Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja, Muhurat & a Complete 5-Day Guide
A complete Diwali 2026 guide for home worship — the five days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, Lakshmi-Ganesh puja and its muhurat, the samagri, diyas, and mantra jaap — linking to detailed steps for each.
1. What Diwali Is
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated over five days, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, with the main Lakshmi-Ganesh puja on the night of the new moon (Amavasya). Homes are cleaned and lit with rows of lamps, and families gather for worship. This guide ties the five days together and links to detailed steps for each; customs vary widely by region, so adapt it to your own tradition.
2. Diwali 2026: When It Falls
In 2026 the Diwali sequence runs in late October into early November, with Dhanteras first and the main Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya a couple of days later. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is an evening window that depends on your city; look it up in a reliable Panchang, or use the preset city references in Valkala's Diwali puja chart.
3. The Five Days at a Glance
Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each has its own customs — see the five days of Diwali explained for the full sequence.
4. Lakshmi Puja: Vidhi & Muhurat
The heart of Diwali is the evening Lakshmi-Ganesh puja. The step-by-step vidhi, the muhurat and how it is chosen, and a simple home version are in the Lakshmi Puja vidhi and muhurat guide. Gather everything first from the Diwali samagri checklist.
5. Diyas, Decoration & Mantra Jaap
Lamps are the signature of Diwali — see the diya and Akhand Jyot guide. Many also keep Lakshmi mantra jaap through the evening; the Kamal Gatta mala and Lakshmi mantra article covers a mala traditionally associated with Lakshmi worship, and you can keep count with the free digital 108 counter.
6. What to Read on Diwali
Valkala's reader includes Om Jai Lakshmi Mata and Jai Ganesh Deva with Devanagari, transliteration and available meaning. Assemble a home setup from Pooja Essentials; product suggestions carry original usage guidance and clearly marked paid links, with no copied live prices or ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
In 2026 the Diwali sequence falls in late October into early November, beginning with Dhanteras and with the main Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya a couple of days later. The exact dates and the evening puja muhurat depend on the tithi and your location, so confirm them in a reliable Panchang.
What are the five days of Diwali?
The five days are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each has its own customs, which vary by region and family.
How do I do Lakshmi puja at home on Diwali?
Most households clean and light the home, prepare a Lakshmi-Ganesh altar with a thali, diyas and samagri, and perform the puja during the evening muhurat with aarti and mantra. Confirm the muhurat in a Panchang and follow your family's steps; a detailed vidhi guide is linked in this article.