With Diwali 2026 approaching, many people are confused about whether the festival of lights will be celebrated on November 7 or November 8 this year. The confusion is mainly due to the timing of the Kartik Amavasya Tithi, which plays an important role in determining the date of Diwali and the auspicious time for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja.
According to the Hindu Panchang, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. While November 7 is associated with Choti Diwali celebrations, the main Diwali festivities, including Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, will take place on November 8.
The Kartik Amavasya Tithi will begin at 11:27 AM on November 8 and continue until 12:31 PM on November 9. Since Diwali Puja is traditionally performed during the evening Pradosh Kaal when Amavasya Tithi prevails, November 8 has been considered the appropriate date for the main celebrations.
Why is there confusion over November 7 and 8?
The difference in dates has created confusion because Hindu festivals are determined by the lunar calendar rather than the English calendar. The Amavasya Tithi does not necessarily begin at midnight or remain limited to one calendar day.
This year, the Amavasya Tithi begins on November 8 and continues into the following day. However, the evening period suitable for Lakshmi Puja falls on November 8, making Sunday the main Diwali date.
Check Lakshmi Puja shubh muhurat on November 8
For devotees planning their Diwali prayers, the evening is considered particularly auspicious for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja.
According to the available Panchang timings, the main Lakshmi Puja muhurat will be from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on November 8, lasting approximately one hour and 56 minutes. The Pradosh Kaal will begin at 5:31 PM and continue until 8:09 PM.
The Vrishabh Lagna, also known as the fixed ascendant, will also prevail from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. This period is traditionally considered favourable for Lakshmi Puja.
What are the morning and evening rituals?
Apart from the main evening prayers, devotees also observe traditional rituals during the morning. The Abhyang Snan, or ceremonial bath, is considered auspicious between 5:41 AM and 6:38 AM on November 8.
In the evening, families light diyas, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and decorate their homes to mark the festival. Diyas are also traditionally lit outside homes as a symbol of light and prosperity.
Therefore, those wondering whether Diwali falls on November 7 or 8 can mark Sunday, November 8, 2026, for the main festival and Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja.
