Diwali 2026: Vasubaras On Nov 6, Dhanteras On Nov 7; Key Rituals And Puja Timings

Pune, 5th November 2026: The five-day Diwali festival will begin on November 6 with the celebration of Vasubaras, followed by Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi-Kuber Puja, Balipratipada and Bhai Dooj. A notable feature of this year’s celebrations is that Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja will fall on the same day, November 8.

Diwali is celebrated across the country with traditional rituals, lighting of lamps, decorative lanterns, festive delicacies and family gatherings. The festival is also an occasion for strengthening social and family bonds through the exchange of gifts and greetings. Homes and commercial establishments are cleaned and decorated, while people come together to celebrate by sharing sweets and traditional Diwali snacks.

The festivities will begin with Vasubaras on Friday, November 6. The tradition involves worshipping a cow along with its calf after sunset. Married women observe a fast and offer prayers to Nandini Mata. Those unable to perform the rituals with a real cow and calf can worship their idols or pictures. Supporting gaushalas is also encouraged.

Dhanteras, celebrated on November 7, is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, regarded as the deity of health. People clean and worship gold, coins and jewellery, along with offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. In the evening, a flour lamp is lit with its flame facing south as part of the tradition of Yamadeepdan, which is believed to ward off untimely death.

Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi-Kuber Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8. Narak Chaturdashi commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over demon Narakasura and the liberation of women held captive by him. The day is traditionally marked by an early morning ritual bath after applying oil and herbal paste (ubtan), known as Abhyang Snan. Yamatarpan is also performed as part of the religious observances.

On the same evening, Lakshmi and Kuber are worshipped for prosperity, wealth and well-being. Homes, shops and surrounding areas are cleaned and decorated before the puja. Puffed paddy (lahya) holds special significance as an offering symbolising prosperity. The auspicious time for Lakshmi-Kuber Puja is from 5.50 pm to 10.50 pm.

Balipratipada, also known as Diwali Padwa, will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10. The day is dedicated to the worship of King Bali, remembered for his generosity. Traders mark the beginning of the new business year by performing account book and shop worship. The occasion is also celebrated by married couples, with wives performing an aukshan of their husbands and exchanging gifts and greetings.

The auspicious timings for account book worship are 2.10 am to 5.10 am, 6.35 am to 7.25 am and 11 am to 2 pm.

The festivities will conclude with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. According to mythology, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister and accepted her hospitality. Following this tradition, sisters invite their brothers for a meal and perform aukshan, while brothers give gifts to their sisters.