Bharat Metro Locator · Diwali 2026

Diwali & Deepavali guide

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

All Diwali guides ↗
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 Flower and Rangoli Decoration: Easy Ideas for the Entrance

Use marigold flowers, petals, rangoli powder and diyas to create a welcoming Diwali entrance that is beautiful, walkable and easy to clean.

Diwali diyas, flowers and rangoli at a decorated home entrance
Editorial Diwali illustration · Bharat Metro Locator
The short answerUse marigold flowers, petals, rangoli powder and diyas to create a welcoming Diwali entrance that is beautiful, walkable and easy to clean.Use marigold flowers, petals, rangoli powder and diyas to create a welcoming Diwali entrance that is beautiful, walkable and easy to clean.

Diwali flower decoration and rangoli

Pick a flat, clean, low-traffic area and keep the design small enough to repair. Chalk can make the outline, while rangoli powder, rice, petals or leaves can fill it. At an entrance, leave a clear strip so people do not have to step through the design.

A simple rangoli example

Draw a circle, add four or eight petals, fill the centre with one colour and place marigold petals around the edge. Put diyas outside the flower ring, not directly on loose petals. This design is quick to refresh if guests walk nearby.

Flower ideas

Marigold, rose petals, white flowers and green leaves create a traditional palette. Use bowls, leaf plates or shallow trays to control loose petals. A flower toran can frame the doorway, while a small bowl arrangement can decorate a table without blocking it.

Low-waste and safe setup

Avoid plastic glitter, keep flowers away from open flames and compost natural waste where possible. Store rangoli powder in sealed containers, clean the floor after the celebration and use reusable stencils or fabric mats next year.

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.