Diwali (India) 2026 — How Many Days Until Diwali (India)?

Name: Diwali (India)
Location: India

About Diwali (India)

Diwali in India — the Festival of Lights — is the country's most widely celebrated national festival, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and many others across all 28 states and 8 union territories. The five-day festival falls in October or November on the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, culminating in the darkest night of the lunar month when the sky is lit by millions of diyas (clay oil lamps), electric lights, and fireworks.

In Hindu tradition, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit diyas to welcome him home — and communities across India have re-enacted this homecoming with light ever since. The goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity, is worshipped on the main night (Lakshmi Puja) as families pray for fortune in the coming year.

Diwali in India is also a major economic event. Gold purchases surge — it is considered auspicious to buy gold on Dhanteras (the first day). The festival drives a significant portion of annual retail sales across electronics, clothing, sweets, and fireworks. In Delhi, concerns about air quality have prompted increasing restrictions on fireworks to manage the severe smog that typically follows Diwali night.

Diwali is a gazetted national holiday in India and is observed across all states
The Diwali economy drives some of the highest retail sales of the Indian year
Gold purchases on Dhanteras (day one of Diwali) are considered especially auspicious
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with thousands of lights for Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas
Delhi has implemented increasingly strict fireworks bans due to post-Diwali air pollution

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali in India?

Diwali falls on the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu calendar — typically in October or November. The exact Gregorian date changes each year.

Is Diwali a national public holiday in India?

Yes — Diwali is a gazetted national holiday in India. All central government offices close; most state offices, schools, and businesses also close.

What is Lakshmi Puja?

Lakshmi Puja is performed on the main night of Diwali to invite the goddess Lakshmi — deity of wealth and prosperity — into homes and businesses. Families clean their homes, light diyas, perform prayers, and offer sweets.