If you thought Diwali comes in October, you are not alone. This year it falls a little later, on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The reason is Adhik Maas, an extra month in the Hindu calendar that comes roughly every three years. It pushed Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali a few weeks later than usual. So if you have seen different dates online, please check that the site counts Adhik Maas.
Day 1 – Dhanteras (Friday, 6 November): The festival starts with Dhanteras. Families buy something new for the home, often gold, silver or a steel utensil, and light the first diya in the evening. It is also a day to pray for good health.
Day 2 – Choti Diwali (Saturday, 7 November): Also called Naraka Chaturdashi. Homes are cleaned, rangoli is made at the door and small diyas are lit as the excitement builds.
Day 3 – Diwali and Lakshmi Puja (Sunday, 8 November): The main night. Families pray to Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, light rows of diyas, share sweets and visit loved ones.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: The day after Diwali, many families make Annakut, a small hill of food offered to Lord Krishna. Depending on your city it falls on 9 or 10 November, so please check your local panchang.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (Tuesday, 10 November): Sisters put a tilak on their brothers and pray for their long life, and brothers give a gift in return.
On 8 November, Diwali is not the only festival. In Bengal and Assam, families celebrate Kali Puja on the same night. Sikh families celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, with lights at gurdwaras and homes. Different traditions, but the same message: light wins over darkness.
You do not need a big budget. A few clay diyas at the door, a simple rangoli with rice flour or flower petals, and fairy lights on the balcony already make the home glow. In Maharashtra and Goa, an akash kandil (star shaped paper lantern) outside the window is a must. If you live abroad in a flat, LED diyas are a safe choice.
Give your phone a festive look too. All our Diwali wallpapers are made for phones in full HD (1080×1920) and are free to download:
Open any wallpaper, tap Download and set it as your lock screen. If you like one, tap the heart and share it with your family on WhatsApp. Happy Diwali from all of us at WallpaperAI!
