Diwaliदिवाळी

Diwali (Deepavali) in Maharashtra is a festival of several days, from Vasubaras to Bhaubeej, marked by diyas, akash kandil lanterns, rangoli, faral and fireworks.

Next: Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Vasubaras

Diwali begins with Vasubaras, when a cow and her calf are worshipped as a thanksgiving for the wealth they bring to a household.

Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

People buy gold, silver or new utensils, and worship Dhanvantari, the god of medicine. A lamp is lit facing south for Yama in the evening.

Narak Chaturdashi

Before sunrise the family has an abhyanga snan, an oil bath with utane, recalling Krishna's victory over Narakasura. In many homes a bitter karit fruit is crushed underfoot. The day starts with the first faral: chakli, chivda, karanji, shankarpali, anarse and ladoo.

Lakshmi Pujan

On Amavasya evening, in the pradosh muhurat, Lakshmi is worshipped at home and in shops. Traders close their old account books and begin new ones.

Padwa (Balipratipada)

Remembering King Bali, it is one of the sade-teen muhurta. Wives perform aukshan (aarti) for their husbands, and businesses start the new financial year.

Bhaubeej

Sisters perform aukshan for their brothers, who give a gift in return. It closes the Diwali festival.

How the date is fixed

Vasubaras and Dhanteras are fixed by the tithi at pradosh (after sunset), Narak Chaturdashi by the tithi before sunrise, Lakshmi Pujan by Amavasya at pradosh, and Padwa and Bhaubeej by the tithi at sunrise.

Dates are calculated for Mumbai. A printed panchang from another city or tradition can differ by a day. For rituals, follow your family priest.