Diwali

From the story behind the festival to the puja itself — everything you need to bring Diwali to life at home

November 6 – 10, 2026

Close-up of evergreen foliage, showcasing vibrant green needles densely packed together.

What is Diwali?

Diwali — the Festival of Lights — is one of Hinduism's most beloved and widely observed celebrations, marking the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.  In North India, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama – an incarnation of Vishnu – to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the ten-headed asura king Ravana of Lanka.  In South India, Diwali is associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over the evil asura Narakasura.

When is Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated over five days.  This year, Diwali will be celebrated from November 6th  2026 to November 10th. 

  • November 6th, 2026 – Dhanateras

  • November 7th, 2026 – Narak Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali/Kali Chaudas

  • November 8th, 2026 – Diwali/Lakshmi Puja/Kali Puja (Main Day)

  • November 9th, 2026 – Govardhan Puja/Bestu Varas

  • November 10th, 2026 – Bhai Dooj

How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps and candles, intricate rangoli designs at the entrance to homes, new clothes and jewelry, the exchange of festive sweets and gifts, and the brilliance of firecrackers lighting up the night sky. Homes are cleaned and decorated in preparation for Lakshmi puja — the ceremonial worship of the goddess of prosperity at the heart of the festival's most sacred evening. In Bengal and parts of eastern India, the same night is observed as Kali puja, honoring the fierce and powerful goddess who represents the destruction of evil.

For a complete shopping list, detailed rituals and traditions, step-by-step guidance on performing Lakshmi puja, and everything else you need to celebrate Diwali at home, please download the Yangra app.

More to explore

Close-up of lush, dark green leaves, some glossy and wet, against a muted background.

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A close-up view of dark green leaves, creating a lush, textured background with subtle variations in color.

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Close-up of lush, dark green leaves, some glossy and wet, against a muted background.

August 28, 2026

Raksha Bandhan

Close-up of blue flowers, glistening with droplets of water, creating a serene and calming atmosphere.

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Begin your journey with Yangra

For a complete shopping list, detailed rituals and traditions, step-by-step guidance on performing Lakshmi puja, and everything else you need to celebrate Diwali at home, please download the Yangra app.

Get it on

App Store

Get it on

Google Play

Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
Smiling young woman with long hair standing against a dark green background, holding a finger to her chin.
Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
A smiling woman with her arms crossed, standing against a dark green background. She has long, dark hair.
Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
Smiling young man with short hair poses against a dark background, wearing a green button-up shirt.
Close-up of a tree stump showing growth rings and a textured brown wood surface.
A smiling young man with crossed arms, wearing a plaid shirt and white t-shirt, poses against a dark background.
Close-up of a tree stump showing growth rings and a textured brown wood surface.

Begin your journey with Yangra

For a complete shopping list, detailed rituals and traditions, step-by-step guidance on performing Lakshmi puja, and everything else you need to celebrate Diwali at home, please download the Yangra app.

Get it on

App Store

Get it on

Google Play

Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
Smiling young woman with long hair standing against a dark green background, holding a finger to her chin.
Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
A smiling woman with her arms crossed, standing against a dark green background. She has long, dark hair.
Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
Smiling young man with short hair poses against a dark background, wearing a green button-up shirt.
Close-up of a tree stump showing growth rings and a textured brown wood surface.
A smiling young man with crossed arms, wearing a plaid shirt and white t-shirt, poses against a dark background.
Close-up of a tree stump showing growth rings and a textured brown wood surface.

Begin your journey with Yangra

For a complete shopping list, detailed rituals and traditions, step-by-step guidance on performing Lakshmi puja, and everything else you need to celebrate Diwali at home, please download the Yangra app.

Get it on

App Store

Get it on

Google Play

Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
Smiling young woman with long hair standing against a dark green background, holding a finger to her chin.
Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
A smiling woman with her arms crossed, standing against a dark green background. She has long, dark hair.
Close-up of a dark green leaf showing its textured surface and central vein against a muted background.
Smiling young man with short hair poses against a dark background, wearing a green button-up shirt.
Close-up of a tree stump showing growth rings and a textured brown wood surface.
A smiling young man with crossed arms, wearing a plaid shirt and white t-shirt, poses against a dark background.
Close-up of a tree stump showing growth rings and a textured brown wood surface.