Diwali 2026 Calendar: All Festival Dates from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
Which festivals fall during Diwali 2026? Check the complete date-wise list from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, along with their significance.
When will Diwali be celebrated in 2026, and what other festivals occur before and after the celebration of Lakshmi Puja? The celebration will start from Govatsa Dwadashi on November 5 and ends with Bhai Dooj on November 11. Dhanteras, Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, and Govardhan Puja, all come under Diwali 2026 complete day-wise calendar below:
Diwali 2026: Complete Day-Wise Festival Calendar
The Diwali festival will take place from November 5, 2026, when Govatsa Dwadashi will begin until Bhai Dooj on November 11, 2026, marking the end of Diwali festival. Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on November 8, 2026.
Here is the complete list of important dates:
November 5, Thursday: Govatsa Dwadashi
November 6, Friday: Dhanteras
November 7, Saturday: Kali Chaudas
November 8, Sunday: Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali)
November 9, Monday: Diwali Snan and Devpuja (Regional Observances)
November 10, Tuesday: Govardhan Puja
November 11, Wednesday: Bhai Dooj
November 5: Govatsa Dwadashi
The festivities start with Govatsa Dwadashi that is also known as Vasu Baras in Maharashtra. It is a celebration for cows and their calves.
Cows are considered holy in Hinduism because of motherly qualities like nourishing, nurturing, and prosperous nature of mothers. Prayers are offered to cows on this day for blessings.
Many women also observe a fast as part of the traditional celebrations.
Explore Further: Kartik Snan 2026: Rules, Benefits, Deep Daan & What to Wear
November 6: Dhanteras
One of the most prominent festivals celebrated during the festival of Diwali is that of Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, which is believed to be an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, utensils, and other valuables.
The devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and wealth. Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurvedic medicines and good health, is also worshipped.
Yama Deepam, another major ritual performed by many on this day, includes praying to Yama, God of Death, by lighting a diya for the safety and longevity of their family members.
November 7: Kali Chaudas
Kali Chaudas, which is celebrated a day before Diwali festivities in various traditions, especially in Gujarat. It is also related to Narak Chaturdashi in some regional calendars.
The devotees offer prayers to Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman along with performing traditional rituals for the purpose of protection.
Some people observe certain rituals and prayers in the early morning for inviting positive energies in their lives.
November 8: Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja
The 8th of November will be the most celebrated Diwali festival in 2026. This particular day is also celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi and Tamil Deepavali in some other traditions.
Narak Chaturdashi marks the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It is a festival that marks the triumph of good over evil and starts the day with the bath rituals which include Abhyang Snan too when followed by any particular tradition.
At night, the family worships the goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. The diyas are placed all around the home, the rangolis at the entrance, and sweets are distributed to family members and friends.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: As per Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat at New Delhi is from 5:54 PM to 7:49 PM. However, the timing varies based on location. Therefore, the devotees are advised to refer to their local Panchang for the exact timing.
November 9: Diwali Snan and Devpuja
The next day after Lakshmi Puja has been known for performing ritual bath and Devpuja as per the local traditions.
Devotees take a ritual bath, clean up their houses and perform worship rituals of their family gods. There are some other religious activities that are carried out according to their local Panchang.
Though the customs may vary according to regions, it continues with the festive spirit of Diwali.
Explore This Topic Further: Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat & Significance
November 10: Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja or Annakut is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna showed His divine blessings to the inhabitants of Vrindavan.
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on His little finger to save people and cattle from rainfall caused by Lord Indra.
On this particular day, devotees prepare some foods and offer them to Lord Krishna in the form of Annakut, which means a mountain of food.
Temple conducts prayers, bhajans, and food offerings to mark the occasion.
November 11: Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj signifies the end of Diwali celebrations. It is also called Bhau Beej, Bhaiya Dooj and Yama Dwitiya.
The festival honors the relationship between brother and sister. Sisters apply tilak on the forehead of brothers and pray for their longevity and success while brothers give gifts in return to them.
Hindu Mythology believes that Bhai Dooj celebrates the reunion of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna.
Seven days of devotion and celebration are set by the Diwali 2026 from Govatsa Dwadashi to Bhai Dooj. May these days bring joy and prosperity in all homes with the positivity of the festival. Stay tuned to Sanatangyan for more such festivals dates.
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