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Diwali season 2026

Diwali 2026 dates: from Navratri to Bhai Dooj

Diwali is on Sunday 8 November 2026. Around it sit a month of days that families keep in their own way, from the nine nights of Navratri to Bhai Dooj. Here they are in order, with the date for where you live, why each one matters and what families do.

Your region

Showing dates for India, the UK, the Gulf and Singapore. Dates follow Drik Panchang for each region. Your family or temple may keep a different day; that's yours to choose.

  1. Check your local panchang

    Maha Navami

    Check your local panchang for this day.

    Why it matters
    The ninth day of Navratri and the last before Dussehra. In the south it is Ayudha Puja, when tools, instruments and books are honoured.
    What families do
    A prayer at home or the temple, ending the fast for some, and in many homes a meal shared with the girls of the neighbourhood.

  2. Dussehra

    Vijayadashami

    In Bengal the Dashami puja, and Bijoya, fall on Wed 21 Oct.

    Why it matters
    A day for the victory of good over evil: Rama over Ravana in much of India, Durga over Mahishasura in Bengal and the east. Many families also treat it as a good day to begin something new.
    What families do
    Ramlila and the burning of Ravana effigies, Bijoya greetings and sweets, a new beginning such as a first lesson, and a call or visit to elders for their blessing.

  3. Karva Chauth

    The fast ends at moonrise, which differs by city.

    Why it matters
    A day many married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their partner's wellbeing. Not every family or region keeps it, and some couples keep it together.
    What families do
    A pre-dawn meal, mehndi, dressing up, gathering to wait for the moon, and breaking the fast together.

  4. Vasu Baras

    Govatsa Dwadashi

    Why it matters
    The Maharashtrian start of Diwali, when the cow and calf are honoured as a symbol of care and nourishment.
    What families do
    Families who keep it feed and honour a cow and calf where they can, and begin the Diwali days at home.

  5. Dhanteras

    Dhantrayodashi

    Why it matters
    The first of the main Diwali days. It is tied to health and to prosperity, and many families use it to welcome wellbeing and good fortune into the home.
    What families do
    Cleaning and decorating the house, lighting the first diyas, and buying something small and lasting, often a utensil or a coin.

  6. Chhoti Diwali

    The day before Diwali

    In India this day is Kali Chaudas. Narak Chaturdashi falls with Diwali, on Sun 8 Nov.

    Why it matters
    The day before Diwali, remembered in several traditions for light overcoming darkness. The name and the story change from region to region.
    What families do
    An early bath, diyas lit at dusk, the last of the cleaning and decorating, and sweets being made.

  7. Diwali

    Lakshmi Puja, Deepavali

    Why it matters
    The festival of lights, kept across many traditions for the triumph of light over darkness. Hindu, Jain and Sikh families, and others, each mark it for their own reasons.
    What families do
    Rangoli at the door, diyas at dusk, the evening prayer for many, sweets, new clothes, a family dinner, and calls to relatives far away.
    Send a cardPlan it with family

  8. Bandi Chhor Divas

    Sikh festival

    Why it matters
    A Sikh festival remembering the release of Hargobind Sahib, the sixth of the Sikh Gurus, from Gwalior fort, and of the princes he brought out with him. It falls on the day of Diwali and has its own meaning.
    What families do
    Lamps and candles at the gurdwara and at home, kirtan, langar, and a meal with family.

  9. Govardhan Puja

    Annakut, Bali Pratipada

    Why it matters
    Remembers Krishna sheltering a village under Govardhan hill, a story of care and community. Annakut means a mountain of food, offered and then shared.
    What families do
    A spread of dishes offered at home or the temple and shared with everyone, and a visit to relatives the day after Diwali.

  10. Inferred, check your panchang

    Gujarati New Year

    Bestu Varas

    Inferred from Govardhan Puja's day. Check your panchang.

    Why it matters
    The first day of the new year in the Gujarati calendar, a day for fresh starts and for blessings from elders.
    What families do
    A temple visit, new account books for some, sweets, and Saal Mubarak greetings to family and friends, near and far.

  11. Bhai Dooj

    Bhau Beej

    Why it matters
    Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. A sister prays for her brother's wellbeing and he promises his care. Many families include cousins and siblings of every kind.
    What families do
    Tilak and aarti, sweets, a gift, and a meal together. Siblings who live apart often call, or send something by post.

Jain Diwali, the day of Mahavir's nirvana, is not on the list: the sources we checked disagree between 8 and 9 November. Your community's calendar is the one to follow.

Keep the season together

Plan the whole season together on Kunbaa: who hosts which night, who brings what, and the photos you share with your family. Everyone joins free.

Start your family's tree, free

Some families do not celebrate this season, for example in the first year after a loss. Nothing here asks you to.

Frequently asked questions

More questions? Read the full FAQ or the help centre.

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday 8 November 2026 in India, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Dhanteras is Friday 6 November, the day before Diwali is Saturday 7 November, and Bandi Chhor Divas, the Sikh festival, falls on 8 November too.

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Friday 6 November 2026, in every region we checked. It is two days before Diwali.

Is Bhai Dooj on 10 or 11 November 2026?

Both, depending on where you are. Drik Panchang lists Tuesday 10 November for the US and Canada, and Wednesday 11 November for India, Australia and New Zealand. Your family or temple may keep a different day.

Why are there two dates for Govardhan Puja?

Panchang dates are worked out for each city, and the lunar day Govardhan Puja belongs to falls on different calendar days in different time zones. It is Monday 9 November in the US and Canada, and Tuesday 10 November in India, Australia and New Zealand.

When is Dussehra in 2026?

Tuesday 20 October 2026. In Bengal, the Dashami puja and Bijoya are on Wednesday 21 October. Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October, nine nights before.

When is Karva Chauth in 2026?

Wednesday 28 October in the US and Canada. In India, and in Australia and New Zealand, it is Thursday 29 October. The fast ends at moonrise, so the hour depends on your city.

Make this Diwali season the whole family's.

Invite the relatives, share out the jobs, and keep the photos in one place.
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