Many South Asian religious communities will soon observe Diwali, a major holiday, also known as Deepavali or Divali.
But what is Diwali, and when is it? Is Diwali the same as Holi? Here’s what to know.
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali will start slightly later in 2026 than it did last year. Diwali 2026 will be on Sunday, November 8, according to Time and Date.
Diwali’s date changes each year based on the lunar calendar. The Diwali festival lasts five days, from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Kartik, according to Britannica.
Diwali typically occurs in the fall, usually in late October or early November.
What is Diwali, the festival of lights? What religions celebrate it?
According to National Geographic Kids, Diwali, or Deepavali, is known as the festival of lights.
Communities in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism have their own way of celebrating it.
The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning row of lights. This refers to the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that observers light outside their homes during Diwali to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness.
How is Holi different from Diwali?
The Hindu festival of Holi is an ancient celebration that marks the end of winter and honors the triumph of good over evil, according to National Geographic Kids. The night before it starts, participants light a bonfire to bid farewell to winter and gather at temples to celebrate together.
On the day of Holi, people throw colored powders called gulal on one another. They also tend to wear their oldest clothes for the festival of colors, and National Geographic says that the colors have special meanings. Red dye represents love, blue powder represents the Hindu god Krishna and green dye is indicative of new beginnings.
Holi traditionally occurs on the day of the last full moon in the month of Phalguna in the Hindu calendar, and the month typically occurs between February and March.
For how many days is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali actually spans five days, according to Almanac. Each day has its own name, and one is titled Diwali. In 2026, the five days are:
- Dhanteras (Nov. 6)
- Kali Chaudas (Nov. 7)
- Diwali (main day) (Nov. 8)
- Govardhan Puja (Nov. 9)
- Bhai Dooj (Nov. 10)
How is Diwali observed?
Depending on the region and tradition, observances of Diwali differ, according to Britannica.
The most common practice among Hindus is to light diyas (small clay lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to summon the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.
When the diyas are lit, they are placed in rows in temples and houses or set afloat on rivers and streams. People traditionally decorate their homes with rangoli, intricate designs made with colored rice, sand or flower petals, to summon the goddess Lakshmi to bless their home with wealth and success.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Is Diwali the same as Holi? See Diwali 2026 dates, traditions
