Why is Diwali celebrated on Amavasya, the darkest night of the month?

Diwali falls on Amavasya, when the Moon disappears and countless diyas light up the night. Find out why this darkest night matters for Lakshmi Puja and Diwali traditions in 2026.

New Delhi: Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, the new Moon day, because this lunar date holds special religious significance for Lakshmi Puja and the festival’s traditional observances. As the Moon disappears from the night sky, millions of families light diyas, decorate their homes and pray for prosperity, happiness and new beginnings. The contrast between the darkest night and the glow of countless lamps has also become a powerful symbol of light overcoming darkness and hope overcoming despair.

In 2026, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8. The festival’s connection with Amavasya is not simply about choosing the darkest night. It brings together Hindu lunar-calendar traditions, worship of Goddess Lakshmi and regional stories that give Diwali its spiritual depth.

What is Amavasya and why is it important for Diwali?

Amavasya is the new Moon phase, when the Moon is not ordinarily visible as a bright disc in the night sky. In the Hindu Purnimanta calendar, Diwali is associated with Amavasya in the month of Kartik. In the Amanta calendar, the same lunar period is referred to as Ashwin Amavasya.

This lunar timing determines when the main Diwali observances take place. Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed during the evening Pradosh period, around sunset, when Amavasya prevails according to the applicable Panchang rules.

For New Delhi, the Amavasya tithi in 2026 begins at 11:27 AM on November 8 and ends at 12:31 PM on November 9. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50........

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