INVC NEWS | Festival Desk : Diwali 2026 is approaching, but this year the dates of Choti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi and Badi Diwali have created confusion among devotees. The reason is the timing of Krishna Chaturdashi and Amavasya, which overlap across November 7 and 8.
According to the New Delhi Panchang, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Narak Chaturdashi also falls on November 8 according to the sunrise-based observance of the Chaturdashi tithi. However, some North Indian traditions observe Choti Diwali and Deepdan on the evening of November 7.
The distinction matters because Choti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi rituals and the main Lakshmi Puja are connected to different religious observances and parts of the day.
Here is the complete Diwali 2026 calendar, the relevant tithi timings and the explanation behind the date confusion.
Diwali 2026: Important Dates at a Glance
| Festival | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | November 6, 2026 | Friday |
| Choti Diwali / Chaturdashi Deepdan (regional observance) | November 7, 2026 | Saturday |
| Narak Chaturdashi rituals | November 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| Badi Diwali and Lakshmi Puja | November 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| Govardhan Puja | November 10, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Bhai Dooj | November 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
Important: Some Panchang calendars list both Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali on November 8. This is because the Chaturdashi tithi continues into the morning of November 8, while Amavasya prevails during the evening Lakshmi Puja period. The evening Deepdan associated with Choti Diwali may be observed on November 7 in some regional traditions.
When Is Choti Diwali 2026?
Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The day symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the removal of darkness.
In 2026, Krishna Chaturdashi begins at approximately 10:48 AM on November 7 and ends at approximately 11:27 AM on November 8, according to the New Delhi Panchang.
This creates two relevant observances:
- November 7 evening: Some North Indian traditions observe Choti Diwali Deepdan and light lamps during the evening.
- November 8 morning: The traditional Narak Chaturdashi observance, including Abhyanga Snan, is associated with the Chaturdashi tithi prevailing at sunrise.
This is why different calendars may show different dates for Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi. Devotees should follow the local Panchang and family tradition for the specific ritual they observe.
When Is Badi Diwali 2026?
The main Diwali festival, also known as Badi Diwali, will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Diwali is observed on Kartik Amavasya, the new-moon day of the Hindu lunar month. The evening is considered especially important for Lakshmi Puja, when devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, peace and well-being.
According to the New Delhi Panchang:
- Amavasya begins: Approximately 11:27 AM on November 8
- Amavasya ends: Approximately 12:31 PM on November 9
- Pradosh Kaal: Approximately 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM on November 8
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: Approximately 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on November 8
These timings are calculated for New Delhi. The auspicious period can vary from city to city, so devotees should consult their local Panchang before performing the puja.
Why Is There Confusion Between Choti Diwali and Badi Diwali?
The confusion arises because two important lunar dates occur close together.
Chaturdashi, the fourteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, continues into the morning of November 8. Amavasya begins later that morning and remains in effect during the evening, when Lakshmi Puja is performed.
Different rituals follow different traditional timing rules. Narak Chaturdashi’s morning observance is linked to the tithi at sunrise, while Lakshmi Puja is performed during the evening Pradosh period when Amavasya is present.
Some regional calendars also use the evening of November 7 for Choti Diwali Deepdan. As a result, one calendar may show November 7 for Choti Diwali, while another lists November 8 for Narak Chaturdashi.
The two dates do not necessarily indicate an error. They can reflect different ritual conventions.
Lakshmi Puja 2026: What Is the Significance?
Lakshmi Puja is the central religious observance of Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and, in many traditions, Goddess Saraswati.
Goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth, prosperity and abundance, while Lord Ganesha is worshipped for wisdom and the removal of obstacles. Families clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, prepare offerings and perform prayers in the evening.
The lighting of lamps is one of the most recognisable traditions of Diwali. Diyas are placed at entrances, balconies, windows and places of worship. Many families also decorate their homes with rangoli and flowers.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in New Delhi
According to Drik Panchang, the main Lakshmi Puja window in New Delhi on November 8, 2026, is approximately 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.
The broader Pradosh Kaal is approximately 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.
These timings should not be treated as universal. Local sunrise, sunset and Panchang calculations affect the muhurat in different cities.
What Is the Significance of Narak Chaturdashi?
Narak Chaturdashi is associated with the story of Narakasura’s defeat by Lord Krishna. According to the traditional account, the victory brought relief to those suffering under the demon’s rule.
The festival is also known for Abhyanga Snan, a ritual bath traditionally performed before sunrise. It symbolises purification and the removal of negativity.
In several regions, people light lamps and offer prayers as part of the observance. The customs and their timing vary across communities.
Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj 2026 Dates
The Diwali celebrations continue after the main festival.
Govardhan Puja – November 10, Tuesday
Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Braj from heavy rains by lifting Govardhan Hill. Devotees prepare Annakut offerings, consisting of a variety of food items, and worship Govardhan.
Bhai Dooj – November 11, Wednesday
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers, pray for their well-being and share meals and gifts. The festival is also known as Bhai Tika or Bhai Phonta in different regions.
Diwali 2026: The Final Date Clarification
For devotees planning their celebrations, the most important dates are:
- November 7: Choti Diwali evening Deepdan in some regional traditions.
- November 8: Narak Chaturdashi morning rituals and Badi Diwali Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
- November 10: Govardhan Puja.
- November 11: Bhai Dooj.
The main Diwali and Lakshmi Puja date for New Delhi is November 8, 2026. The apparent overlap with Narak Chaturdashi is due to the timing of the lunar tithis and the different rules followed for morning and evening rituals.
Bottom Line: Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8. The Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi date difference is best understood by separating the evening Deepdan tradition from the morning Abhyanga Snan observance. Checking the local Panchang will help families follow the correct timings for their city and tradition.
Editorial Note: All specific tithi and muhurat timings in this article are based on the New Delhi Panchang. Ritual dates and timings may differ by location and regional tradition.
