Diwali 2026
📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026
📝 About Diwali 2026
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a five-day celebration observed principally in Hinduism, though it also holds significance in Jainism, Sikhism, and certain Buddhist traditions. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Homes, temples, and public spaces are illuminated with millions of clay oil lamps called diyas and colorful rangoli patterns adorn doorways. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to invoke the goddess of wealth and prosperity, exchange sweets and gifts, and set off elaborate fireworks displays. In northern India the festival also marks the start of a new financial year for many businesses. Diwali is celebrated by over a billion people across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the global Indian diaspora, making it one of the most widely observed festivals on the planet. UNESCO recognized Diwali as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
📋 Quick Facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Day of the Week
- Sunday
- Days Remaining
- 189
- Category
- Religious
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
There are 189 days until Diwali 2026 on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a five-day celebration observed principally in Hinduism, though it also holds significance in Jainism, Sikhism, and certain Buddhist traditions. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Homes, temples, and public spaces are illuminated with millions of clay oil lamps called diyas and colorful rangoli patterns adorn doorways. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to invoke the goddess of wealth and prosperity, exchange sweets and gifts, and set off elaborate fireworks displays. In northern India the festival also marks the start of a new financial year for many businesses. Diwali is celebrated by over a billion people across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the global Indian diaspora, making it one of the most widely observed festivals on the planet. UNESCO recognized Diwali as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Diwali 2026 falls on a Sunday.