calendar days.
However, the continuation of Amavasya into November 9 does not mean that the main Diwali celebration should automatically be observed on that day.
Traditional festival calculations consider the relevant time of day, particularly Pradosh Kaal, when determining the appropriate date for Lakshmi Puja.
Why Is Lakshmi Puja Performed on Diwali?
Diwali is closely associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity and good fortune in Hindu tradition.
Devotees also worship Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom and auspicious beginnings.
Families pray for peace, financial stability, happiness and the well-being of their loved ones.
Many people also clean and decorate their homes before Diwali as a symbol of welcoming positivity and prosperity.
Lighting traditional diyas is another important part of the festival.
The lamps symbolise hope, knowledge and the triumph of light over darkness.
How to Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali 2026
Diwali puja traditions may differ between families and regions.
However, several common practices are followed in many Hindu households.
Clean and decorate the puja area: Prepare a clean place for worship and decorate it with flowers, rangoli or other traditional items.
Place the idols or images: Arrange the images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha according to family customs.
Light a diya: Lighting an earthen lamp is an important part of the ceremony.
Offer flowers and sweets: Devotees commonly offer flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional puja materials.
Recite prayers: Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh prayers, mantras or aarti according to family tradition.
Share prasad: After completing the puja, distribute prasad among family members.
Those who follow a particular religious tradition may consult their family priest for the appropriate sequence of rituals.
Why Is Pradosh Kaal Important for Diwali Puja?
Pradosh Kaal is traditionally considered an auspicious period for Lakshmi Puja during Diwali.
Many Panchang systems recommend performing the worship when Pradosh Kaal overlaps with a stable ascendant, particularly Vrishabha Lagna.
For Jaipur, this overlap falls between 6:03 PM and 7:59 PM on November 8.
This is why the period is listed as the preferred Lakshmi Puja Muhurat.
However, auspicious timings may vary slightly between Panchang systems due to differences in calculation methods and local traditions.
Diwali 2026: Important Things to Remember
People preparing for Diwali should keep a few important details in mind.
- The main Diwali celebration falls on November 8, 2026.
- Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is traditionally performed during the evening.
- Jaipur's listed auspicious puja window is 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM.
- Amavasya continues until the afternoon of November 9.
- Puja timings can vary from city to city.
- Families should follow their customary religious practices.
Those planning to travel or visit relatives during the festival should make arrangements in advance.
It is also advisable to follow local safety regulations while decorating homes and celebrating.
Final Words
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, not November 9, for the main Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja in Jaipur and the other Indian cities covered by the referenced Panchang.
The confusion arises because Amavasya begins on November 8 and continues until November 9.
For Jaipur, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM on November 8, 2026.
Devotees can use this period to offer prayers, light diyas and celebrate the festival with family members.
Disclaimer: Puja timings are based on traditional Panchang calculations and may differ slightly by location or calendar system. Consult a local Panchang or family priest for location-specific religious observances.
