🪔 Countdown to Diwali 2026
Diwali is Sunday, November 8, 2026
When Is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu holidays. Celebrated over five days, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali Dates for the Next 10 Years
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | Friday |
| 2025 | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | Oct 29, 2027 | Friday |
| 2028 | Oct 17, 2028 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | Nov 5, 2029 | Monday |
| 2030 | Oct 26, 2030 | Saturday |
| 2031 | Nov 14, 2031 | Friday |
| 2032 | Nov 2, 2032 | Tuesday |
| 2033 | Oct 22, 2033 | Saturday |
| 2034 | Nov 10, 2034 | Friday |
About Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu holidays. Celebrated over five days, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Traditions include lighting diyas, fireworks, feasting, and exchanging sweets and gifts.
History & Origins of Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the "Festival of Lights," is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and some Buddhist traditions. The festival has roots going back thousands of years. In Hindu tradition, Diwali primarily celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, as told in the epic Ramayana. For Jains, it marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira. For Sikhs, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. The five-day festival typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Traditions & How to Celebrate Diwali
- Lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness
- Creating intricate rangoli patterns at the entrance of homes using colored powders and flowers
- Setting off fireworks and sparklers with family and neighbors
- Exchanging gifts and sweets (mithai) with family, friends, and neighbors
- Deep cleaning and decorating homes before the festival begins
- Wearing new clothes, often traditional attire
- Performing Lakshmi Puja, the worship of the goddess of wealth and prosperity
- Preparing elaborate feasts with traditional dishes and desserts
Fun Facts About Diwali
Diwali is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide, making it one of the largest celebrations on Earth.
The festival lasts five days, with each day having its own significance and rituals.
In 2022, the White House hosted its largest-ever Diwali celebration.
The city of Ayodhya, India, set a world record in 2023 by lighting over 2.2 million oil lamps along the banks of the Saryu River.
Diwali is an official holiday in at least 12 countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The total amount of fireworks used during Diwali makes it visible from space.