Diwali is today, Sunday, November 8, 2026. If you are setting up the Lakshmi Puja at home, timing matters. Families have followed the muhurat for generations, and this year the evening window is clear and comfortable.

For New Delhi, the best time for Lakshmi Puja is between 05:54 PM and 07:50 PM. That gives you 1 hour 56 minutes. This slot falls in both Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna, which is a fixed ascendant. Fixed lagna is considered ideal because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi stays in the home when puja is done at this time.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026 for New Delhi

Here are the timings for New Delhi according to Drik Panchang:

  • Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
  • Amavasya Tithi begins: 11:27 AM on November 8
  • Amavasya Tithi ends: 12:31 PM on November 9
  • Pradosh Kaal: 05:31 PM to 08:09 PM
  • Vrishabha Kaal (evening): 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM
  • Mahanishita Kaal (midnight): 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (November 9)

Sthir Lagna Timings

  • Vrishabha Lagna (evening): 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM
  • Simha Lagna (midnight): 12:25 AM to 02:42 AM (November 9)

Shubh Choghadiya, November 8

  • Shubha (good): 05:40 PM to 07:17 PM
  • Amrita (best): 07:17 PM to 08:55 PM

Diwali 2026 Puja Muhurat Across Major Cities

According to Drik Panchang

City 

Evening Puja Muhurat (IST) 

Mumbai 

06:35 PM to 08:35 PM 

Bengaluru 

06:25 PM to 08:20 PM 

Kolkata 

05:28 PM to 07:26 PM 

Ahmedabad 

06:30 PM to 08:28 PM 

Chandigarh 

06:00 PM to 07:54 PM 

Gurugram 

06:03 PM to 07:59 PM 

Ahmedabad 

06:22 PM to 08:20 PM 

How To Do The Lakshmi Puja At Home?

1. Start with the house. Clean it well before sunset and keep the entrance tidy. Make a rangoli at the door and hang a fresh toran. Many families also draw small footprints from the door towards the puja area to welcome the goddess.

2. Take a bath and wear clean, preferably new, clothes. Red, yellow and other festive colours are good festive colour choices.

3. Spread a red or yellow cloth on a clean wooden chowki or a platform. Place the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on it. Many homes also keep Kubera beside them. Set up a kalash filled with water, with mango leaves on top and a coconut over it.

4. Light a diya with ghee near the idols. Keep a few more ready to place around the house later.

5. Always begin with Lord Ganesha. Offer him flowers, roli, akshat and a little sweet. Then move to Goddess Lakshmi. Offer her kumkum, lotus or marigold flowers, rice, fruits and sweets. Kheer, batasha, makhana and sweets made at home are commonly offered as bhog.

6. Many people also keep their account books, a few coins, jewellery or cash near the idols during the puja. It is a way of asking for prosperity in the year ahead.

7. Recite the Lakshmi Chalisa or any mantra you follow. Finish with the aarti and distribute the prasad among family members.

What To Do After Diwali Puja?

Once the puja is done, light diyas at the main door, balcony, kitchen and other corners of the house. Keep a lamp near the tulsi plant if you have one at home. Some families keep the main door slightly open for a while, with the belief that the goddess enters the home.

Midnight is also special for many. The Mahanishita Kaal is traditionally linked with tantric practices and mantra sadhana. For most homes, though, the evening puja is more than enough.

Small Things To Keep In Mind

Keep the puja area clean and well lit. Avoid rushing through the steps. If you are doing the puja for the first time, ask an elder at home to guide you. The intention counts as much as the rituals.

Also check with your family priest or local panchang if you want exact timings for your city. Muhurat timings can vary by a few minutes depending on the location.

Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous Diwali.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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