New Delhi: Diwali is one of the most prominent festivals in Hindu religion. It is not just a day, but a festival lasting five days which is celebrated as Diwali. During this period, festivals like Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj occur. This year this festival will start from 6th November and continue till 11th November. These days, people clean their houses and there is a tradition of lighting lamps, performing puja and celebrating festivals with family.
When is Dhanteras?
The five-day Diwali festival will start from Dhanteras on Friday, November 6. There is a tradition of worshiping Lord Dhanvantari and Kuber Dev on this day. On the occasion of Dhanteras, it is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver, utensils, jewelery and new useful household items. According to religious beliefs, by donating a lamp in the name of Yamraj on the evening of Dhanteras, it is hoped that the fear of untimely death will go away. On this day, the house is cleaned and preparations are made to light the lamp and welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Narak Chaturdashi and Chhoti Diwali
Narak Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Saturday, 7th November. It is also known as Chhoti Diwali, Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas. This festival, celebrated a day before Diwali, also has special religious significance. On this day, there is a tradition of waking up early in the morning and taking bath with oil and boiling water. It is believed that doing this removes negativity and creates new energy in the body. In the evening, lamps are lit at the main entrance of the house, places of worship and many other places. Many families also light Yama lamps especially on this day. According to religious beliefs, donating a lamp on Narak Chaturdashi removes the fear of untimely death. Cleaning and decoration of the house is also done on this day, so that preparations can be completed for Lakshmi Puja to be held the next day.
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
The main Diwali festival will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the night of Kartik Amavasya is considered to have special significance. On the day of Diwali, people start cleaning the house from the morning and decorate the house with lamps, rangoli and lights in the evening. Lakshmi-Ganesh worship is done in the auspicious time in the evening. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi to maintain happiness, peace, wealth and prosperity in the house. After the puja, family members wish each other a happy Diwali by feeding them sweets.
On the day of Diwali, Lord Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya with Mother Sita and brother Lakshman after completing 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya had lit lamps to welcome him. Due to this tradition, Diwali is also considered the festival of light and the victory of good over evil. On this day, along with houses, markets also sparkle with lights and decorations. People wear new clothes, distribute sweets and enjoy the festival with family.
Govardhan Puja and Annakoot
After Diwali, the festival of Govardhan Puja and Annakoot will be celebrated on Tuesday, 10th November. Lord Shri Krishna is worshiped on this day. Govardhan Puja is celebrated with special enthusiasm in many parts of the country including the Braj region. It is believed that Lord Shri Krishna had lifted Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to save the people of Braj from heavy rains and the wrath of Indra. And Govardhan Puja is performed in memory of this incident.
At many places, the shape of Govardhan Mountain is made from cow dung and worshipped. After this, 56 Bhog or Annakoot Prasad is offered to Lord Krishna. Many types of dishes and vegetables are included in Annakoot. Special decorations and offerings are also organized in temples on this day.
Bhai Dooj and Yam Dwitiya
The five-day Diwali festival will conclude with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11. On this day, sisters apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and wish for their long life, good health and happiness and prosperity. Brothers also give gifts to their sisters and take a pledge to protect them. Bhai Dooj is also called Yama Dwitiya. On this day Yamraj went to his sister Yamuna’s house. Yamuna welcomed them and fed them. Since then, special importance is given to the love and affection between brothers and sisters on Bhai Dooj.
On the day of Bhai Dooj, there is a tradition in many families to go to their sister’s house and have dinner. In this way, this festival concludes the five-day celebration by combining the happiness of Diwali with family and relationships.
See the dates of Diwali 2026 at a glance here
Dhanteras: 6 November 2026, Friday, Narak Chaturdashi/Chhoti Diwali: 7 November 2026, Saturday, Diwali: 8 November 2026, Sunday, Govardhan Puja/Annakoot: 10 November 2026, Tuesday, Bhai Dooj: 11 November 2026, Wednesday The festive enthusiasm will last for five days.
The five-day festival of Diwali is not limited to just lighting lamps and worshiping. Starting from Dhanteras and continuing till Bhai Dooj, this festival is associated with family, tradition, faith and mutual relationships. During these five days, different traditions are followed from cleaning of houses to worship, lamp donation, sweets and family reunion. During this period, there is a lot of excitement in the markets also. People buy lamps, rangoli, lights and other items for home decoration. At the same time, on Diwali, people visit the homes of their relatives and friends and give sweets and gifts and wish them well.
In this way, the five-day festival of Diwali 2026 will start from 6th November and will end with Bhai Dooj on 11th November. Every day has its own different beliefs and traditions, which makes this entire festival special.