Diwali 2026 — How Many Days Until Diwali?

About Diwali

Diwali — the Festival of Lights — is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists across the globe. The five-day festival typically falls in October or November, on the 15th day of Kartik (the eighth month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar), and marks the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

For Hindus, the most widely observed narrative is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his defeat of the demon king Ravana — the people lit clay lamps (diyas) to welcome him home. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. For Jains, it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira.

Diwali celebrations include lighting oil lamps and candles, bursting fireworks, drawing rangoli patterns on floors, exchanging sweets and gifts, and performing Lakshmi puja (prayer to the goddess of wealth). In the financial community — particularly in India — Diwali marks the beginning of a new business year and a time for settling accounts.

Diwali is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide — not only in India but across the UK, US, Canada, and Southeast Asia
The word "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit Deepavali, meaning "row of lights"
The festival spans five days — each with its own name and significance in Hindu tradition
Diwali is a public holiday in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Trinidad & Tobago
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with thousands of lights every Diwali

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali?

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

How long does Diwali last?

Diwali is a five-day festival. The main day of celebrations — Lakshmi Puja — falls on the third day, which is the darkest night of the lunar month.

Is Diwali only a Hindu festival?

No — while Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Sikhs (as Bandi Chhor Divas), Jains (marking Lord Mahavira's nirvana), and some Buddhists and Newar people.

Why are lights central to Diwali?

Lights represent the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The traditional earthen oil lamp (diya) is the most iconic Diwali symbol, though modern celebrations also use electric lights and fireworks.