Diwali Festival Calendar Announced: Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja to Be Observed on November 8

Smriti Vigyan Avantika Research Committee releases its Diwali festival guidelines based on religious scriptures and astrological calculations; dates and traditional rituals outlined for Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj

Ujjain: Diwali holds a special place in the Sanatan Vedic tradition. Beyond the celebrations, lights and festivities, the festival carries deep religious significance, reflecting faith, devotion and age-old customs. Hindu scriptures prescribe specific dates, timings and rituals for observing festivals. However, differences in calendar calculations and a lack of awareness about scriptural traditions can sometimes lead to confusion over festival dates.

With the objective of providing clarity, the Smriti Vigyan Avantika Research Committee, Ujjain, organised a special meeting to discuss the festival calendar for Vikram Samvat 2083. Scholars and members examined the relevant religious scriptures, astrological calculations and ancient references before finalising the dates and traditional observances for the Diwali festival period. Continuing its annual tradition, the committee has released its Diwali festival decision for 2026.

Dhanteras on November 6: Dhanvantari Jayanti and Yama Deepdaan

According to the committee’s announcement, Friday, November 6, 2026, will be observed as Dhanteras on the Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The day will also mark Dhanvantari Jayanti and the ritual of lighting lamps in honour of Yama.

The purchase of medicines, Triphala and other auspicious items is also considered significant on this occasion.

The committee has advised devotees to perform Yama Deepdaan during the evening Pradosh period, traditionally by lighting a lamp outside the home. The Skanda Purana refers to the practice of lighting a Yama lamp on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi as a ritual believed to ward off the fear of untimely death.

November 7: Yama Tarpan and Traditional Lamp Offering

Saturday, November 7, 2026, will be observed as Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. According to the prescribed religious tradition, devotees should perform Yama Tarpan and light a four-faced lamp in the southern direction.

Lighting lamps in the evening as an offering to Yama, along with दीपदान at temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, is also part of the traditional observance.

The Brahma Purana mentions the offering of lamps on Chaturdashi as a symbolic prayer for liberation from suffering and the removal of sins.

November 8: Narak Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas Rituals

Sunday, November 8, 2026, will also include the observance of Narak Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas in the early morning. The committee has highlighted the traditional practice of taking an oil massage bath, known as Abhyanga Snan, before sunrise.

According to the Brahma Purana, sesame oil is associated with Goddess Lakshmi and water with the sacred River Ganga on this day. Religious belief holds that devotees who perform the pre-sunrise ritual bath and offer lamps receive protection from the fear of Yamaloka.

The Bhavishya Purana also emphasises the importance of bathing before sunrise on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi.

Diwali on November 8: Lakshmi, Ganesh and Kuber Worship

The committee’s festival decision states that Kartik Amavasya will begin at 11:28 AM on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Accordingly, worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kuber during the evening Pradosh period on the same day has been described as consistent with scriptural traditions.

Devotees will celebrate the festival by lighting lamps in homes and temples and praying for prosperity, happiness and well-being.

November 9: Annakoot Celebration and Govardhan Puja

Monday, November 9, 2026, has been identified as the appropriate day for Annakoot Mahotsav and Govardhan Puja, during the Pratipada Tithi following Amavasya.

The occasion commemorates Lord Krishna’s divine act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul. Devotees traditionally offer prayers and prepare a variety of food offerings as part of the Annakoot celebration.

Referring to the religious guidance contained in the Deval Smriti, the committee has also highlighted the importance of considering the conjunction of Pratipada and Darsha Tithi while determining the appropriate day for the rituals.

November 11: Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja

The Diwali festival sequence will conclude on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with Bhai Dooj, observed on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Chitragupta Puja will also be performed on this day.

On Bhai Dooj, sisters apply tilak and pray for their brothers’ long life, good health, happiness and prosperity. The festival symbolises the affection and enduring bond between brothers and sisters.

Scholars Participate in the Festival Calendar Discussion

The special meeting to finalise the Diwali festival decision was held under the guidance of the organisation’s founder, Dr. Gopal Krishna Shukla.

Those present included committee president Pt. Durgesh Tare, vice-president Pt. Mitesh Pandey and secretary Pt. Ramchandra Nayak. Other participants included Pt. Rajesh Upadhyay, Pt. Ravi Dubey, Pt. Sarvesh Sharma, Pt. Nitin Samadhiya, Pt. Dharmendra Sharma and Pt. Harshit Sharma.

The committee aims to promote awareness of the correct festival dates and traditional religious practices through scriptural references and astrological calculations. It also works towards preserving Sanatan Dharma’s beliefs, customs and cultural heritage.

Issued by:
Pt. Ramchandra Nayak
Secretary, Smriti Vigyan Avantika Research Committee