Diwali 2026 Dates in Maharashtra: Dhanteras Nov 6, Lakshmi Pujan Nov 8, Padwa Nov 10, Bhau Beej Nov 11

Diwali is a week away, and Pune markets from Laxmi Road to Tulshibaug are already busy. Here are the main dates for Diwali 2026, checked against the Maharashtra government’s 2026 holiday list and widely followed panchangs such as ePanchang. Note that some panchangs differ by a day because the tithis cross over at odd hours, so check with your family priest or local panchang for puja timings.

Diwali 2026 calendar

• Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November
• Narak Chaturdashi: Chaturdashi tithi runs from the morning of Saturday, 7 November, to the morning of Sunday, 8 November. The Abhyang Snan (early morning oil bath) is on Sunday, 8 November.
• Lakshmi Puja: Sunday, 8 November
• Diwali Padwa / Bali Pratipada: Tuesday, 10 November
• Bhau Beej / Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, 11 November

Why Lakshmi Puja is on November 8

Amavasya, the new moon tithi, begins on the morning of 8 November and ends around midday on 9 November. Since Lakshmi Puja is done in the evening (Pradosh Kaal) on Amavasya, most calendars place it on Sunday, 8 November. A few calendars print 9 November, which is why you may see both dates online.

Diwali Padwa and Bhau Beej in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Diwali Padwa is one of the most auspicious days of the year and a popular day for gold purchases, new vehicles and fresh beginnings. Bhau Beej, when sisters perform aarti for brothers, falls on Wednesday, 11 November. North Indian calendars list Bhai Dooj on 10 November, but in Maharashtra the state holiday and most Marathi panchangs put Bhau Beej on 11 November.

Bank holidays

The state government’s holiday list has Lakshmi Pujan on Sunday, 8 November, Balipratipada on Tuesday, 10 November, and Bhaubeej on Wednesday, 11 November, which the General Administration Department added as a special extra holiday for 2026. Banks in Maharashtra are shut on 10 November for Balipratipada; check with your branch about 11 November. See our list of bank holidays in November 2026 to plan visits.

Celebrate in Pune

Diwali Pahat morning concerts are among Pune’s favourite traditions. Our Pune events this weekend page lists Diwali Pahat shows on 8 November at Tilak Smarak Mandir and Ram Krishna More Auditorium. Travelling home? Check Pune ST’s 1,200 extra Diwali buses.

Frequently asked questions