Diwali 2026

How to observe Diwali

1. 1Clean the house beforehand; decorate the entrance with rangoli and a toran of mango leaves or marigolds.
2. 2Bathe in the morning (in the South, an oil bath -- Abhyanga Snan -- before sunrise).
3. 3Set up the altar in the north-east: a red cloth on a raised chowki, Lakshmi and Ganesha (Ganesha on Lakshmi's left), and a kalash with mango leaves and a coconut.
4. 4After sunset, in Pradosh Kaal (ideally the Sthir Lagna), begin with Ganesha puja, then worship Lakshmi with kumkum, rice, lotus or red flowers; many also worship Kuber and their account books or cash box.
5. 5Offer kheel-batashe, sweets and fruits; sing 'Om Jai Lakshmi Mata' and the Ganesha aarti.
6. 6Light diyas at the entrance, windows, kitchen, water source and Tulsi plant, and keep one ghee lamp burning through the night.
7. 7Share sweets with family and neighbours.

Samagri (what you need)

• Lakshmi and Ganesha idols or image
• Red cloth and a wooden chowki
• Kalash, mango leaves and a coconut
• Kumkum, haldi and akshat
• Lotus or marigold flowers and garlands
• Kheel (puffed rice) and batashe
• Sweets, fruits and dry fruits
• Earthen diyas, ghee or oil, and cotton wicks
• Silver or new coins
• Incense and camphor
• Rangoli colours