When is Diwali in 2026?
Sunday, November 8 is the date listed for Diwali in India Post’s 2026 holiday calendar. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower lists the same Sunday under the name Deepavali. Its holiday announcement also marks Monday, November 9 as a public holiday. The two dates answer different questions: Sunday is the festival date, and Monday is the following public holiday in Singapore. For a visit to a specific office or attraction, check its own hours.
Why the date moves each year
Many Hindu calendars track lunar phases as part of a lunisolar system. Delhi Tourism describes the main celebration as falling on Amavasya, the new-moon day of the month of Kartik. The cycle of lunar months does not line up with fixed dates in the Gregorian calendar, so Diwali can fall in October or November. For a family gathering or a temple event, use the organiser’s local schedule. An official holiday calendar gives the civil date and may cover only one day of festivities.
What does Chhoti Diwali mean?
Chhoti Diwali means Small Diwali. India’s National Council for Hotel Management describes a tradition in western Uttar Pradesh of marking Chhoti Diwali before the main day, known locally as Badi Diwali. Maharashtra Tourism describes a five-day sequence that includes Narak Chaturdashi between Dhanteras and Lakshmi Pujan. Names and customs vary by region. A greeting for one stage of the celebration can appear before the main holiday on the calendar.
Why lamps and rangoli appear together
Diyas are small lamps, traditionally made of clay and lit with oil. Rangoli is a decorative pattern often made near a home’s entrance. Maharashtra Tourism describes families using both as part of their festivities, alongside practices such as sharing sweets and holding prayers. Lamps also express a common theme of light overcoming darkness. The details depend on the community and household. The image above shows a rangoli with a diya in a file photograph from October 2025.