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 Lantern, Diwali Kandil and Akash Kandil Ideas for the Entrance

Choose a Diwali lantern, kandil or Akash kandil for a festive entrance with lightweight materials, secure hanging and low-waste decoration ideas.

Diwali diyas, flowers and rangoli at a decorated home entrance
Editorial Diwali illustration · Bharat Metro Locator
The short answerChoose a Diwali lantern, kandil or Akash kandil for a festive entrance with lightweight materials, secure hanging and low-waste decoration ideas.Choose a Diwali lantern, kandil or Akash kandil for a festive entrance with lightweight materials, secure hanging and low-waste decoration ideas.

Diwali lantern and Akash Kandil ideas

An Akash Kandil is usually hung outside a doorway, balcony or window. Choose the size after checking the hanging height and the space around it; a large lantern in a narrow passage can become a safety problem.

Materials and placement

Paper, cloth, bamboo-style frames and reusable fabric lanterns are common choices. Use a strong hook, test the balance before adding tassels and keep the bottom edge above people's heads. A lightweight lantern is easier to remove, store and reuse next year.

Light it safely

Prefer a low-heat LED bulb or battery light inside a paper lantern. Keep the lantern away from a real flame, hot bulb, wet wall and loose electrical joint. Outdoor displays need protection from rain and wind; bring them inside if the weather changes.

Easy DIY example

Fold coloured paper into a five-point star, reinforce the top with a small cardboard ring, add two tassels and place a battery LED light inside. Let children decorate the outside while an adult handles the hook and wiring.

Photograph the hanging point before taking the kandil down, then store it flat with tissue paper so it is ready for the next Diwali.

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.