Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Lakshmi Puja in New Delhi is best done between 5:54 PM and 7:50 PM, as per Drik Panchang. The five-day festival starts with Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November.

Every October, the same question lands in my inbox from clients across Noida and Delhi. “Ma’am, which day is Diwali this year, and what should I fix in the house before it?” This year a lot of people assumed it would be in October, like 2025. It isn’t. Diwali 2026 comes almost three weeks later, so you actually have time to prepare properly.

This guide covers the exact dates, the puja muhurat, and the Vastu changes I ask my own clients to make before Lakshmi Puja. Nothing complicated. Most of it costs nothing except an afternoon of effort.

Diwali 2026 calendar: all five days

Diwali isn’t one night. It’s a five-day stretch, and each day has its own purpose. Here’s how it falls in India this year:

A quick note on Govardhan Puja. Some calendars show it on 9 November. Drik Panchang places it on 10 November for India, because Pratipada tithi is present at sunrise only on the 10th. That’s why Bhai Dooj also moves to the 11th. If your family follows a local pandit, go with what they say.

Lakshmi Puja muhurat 2026: what time should you do the puja?

For New Delhi, Noida and Gurugram, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on 8 November 2026 is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, as per Drik Panchang. This window falls inside Pradosh Kaal, the period right after sunset, and overlaps with Vrishabha Lagna. Vrishabha is a fixed (sthir) lagna. The belief is simple: whatever you invite in during a fixed lagna tends to stay.

You’ll see slightly different timings online. Some sites say 5:32 PM, others 6:29 PM. That happens because each panchang uses a different city, sunrise reference or calculation method. Muhurat shifts by a few minutes from city to city, so if you live outside NCR, check your local panchang.

My practical advice: have everything ready by 5:30 PM. Thali set, diyas filled, rangoli done, family bathed and dressed. Then the puja starts on time instead of in a rush.

Vastu tips for Diwali 2026: how to prepare your home for Lakshmi

The best Vastu tip for Diwali is also the oldest one: clear out what’s blocking the flow of energy before you invite anything new in. Lakshmi doesn’t walk into clutter. Below is the order I follow with clients.

1. Start the clean-up from the north-east

The north-east (Ishan kon) is the zone of clarity and divine energy. In many Noida flats, this is exactly where the shoe rack, inverter or old cartons end up. Clear this corner first. Keep it light, open and spotless. If your mandir is here, wipe the idols and replace old flowers and faded cloth.

2. Fix the main entrance

Your main door is where Lakshmi is welcomed, so it needs the most attention:

• Oil the hinges if the door creaks. A squeaky door is considered an energy leak.
• Remove dustbins, old shoes and broken pots near the entrance.
• Hang a fresh toran of mango or ashoka leaves, or marigold.
• Make sure the nameplate is clean and the light outside the door works.
• Draw small Lakshmi footprints (charan) pointing inward, never outward.

3. Set up the puja in the right direction

Place the Lakshmi-Ganesh idols in the north-east or north of the room. You should face east or north while doing the puja. North is Kuber’s direction, the zone of wealth and new opportunities, which makes it especially suitable for Diwali. Keep Ganesh ji on Lakshmi ji’s left side.

4. Place diyas zone by zone

Don’t just line diyas along the balcony. Place them with intent:

• Main entrance: two diyas, one on each side.
• North-east: a ghee diya near the mandir.
• South-east: this is the fire zone, so a diya here supports cash flow and confidence.
• North: a diya for career and money opportunities.
• Kitchen and water areas: one diya each, kept safely.

One diya that burns through the night (akhand diya) in the puja area is traditional. Use a deep diya with enough ghee, and never leave it near curtains.

5. Choose rangoli colours by direction

Rangoli isn’t only decoration. In Vastu, colour carries element energy:

• North: green and blue.
• East: green, yellow.
• South-east: red, orange, pink.
• South-west: yellow, earthy tones.
• Entrance: bright, warm colours with a lotus or swastik motif.

Avoid black and very dark grey in rangoli on Diwali.

6. Clear the money zone

Your almirah or locker should ideally sit in the south-west and open towards the north. Before Dhanteras, clean it out completely. Throw away old bills and expired cards. Place a red cloth inside, along with a few silver coins, whole haldi, and kamal gatta if you have it.

7. Throw out broken things before Dhanteras

Broken clocks, cracked mirrors, dead plants, torn idols and electronics that haven’t worked in months. All of these hold stuck energy. Dispose of them before 6 November so that whatever you buy on Dhanteras enters a clear space.

Common Diwali Vastu mistakes I see every year

Most of these come from habit, not ignorance. Fixing them takes minutes.

• Keeping the puja area in the south-west or under a staircase. Shift it, even if it’s just for Diwali night.
• Leaving the house dark after the puja. Keep lights on at least till midnight. A dark home on Amavasya night goes against the whole idea of the festival.
• Shutting the main door during the muhurat. Keep it open, or at least slightly ajar, while the puja is on.
• Gifting sharp or black items. Knives, scissors and black clothes aren’t great Diwali gifts in Vastu terms.
• Placing Lakshmi’s photo facing the toilet wall. Check what’s on the other side of the wall behind your mandir. It happens a lot in compact flats.
• Ignoring the south-west. People clean the drawing room and forget the master bedroom. The south-west is about stability. Clean it too.

Diwali 2026 FAQs

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. It falls on Kartik Amavasya.

When is Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. It’s the first day of the five-day festival.

What is the Lakshmi Puja time on Diwali 2026 in Delhi?

In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026, as per Drik Panchang. Timings vary slightly by city.

Which direction should Lakshmi-Ganesh idols face?

Place the idols in the north or north-east of the room. The person doing the puja should face east or north.

Where should I keep diyas on Diwali as per Vastu?

Keep two diyas at the main entrance, one in the north-east near the mandir, and one each in the north and south-east. A ghee diya in the puja area is considered most auspicious.

What should I buy on Dhanteras 2026?

Traditionally, people buy gold, silver, brass or steel utensils, or a broom. Buy something you’ll actually use. Avoid iron, glass and black items.

Is Diwali 2026 on a Sunday?

Yes. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, which makes it convenient for families in NCR, since most offices are already closed.

When is Bhai Dooj 2026?

According to Drik Panchang, Bhai Dooj in India falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Some calendars list it on 10 November.

Before you light the first diya

You don’t need a full renovation to get your home Diwali-ready. Start with the north-east, fix the entrance, clear the money zone and get rid of broken things before Dhanteras. Those four steps alone change how a home feels on Lakshmi Puja night.

If something in your home feels stuck, like money coming in but not staying, or constant arguments, Diwali is a good time to look at it properly. I do personalised Vastu consultations for homes and offices in Noida and Delhi. Book a session before 6 November so the corrections are in place before Dhanteras.

Wishing you and your family a bright, abundant Diwali 2026.