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When Is Diwali? (Countdown & Dates)

Blake Boege
Written by Blake Boege · Founder, Calculator Answers

An educational resource and countdown tool details the date rules and observance dates for Diwali (the Hindu Festival of Lights). Users search for this to find when the holiday is next celebrated, view a ticking countdown, and check upcoming dates.

Find the exact and estimated dates for Diwali, including a live ticking countdown, upcoming dates from 2026 to 2030, and history.

See also: When Is Daylight Saving Time? (Spring Forward & Fall Back Dates) and Date Calculator.

Quick Answer

In 2026, the main day of Diwali is celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Direct answer

In 2026, the main day of Diwali is celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, takes place on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar in the month of Kartika. This corresponds to late October or early November in the Gregorian calendar.

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Examples

Hindu Calendar Date

Amavasya of Kartika month

Duration

5 Days

Key Ritual

Lighting clay lamps (diyas) & Rangoli

How it works

This page displays when Diwali is observed and counts down to the next upcoming occurrence.

Because Diwali follows a lunar-based calendar, the dates are loaded from a verified astronomical calendar dataset for high accuracy.

When is Diwali?

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, takes place on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar in the month of Kartika. This corresponds to late October or early November in the Gregorian calendar.

How is the date determined?

Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya (new moon day) during the Hindu month of Kartika, when the moon is at its darkest. The lunisolar alignment causes the Gregorian dates to shift annually.

A brief history and background

The festival is associated with various legends, most notably the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. Celebrants light clay lamps (diyas), create colorful floor patterns (rangoli), set off fireworks, and worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Is it a US federal holiday?

No, Diwali is not a federal holiday in the United States. Federal offices, banks, and post offices remain open, though it is celebrated and observed widely.

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Frequently asked questions

In 2026, the main day of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, November 8.

Diwali is traditionally a five-day festival, with each day having specific rituals, culminating in the main celebration on the third day.

"Deepavali" translates to a row of clay lamps. Lighting these lamps throughout homes represents driving away spiritual darkness.