Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Lakshmi Puja is performed on the main Diwali day, but the exact Puja Muhurat depends on the location and should be checked according to the local Panchang.

Diwali is traditionally observed over five days. The five days are Dhanteras, Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

Goddess Lakshmi is closely associated with Diwali and is worshipped for wealth and prosperity. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped during the main Diwali Puja.

Lord Krishna is associated with Naraka Chaturdashi and Govardhan Puja, while Lord Rama is connected with one of the most widely known Diwali traditions.

Diwali is associated with the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It is also considered a time for reflection, seeking forgiveness and making a fresh start.

The festival has both religious and cultural significance. Families and communities come together for prayers, meals, gifts and other celebrations.

One of the most popular stories associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. According to this tradition, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Rama by lighting lamps and decorating the city with lights.

Diwali is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi. She is worshipped during the festival as the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

1. Day 1: Dhanteras – People clean their homes and purchase new items, especially gold and silver, as these purchases are considered auspicious.
2. Day 2: Choti Diwali – Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, this day is associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. People decorate their homes with clay lamps and rangoli.
3. Day 3: Diwali – This is the main day of the festival. People wear new clothes, perform prayers, light lamps and candles, and celebrate with family. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this day.
4. Day 4: Govardhan Puja – This day is associated with Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect people from heavy rains. Devotees prepare and offer vegetarian dishes to Lord Krishna.
5. Day 5: Bhai Dooj – This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their well-being. Brothers give gifts to their sisters.

The source content provides a general description rather than a detailed traditional Puja procedure. A brief summary of the observance is:

1. Clean the home and decorate it with lamps and rangoli.
2. Prepare for worship and arrange the items required for the Puja.
3. Perform Lakshmi Puja on the main Diwali day.
4. Light lamps and candles as part of the celebration.
5. Pray to the deities and seek their blessings.
6. Share sweets and gifts with family, friends and neighbours.

Food is an important part of Diwali celebrations. Families prepare and share traditional sweets, savoury snacks, fruits and dry fruits.

• Festive sweets: Ladoos, barfis, gulab jamuns and rasgullas are popular Diwali sweets.
• Savoury snacks: Samosas, pakoras, mathri and chivda are commonly enjoyed during the festival.
• Dry fruits: Almonds, cashews and raisins are shared with family and friends and may also be offered as prasad.
• Fresh fruits: Fruit platters can be part of festive meals and offerings.

The story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya is found in the Valmiki Ramayana. The account occurs toward the end of the epic, after Rama’s victory over Ravana and his return to Ayodhya.

However, the Valmiki Ramayana does not clearly establish this event as the origin of the Diwali festival or specifically state that the people of Ayodhya lit lamps for Diwali. Therefore, the connection between Rama’s return and Diwali is best described as a traditional association, rather than as a direct statement from the Ramayana.