Diwali 2026: Puja Vidhi, Muhurat, and What to Do

Updated: 3 November 2026

Quick answer: On Diwali, perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset). Clean the house, light diyas, share sweets, and donate to the poor.

At a glance

Date 2026: 8 November 2026 (approximate — confirm with your local panchang)
Puja time: Pradosh Kaal — approx. 1.5 to 3 hours after sunset
Deity: Mata Lakshmi, Shri Ganesh
Tithi: Kartik Amavasya
Vrat: Not mandatory; some keep a Lakshmi vrat

Diwali Puja Vidhi — Step by Step

One to two days before Diwali, clean the house, puja room, and doorstep. Mata Lakshmi enters a clean home.
On the day of puja, bathe before sunset and wear clean clothes. Red or yellow are auspicious colours.
Spread a red cloth at the puja place. Set up idols or pictures of Mata Lakshmi and Ganesh. Place Lakshmi on the right, Ganesh on the left.
Place a kalash (copper pot filled with water). Add mango leaves and a coconut on top.
Offer flowers, rice, roli-moli, kumkum, haldi, and durva (grass) to both deities.
Light a ghee lamp and incense stick. Incense purifies the atmosphere.
Mata Lakshmi is fond of kheer, sweets, makhana (fox nuts), and lotus flowers — offer these as bhog.
Recite the Lakshmi Chalisa, Sri Sukta, or Lakshmi Aarti. Chant 'Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah' 108 times.
After puja, distribute prasad among family. Light diyas outside the door, on the threshold, and near the tulsi plant.
A tradition exists of placing footprint impressions of Mata Lakshmi using cow-dung paste, symbolising her entering the home.

What to Do on Diwali

Take an abhyanga snan (oil massage followed by bath) in the morning — a traditional Diwali practice.
Light at least 11 diyas in every corner of the home. The more diyas, the more positive energy.
Perform the puja together with all family members.
Give sweets to neighbours and close ones.
Donate to someone in need — food, clothes, or money. This is the truest worship of Mahalakshmi.
Seek blessings from elders.
In the evening, perform the Lakshmi-Ganesh aarti and share sweets with the family.

What to Avoid on Diwali

Do not gamble. Gambling on Diwali has no religious merit — it is a social ill.
Avoid alcohol and meat — these are inauspicious during puja.
Do not leave the broom outside the front door.
Do not leave young children alone when bursting crackers.
Avoid borrowing or lending money on this day.
Do not leave any part of the home dark — light a diya in every corner.

The Story of Diwali — Shri Ram Returns to Ayodhya

Lord Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya on the night of Kartik Amavasya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit diyas in every street and home to welcome him. Since then, this night has been celebrated as Diwali — the festival of lights.

According to another tradition, Mata Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) on this day, making Kartik Amavasya especially auspicious for Lakshmi puja.

Festival dates change every year. Check your local panchang for the exact muhurat.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most auspicious time for Diwali puja?

Pradosh Kaal — approximately 1.5 hours after sunset — is the best time for Diwali puja. Nishith Kaal (around midnight) is also considered very auspicious. Check your local panchang for the exact time.

Which diyas should be lit on Diwali?

Earthen diyas are most auspicious. In north India, the tradition is to use sesame oil or ghee. Light at least 11 diyas — at the door, by the tulsi, in the puja room, the kitchen, and every corner.

What should I eat and avoid on Diwali?

There is no strict fast on Diwali. Eating sweets, kheer, puri, and fruit is auspicious. Avoid meat, alcohol, and tamasic (heavy, stale) food.

What is the difference between Dhanteras and Diwali?

Dhanteras falls two days before Diwali. On this day, Kubera, Yama, and Dhanvantari are worshipped and buying gold, silver, or utensils is considered auspicious. The main Lakshmi-Ganesh puja is on Diwali itself.