Deepotsav 2026: Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja & Bhai Dooj
The auspicious month of Kartik has arrived, heralding the beginning of India’s grandest five-day festival of lights, Deepotsav, which brings together families and communities across the nation in joyous celebration and spiritual reverence. Rooted in classical Vedic panchang calculations, the five consecutive days of festivities—spanning Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Badi Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj—require precise adherence to tithi transitions and planetary alignments to maximize spiritual blessings and prosperity. As millions of households across northern, western, eastern, and southern regions prepare their altars, clean their homes, and gather sacred offerings, understanding the exact shubh muhurat and planetary kaal windows ensures that every Vedic ritual is performed with precision and devotion.
Dhanteras and Narak Chaturdashi: Tithi Timings, Abhyanga Snan, and Kali Chaudas
The festive cycle officially commences with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, 2026, marking the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari alongside dedicated worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. The Trayodashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha begins at 10:30 AM on November 6 and concludes at 10:47 AM on Saturday, November 7, with the primary Dhanteras Puja Muhurat falling in the evening between 6:19 PM and 8:17 PM, an optimal duration of nearly two hours ideal for bullion purchases and evening Lakshmi-Kubera rituals. The following day, Saturday, November 7, marks Narak Chaturdashi, affectionately celebrated as Chhoti Diwali. The Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 7:47 AM on November 7 and extends until 11:27 AM on Sunday, November 8. Devotees observing the sacred ritual of Abhyanga Snan (traditional herbal oil bath) to dispel negativity and attain radiance must perform the ritual during the morning window between 5:41 AM and 6:38 AM. For those observing Kali Chaudas and propitiating Lord Hanuman for protection, the auspicious midnight puja window extends from 11:49 PM on November 7 to 12:41 AM on November 8.
Diwali Lakshmi Pujan to Bhai Dooj: Pradosh Kaal, Annakut, and Auspicious Tika Windows
The crown jewel of the festival, Diwali (Deepavali), will be celebrated nationwide on Sunday, November 8, 2026, when Amavasya Tithi commences at 11:27 AM and continues until 12:31 PM on Monday, November 9. The most propitious period for Diwali Lakshmi Puja falls during the auspicious overlap of Pradosh Kaal (5:31 PM to 8:09 PM) and the stationary Vrishabha Kaal (5:54 PM to 7:50 PM), creating an auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM. Festivities continue with Govardhan Puja (Annakut) on Tuesday, November 10, following the Kartik Shukla Pratipada Tithi, which begins at 12:31 PM on November 9 and culminates at 2:00 PM on November 10. The morning auspicious window for Govardhan circumambulation and cow worship spans from 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM. Concluding the grand five-day celebration, Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) will be observed on Wednesday, November 11, celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. The Shukla Dwitiya Tithi begins at 2:00 PM on November 10 and concludes at 3:53 PM on November 11, with the highly revered afternoon Aparahna Kaal for sisterly tilak and prayers falling between 1:10 PM and 3:20 PM.
