Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. Here are the dates for all five days, plus a practical shopping list for families celebrating in Canada and the US: what to buy, when to buy it, and how to keep the festive spending under control.
Diwali 2026 at a glance: Dhanteras Fri Nov 6 · Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) Sun Nov 8 · Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj follow on Nov 9–11, depending on your time zone and local panchang.
Diwali 2026 dates
| Day | Festival | Date (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Friday, November 6 |
| Day 2–3 | Naraka Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) | Sunday, November 8 |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja | Tuesday, November 10 |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, November 11 |
Because of the time difference, some North American calendars place Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj a day earlier (November 9 and 10). Lakshmi Puja timings (muhurat) also vary by city, so check with your local mandir for exact timings where you live.
Your Diwali shopping list
For the puja and home
- Diyas, candles and tea lights (buy extra; they go fast in the week before).
- Rangoli colours and stencils.
- Fresh flowers and marigold garlands. Order early from South Asian grocers.
- String lights and door torans.
Sweets and food
- Mithai boxes from your local sweet shop. Pre-order for the weekend of November 7–8.
- Dry-fruit gift boxes: almonds, cashews and pistachios are often cheaper in bulk at warehouse clubs.
- Snacks and namkeen for guests.
Gifts and outfits
- New clothes: kurtas, sarees and lehengas. Allow time for alterations.
- Gold and silver: Dhanteras (November 6) is the traditional day to buy.
- Electronics and home appliances: see the tip below.
Smart timing: Diwali vs. Black Friday
In 2026, Diwali comes about three weeks before Black Friday (November 27). Buy puja items, sweets and outfits for Diwali itself. If a big-ticket gift, like a TV, kitchen appliance or laptop, can wait, Black Friday and Cyber Monday prices are often lower. Many stores also run early “Black Friday” sales that overlap with Diwali week, so compare before you buy.
Keep it safe and neighbour-friendly
- Fireworks rules differ by city. Many Canadian and US municipalities restrict when and where you can set them off, so check your local bylaws before you buy.
- Diya safety: keep open flames away from curtains, and never leave them unattended.
Find current festive offers on our festival and wedding deals page, or get them in the weekly email.
Dates checked October 2026 from published panchang sources; confirm muhurat timings locally. Some links on imdesi are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on Friday, November 6 to Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11. Some North American calendars place Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj a day earlier.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, November 6, 2026, the traditional day to buy gold, silver and new utensils.
When should I order Diwali sweets and gifts in Canada?
Pre-order sweets and gifts for the weekend of November 7–8, 2026, since Indian sweet shops get very busy. Order online gifts and decorations at least a week earlier to allow for shipping.
Are LED diyas safe for apartments?
Flameless LED or water-sensor diyas give the look of traditional lamps without an open flame, which makes them a safer choice for apartments, homes with children and buildings with sensitive smoke detectors.
