Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance

Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja Shubh Muhurat in New Delhi is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. The puja is traditionally performed during Pradosh Kaal when the stable Vrishabha Lagna is considered auspicious.

On this day, Hindu families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light diyas, offer sweets and pray for prosperity, wisdom and family well-being. The puja is performed during Kartik Amavasya, which begins on 8 November and ends on 9 November.

The exact Lakshmi Puja timings vary across cities. Families should check their local Panchang before beginning the rituals.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026 Date, Muhurat and Amavasya Tithi

The following table provides the auspicious Lakshmi Puja timings for New Delhi on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Note: All timings in the table are for New Delhi, India.

City-Wise Diwali Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026

The Lakshmi Puja muhurat on 8 November 2026 differs across Indian cities because sunset and local astrological timings vary.

These are the local auspicious timings listed by Drik Panchang for each city.

For example, families in Bengaluru can perform Lakshmi Puja between 6:17 PM and 8:20 PM, while the recommended window in Mumbai is 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM.

Important: Do not use New Delhi's puja timing for every city. Follow the muhurat applicable to your location.

Is Diwali Lakshmi Puja on 8 or 9 November 2026?

Diwali Lakshmi Puja falls on 8 November 2026, not 9 November. The confusion occurs because Amavasya Tithi extends across both dates.

• Amavasya begins: Sunday, 8 November at 11:27 AM.

• Amavasya ends: Monday, 9 November at 12:31 PM.

• Main Lakshmi Puja date: Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during the evening Pradosh Kaal when Amavasya Tithi is present.

Amavasya continues through the evening of 8 November but ends before sunset on 9 November. Therefore, the main Diwali Lakshmi Puja is observed on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

For a broader explanation of the date, celebrations and traditions, read Diwali 2026: Correct Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat and Significance.

What Are Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna for Lakshmi Puja?

Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna are two important concepts used to determine the auspicious time for Diwali Lakshmi Puja.

Pradosh Kaal

Pradosh Kaal is the period beginning around sunset and continuing into the evening. It is traditionally considered important for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali Amavasya.

In New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal on 8 November 2026 is from 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM.

Vrishabha Lagna

Vrishabha Lagna is associated with Taurus, a fixed or Sthir zodiac sign. In many Hindu traditions, worship performed during Sthir Lagna is considered auspicious.

For New Delhi, Vrishabha Lagna lasts from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.

The overlap between Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna gives the recommended Lakshmi Puja Muhurat of 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.

Some households follow other traditional puja periods, including Mahanishita Kaal. Those timings should be checked separately in the local Panchang.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja Samagri List for 2026

Preparing the required puja samagri in advance can help families perform the rituals without interruption.

The following table includes commonly used materials for traditional Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja.

Note: These are commonly used materials, not a compulsory list. The exact items depend on family customs, regional traditions and religious guidance.

How to Perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at Home: Step-by-Step Vidhi

Diwali Lakshmi Puja is performed according to household traditions. The following steps explain a commonly followed approach to Lakshmi-Ganesha worship at home.

Step 1: Clean and Decorate the Puja Area

Clean the prayer space before the puja muhurat begins. Place a wooden chowki or clean platform in a suitable location.

Cover it with a red or yellow cloth and decorate the area with flowers, rangoli or traditional decorations.

Step 2: Place Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha

Arrange the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the puja platform.

Families may also place Goddess Saraswati, Lord Kubera or other deities according to their traditions.

Keep flowers, sweets, water, diyas and the puja thali nearby.

Step 3: Prepare the Kalash

In traditions that include Kalash Sthapana, fill a clean kalash with water and arrange mango leaves around its opening.

Place a coconut on top according to the customary method.

The kalash is generally considered a symbol of auspiciousness and is used in many Hindu puja rituals.

Step 4: Begin with Lord Ganesha Puja

Many families begin by worshipping Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally associated with wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

Offer flowers, akshat, sweets or other customary materials while reciting familiar prayers.

Step 5: Perform Goddess Lakshmi Puja

Offer kumkum, flowers, akshat, sweets and fruits to Goddess Lakshmi.

Family members may recite Lakshmi mantras, prayers or stotras according to their traditions.

The worship is associated with gratitude, prosperity and prayers for the household's well-being.

Step 6: Offer Naivedya and Perform Aarti

Offer prepared sweets, fruits or other traditional food as naivedya.

Perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Aarti using a diya or other customary materials while following appropriate fire safety.

Step 7: Distribute Prasad and Light Diyas

After completing the prayers, distribute prasad among family members.

Families may place diyas around their homes in safe locations as part of their Diwali celebrations.

Important: This is a general overview of traditional practices. Detailed mantras, offerings and the order of rituals may vary among communities.

Lakshmi Puja Mantras and Aarti for Diwali 2026

During Diwali Lakshmi Puja, many devotees recite prayers dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

Simple Lakshmi Puja Mantra

ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः।

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.

This is a commonly used devotional mantra associated with Goddess Lakshmi.

Families can recite it according to their customary religious practice.

Ganesha Mantra

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः।

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.

This is a commonly used mantra dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Lakshmi-Ganesha Aarti

After the main offerings, families may perform aarti and sing devotional songs traditionally associated with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

Popular aartis include Om Jai Lakshmi Mata and Jai Ganesh Deva.

The specific prayers and aarti sequence depend on household customs.

Why Is Goddess Lakshmi Worshipped on Diwali?

Goddess Lakshmi is traditionally associated with wealth, prosperity, good fortune and abundance.

During Diwali, many Hindu households worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to seek blessings for wisdom, well-being and an auspicious beginning.

The festival is also associated with several cultural traditions:

• Prosperity: Families pray for stability and well-being.

• Gratitude: The occasion encourages appreciation for the year's blessings.

• Family togetherness: Relatives gather for prayers and celebrations.

• New beginnings: Some business communities perform account-book worship during Diwali.

• Light and hope: Diyas symbolise the removal of darkness and the welcoming of positive beginnings.

These meanings reflect religious beliefs and traditions followed by different communities.

Five Days of Diwali 2026: Festival Dates and Schedule

Diwali is traditionally described as a five-day festival, although its major observances span six calendar dates in 2026.

Choti Diwali is commonly associated with 7 November, while Naraka Chaturdashi's early-morning bathing observance falls on 8 November according to the New Delhi Panchang.

To understand the significance of each festival, explore the Five Days of Diwali 2026.

How Can Families Prepare for Lakshmi Puja 2026?

A little preparation can make the puja easier to organise.

Before the Puja

• Check the correct Lakshmi Puja muhurat for your city.

• Clean the prayer area and arrange the puja items.

• Prepare sweets, fruits and other traditional offerings.

• Keep diyas and decorations away from flammable materials.

• Inform family members about the planned puja time.

During the Puja

• Follow the prayers and rituals observed in your household.

• Keep the puja area organised and safe.

• Supervise children around lamps and burning incense.

• Avoid leaving open flames unattended.

After the Puja

• Distribute prasad among family members.

• Clean and store the puja materials safely.

• Enjoy the celebrations and share festive greetings.

Students can help by arranging flowers, preparing greeting cards and learning about the cultural importance of Diwali.

Common Questions About Diwali Lakshmi Puja Preparations

Can Lakshmi Puja Be Performed Without Every Samagri Item?

Yes. Many households adapt their puja arrangements according to family traditions and available materials. The required items and rituals differ by community.

Is There One Fixed Direction for Lakshmi Puja?

Traditional guidance about the direction and placement of idols varies. Families should follow their customary method or guidance from a knowledgeable priest rather than treating one arrangement as compulsory for everyone.

Can Lakshmi Puja Be Performed at Home?

Yes. Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja is commonly performed at home during Diwali. Families may follow their customary prayers and procedures.

Conclusion

Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, with the auspicious New Delhi muhurat from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, according to Drik Panchang.

The recommended puja timing differs across cities, so families should refer to their local Panchang before beginning Lakshmi-Ganesha worship.

Preparing the samagri, understanding the traditional puja steps and following household customs can help families celebrate Diwali meaningfully.