Last updated: June 2026.
Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026 in India, as computed by our astronomy engine — the day Ashwayuja Amavasya prevails during Pradosha Kala (the period just after sunset), when Lakshmi Puja is performed. In 2026 the Tithis compress, so Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the same civil day (early morning of November 8), with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6.
| Date | Observance |
|---|---|
| November 6 (Fri) | Dhanteras (Dhana Trayodashi) |
| November 8 (Sun, pre-dawn) | Naraka Chaturdashi — abhyangana snanam (oil bath) |
| November 8 (Sun, evening) | Deepavali — Lakshmi Puja at Pradosha |
| November 10 (Tue) | Karthika Masam begins |
In the Telugu tradition, Deepavali primarily celebrates Lord Krishna and Satyabhama's victory over Narakasura. Naraka Chaturdashi morning begins with the abhyangana snanam — an oil bath before sunrise said to wash away the year's negativity, equivalent in merit to a Ganga snanam. The evening of Amavasya then belongs to Goddess Lakshmi: homes glow with rows of deepalu (oil lamps), new account books are opened, and Lakshmi Puja is performed during Pradosha Kala.
Deepavali is the festival most affected by location: because Lakshmi Puja is tied to Amavasya at local Pradosha, cities in the Americas can observe it one day earlier than India in some years. In 2026, check whether Amavasya prevails at your local sunset on November 7 or November 8 using your city's Panchangam page before planning the puja.
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