Diwali (Deepavali) (दिवाली (दीपावली)) is a festival falling in the Hindu lunar month of कार्तिक. Its position is fixed by tithi rather than by the Gregorian calendar, so the date moves every year and is computed from the panchang. No fast is prescribed for the day. The observance itself, and its puja vidhi, stay the same each year.
Diwali (Deepavali)
दिवाली (दीपावली)
Hindu month: कार्तिक
Panchang Basis (Tithi Rule)
Each year this observance falls on the Amavasya tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika. Because lunar tithis drift against the Gregorian calendar, the English date shifts every year — the tithi rule above is what stays fixed.
Months here are named the Purnimanta way, as in North Indian panchangs, where a month ends on Purnima. Amanta calendars (Maharashtra, Gujarat and most of South India) end a month on Amavasya, so they call this same fortnight Ashvina Krishna Paksha; the date is the same.
About This Festival
Festival of lights — Goddess Lakshmi puja for prosperity, joy, and the triumph of light over darkness
दीपों का त्योहार — मां लक्ष्मी पूजा, प्रकाश की अंधकार पर विजय
Significance
India's biggest festival. Celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Also marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.
Puja Vidhi (How to Observe)
Clean and decorate house with rangoli and diyas. Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja at pradosh kaal (after sunset). Open new account books (Chopda Pujan). Light diyas in every corner. Distribute sweets and gifts. Wear new clothes.
Regional Names
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali (Deepavali) celebrated?
Diwali (Deepavali) is celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026 and on Friday, 29 October 2027. The date changes each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang) — every date here is computed from real planetary positions using the Swiss Ephemeris engine, not copied from a fixed list.
Is Diwali (Deepavali) a fasting (vrat) day?
Diwali (Deepavali) is not primarily a fasting day, though many families still keep a light fast or a sattvic diet as part of the observance.
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