Diwali begins on November 6 with Vasubaras; Dhanteras on November 7

Pune, November 5, 2026: The five-day Diwali festival will begin on November 6 with Vasubaras. Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi-Kuber puja, Balipratipada and Bhaubeej will follow. A notable feature this year is that Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi puja fall on the same day, November 8.

Diwali is celebrated across the country with traditional rituals, lighting of lamps, decorative lanterns, festive dishes and family gatherings. The exchange of gifts and greetings also strengthens social and family ties. Homes and shops are cleaned and decorated, and people mark the festival by sharing sweets and traditional Diwali snacks.

The festival begins on Friday, November 6, with Vasubaras. As per tradition, the cow and her calf are worshipped after sunset. Married women observe a fast and worship Nandini Mata. Those who cannot perform the ritual with a real cow and calf may worship their idols or pictures. Helping cow shelters is also encouraged.

Dhanteras falls on November 7 and is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, regarded as the god of health. On this day people clean and worship gold, coins and jewellery, along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. In the evening, a lamp made of flour is lit with its flame facing south. This is the Yamadeepdan tradition, believed to keep untimely death away.

Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi-Kuber puja will be held on Sunday, November 8. Narak Chaturdashi commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura and the release of the women he held captive. The tradition is to bathe early in the morning after applying a paste and oil, known as Abhyang snan. Yamatarpan is also performed among the religious rituals.

That evening, Lakshmi and Kuber are worshipped for prosperity, wealth and well-being. Before the puja, the home, shop and surroundings are cleaned and decorated. Khil (puffed rice), offered as a symbol of prosperity, has special significance. The auspicious time for Lakshmi-Kuber puja is from 5.50 pm to 10.50 pm.

Balipratipada, also called Diwali Padwa, will be observed on Tuesday, November 10. The day is dedicated to the worship of King Bali, remembered for his generosity. Traders worship their account books and shops and begin the new business year. Married couples also celebrate it, with wives performing aarti for their husbands and gifts and greetings being exchanged.

The auspicious times for worship of account books are from 2.10 am to 5.10 am, 6.35 am to 7.25 am, and 11 am to 2 pm.

The festival will end on Wednesday, November 11, with Bhaubeej, the day of the bond between brothers and sisters. According to legend, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister's home and accepted her hospitality. In keeping with this tradition, sisters invite brothers for a meal and perform aarti, while brothers give their sisters gifts.