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 Sweets and Sharing Guide: Traditional Treats, Gifting and Storage

Plan Diwali sweets for home, gifting and family gatherings with practical ideas for portions, ingredients, packaging, storage and safe sharing.

Diwali diyas, flowers and rangoli at a decorated home entrance
Editorial Diwali illustration · Bharat Metro Locator
The short answerPlan Diwali sweets for home, gifting and family gatherings with practical ideas for portions, ingredients, packaging, storage and safe sharing.Plan Diwali sweets for home, gifting and family gatherings with practical ideas for portions, ingredients, packaging, storage and safe sharing.

Choosing Diwali sweets

For a home gathering, combine one familiar sweet with a lighter snack or savoury option so guests have a choice. When buying sweets, check the preparation date, ingredient list, storage instructions, packaging and seller hygiene. A fresh small box is often better than a large box that will be wasted.

Share safely

Ask about nuts, dairy, gluten and other dietary restrictions before gifting. For homemade sweets, label the ingredients and date of preparation. Keep moist sweets separate from dry snacks and follow the seller's refrigeration instructions. Do not leave perishable boxes in a hot car or direct sun.

Gift-box example

A practical family box can include one dry sweet, one savoury snack, a small diya and a handwritten note. For several neighbours, use small sealed packs with the sweet name and storage advice. For a corporate or mixed group, choose clearly labelled vegetarian and allergy-aware options.

Reduce waste

Use a reusable steel, glass or paper box where practical, avoid unnecessary plastic layers and share leftovers while they are still fresh. A short note can say: “Made on November 7; refrigerate after opening.” That small detail makes a festive gift easier to enjoy responsibly.

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.