Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja, the Main Day

Sunday, November 8, 2026 is Diwali — the main and most important day of the five-day festival, and the night the whole world seems to glow.

What Happens on Diwali Day

Families gather for a grand prayer (puja) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, then light up the entire house, exchange gifts, eat sweets, and burst firecrackers. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is welcomed into clean, brightly lit homes — every diya in the window is an invitation.

The day’s rhythm is simple: clean and decorate in the morning, the Lakshmi Puja in the evening, then lights, sweets, gifts, and fireworks late into the night.

Diwali 2026 Date and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat

Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. In New York, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is approximately 5:03 PM to 6:52 PM EST — light your diyas and begin the puja as evening falls.

Diwali is also a public school holiday in New York City, recognized since 2023, so the whole city celebrates.

Where to Celebrate Diwali in Westchester and NYC Today

• Diwali Puja at Broome Street Ganesha Temple — 10:00 AM, 430 Broome Street, SoHo, Manhattan. Start the day with a temple puja. NYC Indian events calendar
• Diwali Dance Performance and Workshop — 2:00–2:30 PM, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. A family dance performance and workshop for kids. NYC Indian events calendar
• Diwali Celebration at the Bhakti Center — 3:45 PM, 25 1st Avenue, Manhattan. An evening of lights, music, and community in the heart of the city. Details
• BAPS Flushing Diwali and Chopda Pujan — evening arti 6:00–6:30 PM, Sharda Chopda Pujan 7:30–9:00 PM, then fireworks, 43-38 Bowne Street, Flushing. One of the biggest Diwali nights in Queens. Details

And the celebrations keep going: the Diwali Festival at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is Saturday, November 14, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM — diya-making, rangoli, henna, and Indian dance. Details

Diwali Dining in the Bronx and Westchester

If the family is gathering over food tonight, Westchester and the Bronx have plenty of Indian tables — from Spice Village in Tuckahoe to the Diwali buffets in Port Chester. See this local guide to Indian restaurants and Diwali dining in the Bronx and Westchester.

Getting There: Dia Limo Rides for Diwali Night

Diwali night means family, and family means travel — relatives landing at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, and everyone heading to one house, one temple, one celebration. Dia Limo Service runs flat-rate airport rides with no surge pricing, 24/7, across Westchester and New York City. See our airport taxi service or book on WhatsApp: 914-292-4800.

Diwali FAQ

When is Diwali in 2026?
Sunday, November 8, 2026 — the third and main day of the five-day festival (November 6–10).

What time is Lakshmi Puja in New York?
Approximately 5:03–6:52 PM EST on Sunday, November 8.

Why do we light diyas on Diwali?
Diyas welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the home and celebrate light triumphing over darkness.

Is Diwali a public holiday in New York City?
Yes — Diwali has been a New York City public school holiday since 2023.

Happy Diwali from Dia Limo Service. 🪔✨