Diwali 2026: Puja Vidhi and Muhurat
Diwali 2026: The Festival of Lights
Diwali (Deepavali) is the most celebrated Hindu festival, marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. It also celebrates the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. In 2026, Diwali falls in October-November — check the panchang for exact dates and muhurat timings specific to your location.
The Five Days of Diwali
Day 1 - Dhanteras: Dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the most auspicious day to purchase gold, silver, and new utensils. Light a diya at your home entrance facing south to honor Yama (the god of death) and seek protection for the family.
Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Celebrates Lord Krishnas victory over the demon Narakasura. Wake before dawn, apply ubtan (traditional body scrub), and bathe to symbolically cleanse sins. Light firecrackers at dawn.
Day 3 - Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): The main day of celebration. Homes are decorated with diyas, rangoli, and lights. The grand Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal and Nishita Kaal (the most auspicious muhurat).
Day 4 - Govardhan Puja / Padwa: Celebrates Lord Krishnas lifting of Govardhan mountain. Prepare an Annakut (mountain of food) offering. For married couples, this day celebrates the husband-wife bond.
Day 5 - Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the sibling bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi for Diwali
Preparation: Clean and decorate your entire home. Light diyas in every room, especially at the entrance and in the puja room. Create a rangoli at the main door to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Setup: Place idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a red cloth on your puja altar. Arrange a kalash, flowers, sweets, fruits, and new currency notes or coins near the idols.
Puja Steps: Begin with Ganesh puja. Then invoke Goddess Lakshmi with Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah. Offer lotus flowers, kumkum, sindoor, and sweets. Light the panch-mukhi diya (five-faced lamp). Chant the Lakshmi Aarti and distribute prasad.
Diwali Tips for 2026
Wear new clothes, especially in red, yellow, or pink. Open all doors and windows during puja to invite Lakshmi. Avoid lending or borrowing money on Diwali day. Give gifts and sweets to neighbors and friends. Generate your kundali to understand which wealth-enhancing mantras work best for your chart. For an elaborate Diwali puja with a Vedic priest, book a purohit in advance. Learn more about the spiritual significance of Diwali.