Traditional brass puja thali prepared with offerings for the 5-day Diwali festival.
Complete Day-by-Day Festival Schedule
| Day | Festival | Date (2026) | Day of Week | Key Rituals & Muhurat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) | Nov 6, 2026 | Friday | Buying gold, silver, utensils, automobiles; Kuber & Dhanvantari Puja (06:10 PM - 08:05 PM) |
| Day 2 | Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi / Kali Chaudas) | Nov 7, 2026 | Saturday | Abhyang Snan (pre-dawn oil bath), lighting 14 earthen lamps (diyas), victory over Narakasura |
| Day 3 | Badi Diwali (Lakshmi Puja / Chopda Pujan) | Nov 8, 2026 | Sunday | Grand Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, lighting home, firecrackers; Shubh Pradosh Muhurat (05:40 PM - 07:35 PM) |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja (Annakut / Gujarati New Year) | Nov 9, 2026 | Monday | Worshipping Mount Govardhan, creating Annakut offering of 56 delicacies (Chhappan Bhog) to Lord Krishna |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya / Bhau Beej) | Nov 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Sisters perform Aarti, apply sacred tilak to brothers wishing long life; Aparahna Muhurat (01:15 PM - 03:25 PM) |
Detailed Day Breakdown
Day 1: Dhanteras (November 6, 2026 - Friday)
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) carrying the pot of elixir (Amrit). Purchasing precious metals or kitchenware on this day signifies invite to eternal prosperity.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (November 7, 2026 - Saturday)
Commemorates the day Lord Krishna and Satyabhama vanquished the demon Narakasura, liberating 16,000 imprisoned maidens. People wake before sunrise for the fragrant Abhyang Snan to cleanse impurities.
Day 3: Diwali Lakshmi Puja (November 8, 2026 - Sunday)
The centerpiece of the festival falling on Kartik Amavasya. Homes are cleaned, illuminated with earthen diyas, and adorned with vibrant rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (November 9, 2026 - Monday)
Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to shield the residents of Vrindavan from the torrential wrath of Lord Indra.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 10, 2026 - Tuesday)
Honors the bond between sisters and brothers, celebrating the legend of Yamraj visiting his sister Yamuna, granting the boon that any brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed with longevity.
Create Customized Greeting Cards for All 5 Days
Send heartfelt custom cards for Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, and Bhai Dooj with your personalized name and blessings.