Diwali 2026
📅 Κυριακή 8 Νοεμβρίου 2026 Ολοήμερο
🏷️ Spiritual Events
Diwali means "a row of lights" derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, and it is widely celebrated as the festival of lights.
Diwali is the major Hindu festival of lights that symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival usually lasts for five days during the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika (falling in October or November). In 2026, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8
Meaning and Significance
- Name: The word comes from the Sanskrit deepavali, meaning a "row of lighted lamps".
- Core Symbolism: It celebrates hope, renewal, and the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma.
Core Significance
- Light over Darkness: It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
- Knowledge over Ignorance: The holiday represents the triumph of knowledge and hope over ignorance and despair.
- New Beginnings: Many communities treat the festival as the start of a new year, cleaning homes and praying to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for prosperity.
Cultural and Religious Roots
- Hinduism: Celebrates the return of Lord Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.
- Jainism: Commemorates the spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha) of Mahavira.
- Sikhism: Marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment.
Common Traditions
- Lighting Lamps: People light small clay oil lamps called diyas and candles around their homes.
- Decorations: Colorful floor designs known as rangoli are created using colored sand or flower petals.
The Five Days of Diwali 2026
- Day 1 – Dhanteras: Friday, November 6, 2026 (Worship for health and prosperity, buying precious metals).
- Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Commemorating the victory over Narakasura).
- Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali): Sunday, November 8, 2026 (The main festival of lights and worship of Goddess Lakshmi).
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (Padwa): Monday, November 9, 2026 (Honoring nature and celebrating the Hindu New Year in some regions).