New Delhi, November 8, 2026: India is celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, today, Sunday, November 8, with families preparing for Lakshmi Puja, lighting diyas, decorating homes and exchanging festive greetings.
The festival is one of India’s most widely celebrated occasions, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the main Diwali celebrations and Lakshmi Puja fall on November 8 this year, with the auspicious evening prayer timings varying across Indian cities.
Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, providing a prayer window of approximately one hour and 56 minutes.
Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during Pradosh Kaal, preferably when Vrishabha Lagna is also prevailing.
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally invoked for wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
City-Wise Lakshmi Puja Timings for November 8
The following are the auspicious Lakshmi Puja timings for major Indian cities.
| City | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:27 PM – 8:27 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:20 PM – 7:18 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:17 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Chennai | 6:07 PM – 8:09 PM |
| Hyderabad | 6:07 PM – 8:08 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:22 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Pune | 6:24 PM – 8:24 PM |
| Jaipur | 6:03 PM – 7:59 PM |
| Noida | 5:54 PM – 7:49 PM |
| Gurugram | 5:55 PM – 7:51 PM |
| Chandigarh | 5:52 PM – 7:46 PM |
Note: All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST). Exact calculations may vary slightly between Panchangs.
Amavasya Tithi Begins on November 8
Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, the new-moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar.
According to the Panchang:
- Amavasya begins: November 8 at 11:27 AM
- Amavasya ends: November 9 at 12:31 PM
- Pradosh Kaal in Delhi: 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Delhi: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM
As Amavasya prevails during the evening of November 8, the main Lakshmi Puja is observed today.
How Diwali Is Celebrated Across India
Across the country, households are preparing for evening prayers and festive gatherings.
Homes and marketplaces are decorated with colourful lights, rangoli, flowers and traditional earthen lamps.
Families traditionally clean their homes before Diwali and prepare sweets and other festive dishes.
Many devotees also purchase new clothes, exchange gifts and visit relatives.
Businesses and shopkeepers often perform special Lakshmi and Ganesha prayers, seeking prosperity and success in the coming year.
Significance of Diwali in Hindu Tradition
Diwali carries several religious and cultural meanings.
In many parts of northern India, the festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana.
In other traditions, Diwali is associated with Goddess Lakshmi and the blessings of prosperity.
The festival is also celebrated by Jain, Sikh and other communities, although their religious observances and historical associations differ.
Despite regional variations, light remains a central symbol of the celebrations.
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi: Traditional Rituals
Families observing Lakshmi Puja generally begin by cleaning and decorating the prayer area.
An image or idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is placed in a clean, decorated space.
Devotees offer flowers, sweets, fruits and other traditional items before lighting diyas and incense.
Prayers and aarti are performed during the selected auspicious period.
Rituals differ according to regional customs and family traditions.
Kali Puja Celebrated in West Bengal
While many parts of India focus on Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja is an important observance in West Bengal during the Diwali period.
Devotees worship Goddess Kali, and temples organise special prayers and ceremonies.
Homes and public spaces are illuminated, while community celebrations form an important part of the occasion.
This highlights the diversity of religious traditions associated with the festival.
Festive Celebrations Bring Families Together
Diwali is also an important occasion for family gatherings and community celebrations.
Markets experience increased demand for decorations, sweets, gifts, clothing and festive products during the holiday period.
Many people visit temples and participate in community events.
Authorities in different cities have also issued fire-safety and pollution-related guidance for the festival.
Residents are encouraged to follow local regulations and celebrate responsibly.
Diwali 2026: Why the Puja Timing Matters
In Hindu tradition, performing Lakshmi Puja during an auspicious muhurat is considered important.
Pradosh Kaal begins after sunset and is traditionally regarded as favourable for Diwali worship.
Vrishabha Lagna, a period associated with stability in traditional astrology, is also commonly preferred.
Since sunset timings vary by location, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is different in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities.
Devotees are advised to consult a local Panchang for location-specific timings.
India Celebrates the Festival of Lights Today
With Diwali falling on November 8, 2026, families across India are preparing for evening Lakshmi Puja and traditional celebrations.
From illuminated homes and decorated temples to festive meals and family gatherings, the occasion reflects India’s diverse cultural traditions.
For devotees in Delhi, the main Lakshmi Puja window begins at 5:54 PM, while Mumbai’s starts at 6:27 PM and Kolkata’s at 5:20 PM.
The festival continues to bring communities together through prayers, celebrations and the shared symbolism of hope, prosperity and light.
Sources: Drik Panchang, NDTV, Moneycontrol, Business Today — November 7–8, 2026
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