Days Until Diwali
Countdown to the Festival of Lights
Sunday, 8 November 2026
Diwali by the numbers
About Diwali
Diwali (Deepavali) is the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes, temples, and streets are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and fireworks, and families gather for prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
The main day falls on Kartik Amavasya — the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartik — and is widely observed as Lakshmi Puja, honouring the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Though traditions vary by region and faith, the central theme of welcoming light and hope is shared across more than a billion celebrants worldwide.
How is the Diwali countdown calculated?
This countdown targets midnight on the main day of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in your local time zone. The dates shown follow the Hindu lunisolar calendar, when Diwali falls on the new moon of Kartik. The display updates every second with the precise days, hours, minutes, and seconds remaining.
Because the Hindu calendar tracks both lunar months and solar seasons, Diwali shifts within a roughly four-week window each October and November. Once the current year's date has passed, the countdown automatically rolls forward to the next listed Diwali.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the date of Diwali change every year?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar, not the fixed Gregorian calendar. It falls on Kartik Amavasya — the new moon night in the month of Kartik. Because lunar months are shorter than solar months, the Gregorian date drifts each year, typically landing between mid-October and mid-November.
How long does Diwali last?
Diwali is traditionally a five-day festival. It begins with Dhanteras two days before the main night, continues through Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) the day before, peaks on the third day with Lakshmi Puja — the main Diwali night — and concludes with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj in the days that follow. This countdown targets the main Lakshmi Puja night.
Who celebrates Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and many others across India and the global diaspora. Hindus honour the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and the triumph of light; Sikhs mark the release of Guru Hargobind; Jains commemorate Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana. Customs differ, but lighting lamps and gathering with family are shared across traditions.
Why do people light diyas at Diwali?
Diyas — small clay oil lamps — symbolise the inner light that protects against spiritual darkness. Lighting them at doorways and windows welcomes Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and represents hope, knowledge, and the victory of good over evil. The word "Deepavali" itself means "row of lights."