Diwali 2026: The Festival of Lights

Lakshmi Puja — The Main Night

The third day (the new moon night) is the main Diwali night, when Goddess Lakshmi — deity of wealth and prosperity — is welcomed into homes. Lamps and candles are lit, rangoli patterns decorate doorsteps, and special pujas are performed. Businesses open new accounting ledgers on this night, seeking Lakshmi's blessings for the new financial year.

Diyas, Firecrackers, and Lights

Homes, temples, and streets are illuminated with thousands of clay oil lamps (diyas), candles, and electric lights. Fireworks light up the sky across India and in diaspora communities worldwide. The display of lights is one of the most visually spectacular celebrations on earth.

The Five-Day Festival

Day 1 (Dhanteras) — buying gold and utensils for prosperity. Day 2 (Choti Diwali) — cleaning and decorating. Day 3 — main Diwali night (Lakshmi Puja). Day 4 (Govardhan Puja / Padwa) — celebrating Krishna's victory over Indra. Day 5 (Bhai Dooj) — celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

Sweets and Gifts

Exchanging mithai (sweets) and gifts with family, friends, and neighbours is central to Diwali. Traditional sweets include barfi, ladoo, jalebi, and kaju katli. New clothes are worn and homes are thoroughly cleaned — welcoming Lakshmi into a spotless, welcoming space.

Why is Diwali celebrated? The story of Lord Rama's return

The most widely known story behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama — the seventh avatar of Vishnu — to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his defeat of the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps (diyas) to guide Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana home through the night, and celebrated their return with great joy. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit Deepavali — 'row of lights.' In South India and some other traditions, Diwali commemorates Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. In Jain tradition it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira; in Sikh tradition, the release of Guru Hargobind from Mughal imprisonment.

What happens on each of the five days of Diwali?

Day 1 — Dhanteras (Dhan Trayodashi): buying gold, silver, or utensils for prosperity; worshipping Dhanvantari (god of health) and Yama (god of death). Day 2 — Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi): cleaning, lighting diyas, applying oil and taking a bath before sunrise; in South India this is the main Diwali day celebrating Krishna's defeat of Narakasura. Day 3 — Main Diwali night (Amavasya): Lakshmi puja, diyas, fireworks, family gatherings, and sweets. Day 4 — Govardhan Puja (Annakut): worshipping Lord Krishna for lifting Mount Govardhan; in many regions also called Padwa — husbands gift their wives. Day 5 — Bhai Dooj: sisters apply tilak to their brothers' foreheads and pray for their longevity; brothers give gifts.