Bharat Metro Locator · Diwali 2026

Diwali & Deepavali guide

Original festival explainers for dates, wishes, gifts, decorations, puja and celebrations.

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Verified festival calendar · 2026

Diwali dates & puja timeline

Five planning checkpoints from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, with location-based puja windows for the selected city.

Day 1November 6Friday

Dhanteras

Dhantrayodashi, shopping and Yama Deepam

Dhanteras puja6:02 PM–7:57 PM
RegionalNovember 7Saturday

Kali Chaudas / pre-Diwali

Some calendars and communities observe Choti Diwali-related customs on this date.

Local panchangLocal panchang
Main dayNovember 8Sunday

Naraka Chaturdashi + Diwali

New Delhi reference places Naraka Chaturdashi and the main Diwali/Lakshmi Puja on this date.

Lakshmi Puja5:54 PM–7:50 PM
Day 4November 10Tuesday

Govardhan Puja / Annakut

Krishna, Govardhan and Annakut observances; some regions also call it Bali Pratipada.

New Delhi: 6:40–8:50 AMNew Delhi: 6:40–8:50 AM
Day 5November 11Wednesday

Bhai Dooj

Sibling celebrations and the traditional tilak observance.

New Delhi: 1:09–3:19 PMNew Delhi: 1:09–3:19 PM
Timing note: Lakshmi Puja and Dhanteras times above are local to the selected city. Govardhan and Bhai Dooj examples use New Delhi reference timings; regional calendars, temples and family priests may follow a different local window.

Diwali Celebration Ideas: Family Activities, Food and Safe Festive Fun

Celebrate Diwali with family activities, shared food, diya making, rangoli, games and community time while keeping the evening safe and inclusive.

Diwali diyas, flowers and rangoli at a decorated home entrance
Editorial Diwali illustration · Bharat Metro Locator
The short answerCelebrate Diwali with family activities, shared food, diya making, rangoli, games and community time while keeping the evening safe and inclusive.Celebrate Diwali with family activities, shared food, diya making, rangoli, games and community time while keeping the evening safe and inclusive.

Diwali celebration activities for every age

A memorable celebration does not need to be loud or expensive. Plan one activity for making, one for sharing and one for relaxing so children, older family members and guests who prefer a quieter evening can all participate.

At-home ideas

Children can paint the outside of diyas, make a paper lantern, draw a rangoli or create greeting cards. Families can organise a sweet-tasting table, recipe exchange, music evening, photo corner, storytelling session or a short gratitude activity. Older relatives can explain a tradition or teach a family recipe.

Sample two-hour plan

6:00 PM: finish the decoration and photo corner. 6:30 PM: light safe diyas and welcome guests. 7:00 PM: follow the family puja routine if applicable. 7:45 PM: share food and greetings. 8:30 PM: play a quiet game or take a short neighbourhood walk. Adjust the plan around the local puja window and the needs of the group.

Make it safer and inclusive

Keep walkways clear, supervise every flame, ask about food allergies and respect people who are sensitive to loud noise. Choose a diya walk, community meal, charity contribution or reusable decoration activity for guests who do not want fireworks. Follow local rules for firecrackers and clean up after the gathering.

Source and editorial note

Bharat Metro Locator editorial desk. Festival dates and local timings can vary; verify the relevant detail before acting.

Diwali 2026 guide · Updated October 24, 2026 · Confirm local panchang, seller and organiser details.