Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Vidhi & Significance

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. On this auspicious day of Amavasya, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit the Earth, blessing devotees with wealth, prosperity, and happiness.

According to legends, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) on Dhantrayodashi and chose Lord Vishnu as her husband on Diwali. Hence, performing Lakshmi Puja on this night is considered the most powerful way to invite abundance into your life and protect your family from financial difficulties.

Diwali 2026 Date & Lakshmi Puja Muhurat

In 2026, Diwali (Deepavali) will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal.

Event	Date & Time (IST)
Diwali Date	November 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat	05:32 PM to 07:28 PM
Pradosh Kaal	05:25 PM to 08:02 PM
Vrishabha Kaal	05:32 PM to 07:28 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins	12:08 AM on Nov 08, 2026
Amavasya Tithi Ends	09:47 PM on Nov 08, 2026

*Note: Timings are based on New Delhi IST. There are multiple muhurats for Lakshmi Puja, Please consult your local Panchang or SmartPuja team for exact city-wise timings.

City-wise Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026

City	Muhurat Time
New Delhi	05:32 PM to 07:28 PM
Mumbai	06:05 PM to 08:04 PM
Bangalore	05:58 PM to 07:55 PM
Kolkata	04:58 PM to 06:55 PM
Chennai	05:48 PM to 07:46 PM
Ahmedabad	06:01 PM to 07:59 PM
Hyderabad	05:48 PM to 07:47 PM
Pune	06:02 PM to 08:01 PM

Significance of Diwali Lakshmi Puja

Performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is believed to bring Ashta Lakshmi (eight forms of wealth) into the home. It is not just about material wealth but also spiritual prosperity, health, and wisdom.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi to ensure that wealth is accompanied by wisdom and intelligence (Riddhi-Siddhi). Without wisdom, wealth cannot be sustained.

How to Perform Lakshmi Puja at Home (Vidhi)

1. Cleanliness: Clean the entire house and sprinkle Gangajal. Draw a Rangoli at the entrance to welcome the Goddess.
2. Setup: Place a red cloth on a raised platform (chowki). Install idols of Lord Ganesha (left) and Goddess Lakshmi (right).
3. Kalash Sthapana: Place a Kalash filled with water, betel nut, flower, coin, and some rice grains. Place mango leaves and a coconut on top.
4. Invocation: Light a ghee diya. Invoke Lord Ganesha first to remove obstacles, then Goddess Lakshmi.
5. Offerings: Offer Haldi, Kumkum, Flowers, Sweets (Laddu), Fruits, and puffed rice (Kheel-Batashe). Place account books or wealth symbols (coins/jewelry) for worship.
6. Aarti: Perform the Ganesha and Lakshmi Aarti. Distribute Prasad to family members.

Powerful Lakshmi Mantra

“Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah”

Do’s and Don’ts for Diwali Puja

✅ Do’s:

• Place Mangal Kalash at the main entrance.
• Light diyas in odd numbers (11, 21, 51) using ghee or mustard oil.
• Keep the house well-lit and doors open during the puja muhurat.
• Donate food and clothes to the needy.

🚫 Don’ts:

• Do not use glass or iron idols; use clay, silver, or brass.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol on Diwali.
• Do not leave the house dark or messy.
• Do not clap while singing Lakshmi Aarti (use a bell instead).

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