Naraka Chaturdashi
Sunday, November 8
Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Sydney
Saturday, November 7
New Jersey, Dallas, Bay Area, Chicago, London
At a glance
- Naraka Chaturdashi
- Sunday, November 8 in India · Saturday, November 7 in the USA
- Deepavali
- Sunday, November 8 · India and USA
- Kartika Masam begins
- Tuesday, November 10 in India · Monday, November 9 in the USA
- Nagula Chavithi
- Friday, November 13 in India · varies by US city
- Karthika Pournami
- Tuesday, November 24 in India · varies by US city
Diwali wishes in Telugu and English
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The date in your city
Cities that share a date are grouped together. Where it differs from India, it’s highlighted.
Deepavali
Sunday, November 8
Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, New Jersey, Dallas, Bay Area, Chicago, London, Sydney
Kartika Masam begins
Tuesday, November 10
Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Sydney
Monday, November 9
New Jersey, Dallas, Bay Area, Chicago, London
Nagula Chavithi
Friday, November 13
Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, New Jersey, Chicago, London, Sydney
Thursday, November 12
Dallas, Bay Area
Karthika Pournami
Tuesday, November 24
Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, New Jersey, Dallas, Chicago, London, Sydney
Monday, November 23
Bay Area
What is Deepavali?
Deepavali, the festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. The name means "a row of lamps" (deepa = lamp, avali = row). It marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In Telugu homes it begins with Naraka Chaturdashi, the day Sri Krishna and Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura, with an oil bath before sunrise. Across India it also recalls Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana returning to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. Everywhere it is a time for renewal, for family, and for welcoming Goddess Lakshmi and her prosperity.
How it is celebrated
- 1
Cleaning and decorating
In the days before, families clean and declutter their homes. Entrances get colourful muggulu (rangoli), and doorways are hung with mango leaves and marigold torans.
- 2
Lighting the lamps
On Deepavali night, homes glow with rows of earthen oil lamps (pramidalu), candles and lights, to drive away darkness and welcome prosperity.
- 3
Lakshmi and Ganesha puja
In the evening the family gathers to worship Goddess Lakshmi, who brings wealth, and Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles, then shares sweets.
- 4
Crackers and gifts
Children light crackers and sparklers (many families now choose eco-friendly ones), and neighbours exchange sweets, dry fruits and gifts.
- 5
Feasts and new beginnings
Kitchens fill with festive food, from savoury janthikalu (chakli) to sweets like laddu and kajjikayalu. Many businesses open new account books, so it is an auspicious time to start something new.
Naraka Chaturdashi
The day before Deepavali, when Satyabhama and Krishna defeated Narakasura. The day starts with an early oil bath (abhyanga snanam).
Deepavali
The festival of lights, on Ashvayuja Amavasya. Homes are lit with diyas, Lakshmi Puja is done in the evening, and fireworks fill the night.
Karthika Pournami
The full moon of Kartika. Lamps are floated on rivers and ponds and 365 wicks are lit in temples — a very auspicious day for Shiva and Vishnu.
Questions
What is Deepavali?
Deepavali, the festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. The name means "a row of lamps" (deepa = lamp, avali = row). It marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. In Telugu homes it begins with Naraka Chaturdashi, the day Sri Krishna and Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura, with an oil bath before sunrise. Across India it also recalls Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana returning to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. Everywhere it is a time for renewal, for family, and for welcoming Goddess Lakshmi and her prosperity.
When is Deepavali 2026?
Deepavali is on Sunday, November 8 in India and the USA.
When is Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?
Naraka Chaturdashi is on Sunday, November 8 in India and Saturday, November 7 in the USA.
Why is the date different in the USA?
A festival is kept on the day whose sunrise falls in the right tithi. Sunrise in America comes about 10 hours after sunrise in India, so the tithi at sunrise can differ and the festival can fall a day earlier or later. Always go by your own city’s date.
Can I get a reminder before each festival?
The Teluguvaari Calendar app sends an alert the evening before or the morning of every festival you choose, with the date for your own city. It is free, with no ads.