Diwali 2026 is just around the corner, and preparations for the festival of lights will soon begin across India. From Dhanteras shopping and Kali Chaudas rituals to Lakshmi Puja, Gujarati New Year and Bhai Beej, the Diwali season is filled with several important days.
For people in Gujarat, Diwali is especially significant because the celebrations continue with Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) and Labh Pancham. According to the 2026 Gujarati festival calendar, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, while Gujarati New Year will fall on Tuesday, November 10.
Diwali 2026 Date
Diwali 2026: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated on the Amavasya Tithi of the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2026, the Amavasya Tithi begins at 11:27 AM on November 8 and ends at 12:31 PM on November 9, according to the cited Panchang calculations.
The main Diwali evening is traditionally associated with Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, lighting diyas, decorating homes and shops, exchanging sweets and spending time with family.
Diwali 2026 Calendar for Gujarat
Here is the important festival calendar for Gujarat:
| Date | Day | Festival |
|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2026 | Thursday | Vagh Baras |
| November 5, 2026 | Thursday | Rama Ekadashi |
| November 6, 2026 | Friday | Dhanteras |
| November 7, 2026 | Saturday | Kali Chaudas |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Chopda Puja |
| November 9, 2026 | Monday | Govardhan Puja, Annakut |
| November 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Bestu Varas / Gujarati New Year |
| November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Bhai Beej |
| November 13, 2026 | Friday | Labh Chaturthi |
| November 14, 2026 | Saturday | Labh Pancham |
These dates are based on the 2026 Gujarati festival calendar for Gujarat.
Dhanteras 2026: November 6
Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026. The day is traditionally considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, utensils and other valuable items. Many families also perform Dhanvantari and Lakshmi-related worship on Dhanteras.
For the cited Panchang location, the Dhanteras Pradosh period is around the evening, with the specific Puja Muhurat varying by location.
Kali Chaudas 2026: November 7
Kali Chaudas will be observed on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi in several parts of India, the day falls immediately before Diwali. In Gujarat, Kali Chaudas has its own traditional significance and is associated with special prayers and rituals.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
The most important question for many families is: When is the best time for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026? For Ahmedabad, the cited Panchang gives the main Lakshmi Puja Muhurat from 6:22 PM to 8:20 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
For Bardoli, the calculated Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 6:23 PM to 8:22 PM. This demonstrates why Puja timings can differ slightly from one city to another.
Chopda Puja 2026
For businesses and traders in Gujarat, Chopda Puja is one of the most important Diwali traditions. On Diwali, business owners traditionally worship their account books and business-related records along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. New account books may be opened with auspicious symbols and prayers for prosperity in the coming year. The 2026 Gujarati calendar lists Chopda Puja on November 8, the same day as Diwali and Lakshmi Puja.
Gujarati New Year 2026: Bestu Varas
One of the biggest celebrations in Gujarat comes immediately after Diwali. Gujarati New Year 2026, also known as Bestu Varas, will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10.
It marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083 in the Gujarati calendar. Families traditionally visit temples, meet relatives and friends, exchange greetings and seek blessings for the new year. For businesses, the period is also closely connected with the opening of new account books and seeking prosperity for the year ahead.
Govardhan Puja and Annakut
In the Gujarati calendar, Govardhan Puja and Annakut will be observed on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Annakut is particularly associated with offering a large variety of vegetarian food preparations as an offering to the deity. There can be regional differences in how Govardhan Puja is observed and which date is followed, so devotees should follow their local Panchang and family tradition.
Bhai Beej 2026
Bhai Beej will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in the Gujarati calendar. The festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters traditionally perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers and pray for their well-being, while brothers offer gifts and blessings.
Labh Pancham 2026
For Gujarat, the Diwali festive period continues beyond Bhai Beej. Labh Pancham will fall on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Labh Pancham is considered an auspicious day for restarting businesses and commercial activities after the Diwali break. Many Gujarati businesses perform special prayers and reopen their establishments around this time.
Diwali 2026: What Should You Prepare For?
With Diwali falling on a Sunday this year, families can start preparing several days in advance.
Before Diwali
- Clean and decorate your home
- Purchase diyas and festive decorations
- Plan Dhanteras shopping
- Prepare for Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja
- Businesses can arrange materials for Chopda Puja
- Buy sweets and gifts for family and friends
- Plan travel and family gatherings
On Diwali
The evening is generally focused on Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, lighting diyas and celebrating with family. Those performing religious rituals should follow their local Panchang for the exact Muhurat.
After Diwali
The Gujarati festive season continues with Govardhan Puja, Bestu Varas, Bhai Beej and Labh Pancham, making it a particularly important period for families and businesses across Gujarat.
Important Note About Diwali Muhurat
Muhurat timings are not identical across every city. The Lakshmi Puja timing published for Ahmedabad, for example, differs slightly from Bardoli.
Therefore, readers should use the timing for their specific city/location and, for important religious ceremonies, confirm it with their family priest or local Panchang.
Diwali 2026 at a Glance
Diwali: November 8, 2026
Day: Sunday
Lakshmi Puja: November 8
Gujarati New Year: November 10, 2026
Bhai Beej: November 11, 2026
Labh Pancham: November 14, 2026
Gujarati Vikram Samvat: 2083
Diwali 2026 will once again bring together traditions of worship, family gatherings, new beginnings and celebrations. For Gujarat, the festival is more than just one night — from Dhanteras to Bestu Varas and Labh Pancham, it is a complete festive season.
Also read, Best Garba & Pre-Navratri Locations in Surat 2026
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