Diwali 2026- Date, Puja Timings, Rituals and Significance

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the festival of lights and one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festive season is also a good time to bring home useful electronics and appliances while preparing for celebrations.

• Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on 8 November, with Lakshmi Puja observed on the main festival day.
• Dhanteras falls on 6 November, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi on 7 November.
• Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on 9 November, followed by Bhai Dooj on 11 November.
• Diwali traditions include lighting diyas, decorating homes, performing prayers, preparing sweets, and exchanging gifts.
• Regional customs vary across India, with communities following different rituals, foods, and festive traditions.
• Buyers can compare festive electronics and appliances based on features, capacity, energy efficiency, usage, space, and budget.

This festive season, you can also buy new electronics and appliances on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales. 

Diwali, also known as Deepawali or Deepavali, is India’s biggest festival and the festival of lights, celebrated by over 1 billion people globally. The name comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning “row of lights”. The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil and is celebrated with diyas, prayers, home decorations, festive meals, sweets, and gifts. This festive season, you can also upgrade your essential appliances to make life easier and more enjoyable. For example, a new LG fridge can help you keep your festive treats fresh and your kitchen organised.

If you want to buy new electronics and appliances, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes, so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.     

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November, with Lakshmi Puja observed on the main festival day. The five-day Diwali celebration begins with Dhanteras and continues through Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

• Day 1 - Dhanteras (6 November 2026): A day associated with prosperity, wealth, and purchasing items considered auspicious.
• Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi (7 November 2026): Observed with cleansing rituals, traditional preparations, and the lighting of lamps.
• Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja and Diwali (8 November 2026): The main Diwali celebration, marked by prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, diyas, decorations, sweets, and family gatherings.
• Day 4 - Govardhan Puja (9 November 2026): Celebrated to honour Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Hill.

• Day 5 - Bhai Dooj (11 November 2026): A celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.

  
  

The exact Lakshmi Puja muhurat varies by location. For example, the panchang timing for Lakshmi Puja from 5:57 pm to 7:52 pm on 8 November 2026. Local panchang calculations should be checked for the relevant city before planning the puja

Each day of the Diwali period has its own traditions and significance. While customs can differ between regions and communities, the five-day celebration generally brings together prayers, family gatherings, festive food, lighting, gifting, and other cultural practices.

1. Dhanteras: Families traditionally purchase items associated with prosperity and prepare their homes for the festive period.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi: Homes are cleaned, lamps are lit, and families observe traditional cleansing rituals.
3. Lakshmi Puja: The main Diwali celebration includes prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, lighting diyas, decorations, sweets, and family gatherings.
4. Govardhan Puja: Devotees honour Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill and prepare traditional festive food.

5. Bhai Dooj: Sisters perform traditional rituals for their brothers, while siblings celebrate their bond and exchange gifts.

   
   

Diwali customs can vary across India, but the festival broadly reflects themes of light, prosperity, family, devotion, and new beginnings.

During these festive days, you might also want to gift yourself or loved ones tech that adds convenience to daily life. Like, a Samsung smartwatch can help you track fitness, manage notifications, and stay connected throughout the celebrations.

Diwali shopping can be easier when festive essentials are selected according to household needs, everyday convenience, and the type of celebrations planned. The following options can help make the home more comfortable and ready for the festive season.

Choosing products based on their usefulness, features, capacity, and suitability for the household can make Diwali shopping more practical. A thoughtful selection can also provide value beyond the festive season.

Note: To make it easier, you can check out this fridge buying guide to pick the right model that fits your family’s needs.

Diwali is a good time to upgrade the home with electronics and appliances that add convenience during festive preparations and remain useful for everyday needs. From food storage and entertainment to smart devices and kitchen essentials, these upgrades can make celebrations more comfortable.

• Upgrade your kitchen appliances: A triple door refrigerator can help you store sweets, beverages, and fresh ingredients efficiently, keeping your festive preparations smooth.
• Enhance home entertainment: Bring home a new OLED TV or smart television to enjoy movies, music, and family shows during the celebrations.
• Invest in smart gadgets: Devices like smartwatches or smart sensors make daily life easier while keeping you connected during busy festive days.
• Improve home comfort: Consider air conditioners, air coolers, or room heaters to keep your home cosy and comfortable for guests.

Selecting upgrades according to household requirements, available space, usage patterns, and preferred features can make festive shopping more practical. These products can add convenience during Diwali celebrations while continuing to support everyday household needs long after the festive season.

You can also explore the latest offers on a wide range of electronics and home appliances, making sure you get the best deal on every purchase.

Diwali celebrations do not have to focus only on shopping and decorations. Spending time with family, following meaningful traditions, preparing favourite foods, helping others, and sharing thoughtful gifts can make the festival more memorable.

• Spend time together: Plan meals, prayers, games, or other activities that bring family members together.
• Follow family traditions: Continue meaningful rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations.
• Prepare festive food: Make traditional sweets and dishes that family members enjoy during Diwali.
• Exchange thoughtful gifts: Choose useful or personal gifts based on the recipient’s interests and requirements.
• Connect with distant relatives: Use calls or video conversations to stay connected with family members who cannot attend.

• Share with others: Consider helping people in need or sharing food and festive essentials with the wider community.

  
  

Simple, thoughtful activities can bring greater meaning to Diwali while keeping the focus on family, gratitude, tradition, and togetherness.

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
3. Check the electronics and appliances in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero-down-payment offer.
5. Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over  1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.

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3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.

4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

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