The five days of Diwali 2026 on one page: Dhanteras on 6 November, Diwali on 8 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November, with what each day is for and how to plan around it.
Diwali is a five-day festival, and the calendar matters because each day asks something different of a household. Dinners, travel, shopping and gifting are easier to plan when you can see the whole stretch at once, and when you know which of the days are fixed and which can move by a day.
In 2026, Dhanteras falls on 6 November, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) on 7 November, Diwali with Lakshmi Puja on 8 November, Govardhan Puja on 9 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November. A few calendars place the last two a day later, so confirm with a local panchang.
Why do Diwali dates change every year?
Diwali follows the lunar calendar, so its date in the Gregorian calendar moves each year, usually falling in October or November. Individual days are set by tithi, the lunar day, which does not always line up neatly with the civil day. That is why different calendars can place the same festival a day apart, and why a local panchang is the safest reference for ritual timings.
What happens on each of the five days?
| Day | Date (2026) | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Fri 6 Nov | Buying something auspicious, traditionally metal or utensils; worship of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari |
| Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Sat 7 Nov | Lighting lamps and preparing for the main evening |
| Diwali and Lakshmi Puja | Sun 8 Nov | Lakshmi Puja in the evening, lamps, a family meal and gifts |
| Govardhan Puja and Annakut | Mon 9 Nov | A day of food offerings and family gatherings |
| Bhai Dooj | Tue 10 Nov | Siblings meet; sisters apply a tilak, and a meal is shared |
How should you plan around the five days?
- Dhanteras: markets are busy, so allow extra time for traffic, parking and walking.
- Diwali evening: most families are at home for puja, so dinners tend to start later.
- Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj: lunches are the usual family occasion.
- Travel: roads, stations and the airport are busiest just before and just after the main day.
- Hosting: decide early which meals are at home and which are out.
What does ORNATE offer around the festival?
ORNATE has 54 rooms across five categories for relatives who travel in, Amrkh (a multicuisine restaurant with 36 covers, private tables and live music on select evenings) for family meals, and seven event spaces for larger gatherings. Check-in is 2:00 PM and check-out 12:00 PM, with early check-in and late check-out on request, subject to availability. The team can confirm what is available for your dates.
We have written separately on Dhanteras in Lucknow, Diwali dinners and Bhai Dooj lunch. To reserve a room or table, call +91 92199 04134 or write to reservations@theornate.in.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali, the main day of Lakshmi Puja, is on Sunday 8 November 2026.
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Friday 6 November 2026.
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Tuesday 10 November 2026 in most calendars. A few place it a day later.
Why do dates vary between calendars?
Festival dates depend on tithi timing, which can shift observance by a day in some regions. Check a local panchang.
