Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is a time for family, celebration and new beginnings. Celebrated by communities around the world, the festival is associated with light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil.
But Diwali isn’t just one day. The festival traditionally takes place over five days, with each day carrying its own meaning, customs and celebrations.
In 2026, the five days of Diwali run from Friday, November 6 to Tuesday, November 10, with the main day of Diwali falling on Sunday, November 8.
Whether you’re celebrating Diwali in India or abroad, sending Diwali wishes to loved ones abroad or simply want to learn more about the Festival of Lights, here’s a guide to the five days of Diwali and what each one represents.
„Diwali is about sharing joy with the people who matter. Even when loved ones are far away, a thoughtful gift can help you feel part of the celebration.“
– Darshan Yandigeri, Senior Analyst
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday, November 8. The full five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras on November 6 and concludes with Bhai Dooj on November 10.
- Day 1: Dhanteras – Friday, November 6, 2026
- Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) – Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Day 4: Govardhan Puja – Monday, November 9, 2026
- Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Traditions and observances can vary between families, communities and regions, so the way each day is celebrated may look a little different.
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is traditionally associated with prosperity and well-being.
The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth, while ‘Teras’ refers to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. The day is associated with Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. Traditions include lighting diyas and purchasing new items such as utensils, gold or silver as symbols of prosperity.
If you’re celebrating from abroad, sending money ahead of Dhanteras can help loved ones prepare for purchases and celebrations in the way that works best for them.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi, or Choti Diwali
The second day is known as Naraka Chaturdashi, and is also commonly called Choti Diwali.
The day recalls Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and carries the wider Diwali theme of good triumphing over evil. Traditions can include an early-morning oil bath and lighting lamps.
With the main Diwali celebration just a day away, excitement is building and homes are getting ready to shine.
Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
The third day is the main day of Diwali. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, November 8.
Homes are illuminated with diyas and other lights, while colourful rangoli designs often decorate entrances. Families come together, exchange gifts and celebrate. For families celebrating in different countries, sending money can also be a practical way to give loved ones the freedom to choose their own Diwali gift.
Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, is an important part of the day for many Hindu families. It’s a day filled with light, togetherness and celebration, whether family members are gathered under one roof or connecting from different parts of the world.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
The celebrations continue on the fourth day with Govardhan Puja.
The day commemorates the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect his village from heavy rain. The occasion is associated with gratitude and appreciation for nature and its blessings.
Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut in some traditions.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
Traditionally, sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply a sacred mark to their foreheads, while brothers may give gifts in return. The day centres on familial love, care and protection.
It’s a fitting way to complete five days centred around family, gratitude and togetherness.
Celebrating Diwali with loved ones near and far
From lighting diyas and creating rangoli to sharing food and exchanging gifts, Diwali brings families and communities together.
And when some of the people you care about are thousands of kilometres away, you can still be part of their celebrations.
Why is gifting important during Diwali?
Gifting is a cherished part of Diwali celebrations and a way to show love, gratitude and appreciation for family and friends. People often exchange sweets, clothes, decorations and other thoughtful gifts as they celebrate together. For loved ones who live far away, sending a gift or money can also be a meaningful way to share in the celebrations, even when you can’t be there in person.
Send money to loved ones this Diwali with Western Union
Whether you want to contribute towards a family celebration, help loved ones prepare for Diwali or simply send a thoughtful gift from afar, Western Union can help you stay connected.
Send money with Western Union and be part of your loved ones’ Diwali celebrations, wherever you are.
Send money with Western Union and be part of your loved ones' Diwali celebrations, wherever you are.
FAQs
The five days are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day has its own traditions and significance.
Diwali 2026 is celebrated over five days, from Friday, November 6 to Tuesday, November 10. The main day of Diwali, also known as Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
In 2026, the five days of Diwali run from November 6 to November 10:
- Dhanteras: Friday, November 6
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Saturday, November 7
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Sunday, November 8
- Govardhan Puja: Monday, November 9
- Bhai Dooj: Tuesday, November 10
The third day is the main Diwali celebration and is associated with Lakshmi Puja. In 2026, this falls on Sunday, November 8.
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is why its date changes from year to year.
Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights and is associated with themes including the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Traditions vary, but celebrations can include lighting diyas, decorating homes with lights and rangoli, exchanging gifts, spending time with family and taking part in religious observances.
Sending money for Diwali can be a thoughtful way to celebrate with family and friends when you can’t be together in person. Your loved ones can use the money in the way that suits them best, whether that’s preparing for the festivities, buying gifts, sharing a special meal or simply enjoying the celebration. It’s a simple way to feel part of Diwali, even when you’re celebrating from different places.
If you’re sending money for Diwali, consider sending it before the five-day festival begins on November 6, 2026, so your loved ones have time to prepare for the celebrations. Bank holidays and opening hours in India can vary by location during the Diwali period, which may affect some banking services. Always check your estimated delivery time and your recipient’s preferred way to receive the money before sending.
