Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026: City-Wise Timings and Puja Vidhi

Festival Guide | Updated: 1 November 2026 | Reading time: Approximately 9–11 minutes

Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important observances of Diwali, bringing families together to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. In 2026, Diwali Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November. Devotees traditionally perform the evening puja during the auspicious period associated with Pradosh Kaal.

The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026 is not exactly the same in every Indian city. Sunset, the rising zodiac sign and local Panchang calculations influence the recommended timing. Therefore, checking the time for the city where you will perform the puja is important.

This guide covers the 2026 city-wise timings, Amavasya Tithi, Pradosh Kaal, the significance of Lakshmi-Ganesh worship, a practical puja samagri checklist and a step-by-step home puja guide.

Lakshmi Puja 2026 Date and Day

Diwali Lakshmi Puja will take place on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The main worship is associated with Kartik Amavasya, the new-moon Tithi in the Hindu lunar calendar.

On this occasion, families worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is traditionally associated with wealth, abundance and well-being. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped alongside her, as devotees seek wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

The evening is usually marked by cleaning and decorating homes, lighting traditional diyas, arranging flowers, preparing offerings and performing Lakshmi-Ganesh Aarti. Many families also follow regional customs and their own household puja traditions.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026 – Main Timings

The recommended Lakshmi Puja period is generally associated with Pradosh Kaal, the evening period around sunset. In many Panchang calculations, the Vrishabha Lagna period within Pradosh Kaal is considered particularly suitable for the main Lakshmi worship.

New Delhi Lakshmi Puja Muhurat

What Is Pradosh Kaal?

Pradosh Kaal is the evening period around sunset. It is traditionally considered an important time for certain Hindu religious observances. For Diwali Lakshmi Puja, the recommended timing is identified within this evening period according to the relevant Panchang calculation.

What Is Vrishabha Lagna?

Vrishabha Lagna means Taurus ascendant. Lagna refers to the zodiac sign rising in the eastern horizon at a particular time. Vrishabha is regarded as a fixed zodiac sign, and its presence during the evening Pradosh period is considered significant in many Lakshmi Puja Muhurat calculations.

What Is the Difference Between Pradosh Kaal and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat?

They are related but are not identical. Pradosh Kaal is the broader evening period, while the recommended Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is a shorter interval identified within it. In New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal is listed from 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM, whereas the main evening Lakshmi Puja window is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.

This is why the beginning and ending times of the two periods should not be confused when planning the puja.

What Is Mahanishita Kaal?

Mahanishita Kaal is a midnight period identified in certain Hindu ritual calculations. Drik Panchang lists a separate Mahanishita period for the New Delhi reference from 11:39 PM on 8 November to 12:31 AM on 9 November 2026.

This is a separate nighttime Muhurat and should not be confused with the main evening Lakshmi Puja window. Families who follow a special midnight worship tradition should consult the appropriate local Panchang or their family priest.

For additional auspicious-time information, you can also use the Shubh Muhurat Calculator on TodayFestival.com.

City-Wise Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026

Lakshmi Puja timings vary from city to city because local sunset and astrological calculations differ by location. A timing suitable for New Delhi should not automatically be treated as the recommended time in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai or another city.

The following tables cover the requested major Indian cities. The published city-specific figures are based on the 2026 Drik Panchang timing listings. All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST), for Sunday, 8 November 2026.

City timings are published Panchang calculations, not a substitute for a family-specific ritual instruction. A few minutes of variation can occur between Panchang editions and calculation settings. Confirm the final time with the Panchang you follow.

Amavasya Tithi 2026 – Start and End Time

Amavasya is the new-moon Tithi in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is an important part of Diwali because the main Lakshmi Puja is traditionally associated with the Amavasya evening of the Kartik lunar month.

The Tithi begins on Sunday morning and continues into Monday afternoon. However, the important evening puja period occurs on Sunday, 8 November, while Amavasya is prevailing. Therefore, the continuation of Amavasya into the following day does not automatically move the principal Diwali Lakshmi Puja to Monday evening.

The name of the lunar month may also differ by calendar convention. Kartik Amavasya is commonly used in the Purnimanta calendar, while some Amanta calendars identify the same lunar date as Ashwin Amavasya. This is a difference in traditional month-naming systems, not a separate Diwali date.

To understand Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra and other daily Panchang details, visit the Hindu Panchang Calculator on TodayFestival.com.

Why Is Lakshmi Puja Celebrated During Diwali?

Diwali is widely known as the festival of lights. In many Indian households, the evening is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, who represents prosperity, abundance, fortune and well-being.

For devotees, Lakshmi Puja is an occasion to express gratitude, pray for a harmonious home and welcome the new phase with devotion. The lighting of diyas represents light overcoming darkness and is an important part of the celebration.

Significance of Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is traditionally worshipped as the goddess of wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Families offer prayers, flowers and sweets as expressions of respect and devotion. The occasion is also associated with hopes for financial stability, peace and well-being.

Why Is Lord Ganesha Worshipped Alongside Goddess Lakshmi?

Lord Ganesha is associated with wisdom, auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles. In many household traditions, devotees begin the puja by worshipping Ganesha before proceeding with Goddess Lakshmi's worship.

This combination reflects the belief that prosperity should be accompanied by wisdom and responsible decisions.

The Importance of Diyas and a Clean Home

Cleaning and decorating the home is a familiar Diwali tradition. Families light oil or ghee lamps, create rangoli designs and decorate their entrances with flowers and other festive decorations.

These practices help create a welcoming atmosphere and give the celebration its distinctive appearance. The customs followed can differ between families and regions.

Lakshmi Puja Samagri 2026 – Complete Checklist

Preparing puja samagri in advance makes the evening more organised. The following checklist includes commonly used items for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja at home. Not every household uses all the items, so follow your family tradition.

Idols and Puja Arrangement

• Goddess Lakshmi idol or picture
• Lord Ganesha idol or picture
• Puja chowki or small worship platform
• Red or yellow cloth for the chowki
• Kalash (worship pot)
• Coconut
• Mango leaves, where traditionally used

Flowers and Offerings

• Fresh flowers and garlands
• Fruits
• Traditional sweets or naivedya
• Panchamrit, where used
• Betel leaves and betel nuts, where used
• Coins for customary offerings
• Water for ritual offerings

Daily Puja Essentials

• Kumkum and turmeric
• Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Ghee or oil
• Traditional diyas
• Cotton wicks
• Incense sticks and dhoop
• Aarti thali
• Small bowls and spoons for offerings
• Clean cloth and a small towel

Some families also arrange traditional sweets, puffed rice, batasha, special regional offerings or other ingredients according to their local practices.

Lakshmi Ganesh Puja Vidhi 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide

Families across India follow different regional traditions for Diwali Lakshmi Puja. The following is a simple outline of a commonly followed home puja sequence. The exact procedure, offerings and prayers can vary according to community and family customs.

1. Clean and Prepare the Puja Area Clean the room or designated worship space before the evening ceremony. Arrange a clean chowki and prepare the area with flowers, rangoli or other decorations according to your tradition.
2. Arrange the Idols or Pictures Place the images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the prepared platform. Ensure that the idols are placed securely and that the offerings are within easy reach.
3. Prepare the Kalash Arrange the Kalash and its customary ingredients according to your household's ritual practice. Families may use water, mango leaves and a coconut as part of the preparation.
4. Begin with Lord Ganesha Worship Many traditions begin the ceremony with prayers to Lord Ganesha. Devotees offer flowers, kumkum, akshat and other customary offerings before proceeding.
5. Take the Sankalp Sankalp means making a prayerful intention before beginning the main worship. It may include remembering the occasion and expressing the family's devotion and purpose for the puja.
6. Perform Goddess Lakshmi Worship Offer flowers, kumkum, turmeric, rice grains and other customary items to Goddess Lakshmi. Follow the prayer sequence traditionally observed by your family.
7. Offer Fruits and Sweets Present fruits, sweets, naivedya and other customary food offerings. The type of offering may vary depending on family and regional practice.
8. Recite Prayers and Mantras Recite the prayers, stotras or mantras followed in your household. If you are unfamiliar with a particular ritual, you may follow a trusted prayer book or seek guidance from your family priest rather than improvising a ritual sequence.
9. Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Aarti Perform the customary Aarti with a lit diya or aarti lamp. Family members may participate in the prayer and sing the traditional Aarti.
10. Light Diyas and Distribute Prasad After the worship, light diyas in suitable places around the home and distribute prasad among family members. Make sure lamps are placed safely away from curtains, paper and other flammable materials.

Important Preparations Before Lakshmi Puja

A little preparation during the day can make the evening celebration more comfortable. Consider completing these activities before the selected Muhurat begins.

1. Clean and Decorate Your Home

Clean the rooms and the worship area. Decorate the entrance with flowers, rangoli or traditional torans. Keep the surroundings organised and welcoming.

2. Arrange Puja Samagri in Advance

Use the checklist above to collect the necessary materials. Keep the offerings, diyas, flowers and prayer accessories arranged in one convenient place.

3. Prepare the Prasad

Prepare the sweets, fruits and other traditional offerings according to your family customs. Cover prepared food and keep it clean until it is offered during the puja.

4. Decide Your Local Muhurat

Check the timings for the place where the puja will take place. Do not assume that the New Delhi, Mumbai or another city's Muhurat applies everywhere.

5. Keep the Puja Space Ready

Arrange the idols, chowki, Kalash and other materials before the scheduled puja time. Keep enough space for family members to sit comfortably.

Important Things to Remember During Lakshmi Puja

• Use the city-specific Muhurat appropriate for your location.
• Keep the puja area clean and organised.
• Prepare flowers, offerings and samagri before the ceremony.
• Follow your family or regional tradition for the ritual sequence.
• Do not assume that every regional custom is compulsory for all devotees.
• Keep lit diyas on stable, heat-resistant surfaces.
• Keep lamps, incense and candles away from curtains, paper and loose fabrics.
• Never leave burning lamps or incense unattended.
• Keep matches and open flames away from children.
• Turn off decorative electrical lights or appliances if they show signs of overheating.

Lakshmi Puja and Kojagari Lakshmi Puja – What Is the Difference?

The names can sometimes create confusion, particularly for readers researching Lakshmi Puja dates in Bengal. Diwali Lakshmi Puja and Kojagari Lakshmi Puja are two separate observances, associated with different lunar dates.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja

Diwali Lakshmi Puja is associated with Kartik Amavasya, the new-moon Tithi. In 2026, the main Diwali Lakshmi Puja will be observed on Sunday, 8 November.

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is associated with Ashwin Purnima, the full-moon observance also known as Sharad Purnima. It has particular importance in Bengal and is also observed in parts of eastern India.

In Kolkata, the 2026 Kojagari observance falls on Sunday, 25 October. This is different from the Diwali Amavasya Puja on 8 November.

Therefore, when checking Lakshmi Puja timings, make sure you are looking at the correct observance and not mixing the dates of the full-moon and new-moon festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026