Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) · दीपावली (लक्ष्मी पूजा)
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartika (purnimanta). It celebrates Ram's return to Ayodhya and is the main night of Lakshmi Puja, worship of the goddess of prosperity.
Dates
Dates and times are for New Delhi (Asia/Kolkata). They can differ in other places, especially outside India, and between traditions.
How the date is determined
Kartika (purnimanta) Amavasya prevailing during Pradosh, the evening after sunset.
Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli and lamps; Lakshmi and Ganesh are worshipped in the evening during the auspicious Pradosh period; sweets are shared, and businesses open new account books.
Regional and tradition differences
In Bengal the same night is Kali Puja. Jains mark Mahavira's nirvana, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.
What to recite
Sources
- Diwali, Wikipedia (2026)
- Lakshmi Puja, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.