Chennai · Tamil Nadu
Diwali 2026in Chennai
Exact puja times & muhurta computed for Chennai coordinates (13.08°N, 80.27°E)
Key Timings
Festival Date
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Lakshmi Puja (Pradosh Kaal)
17:57 – 19:23
Sunrise
06:04
Sunset
17:40
Why This Date?
Pradosh (Evening) Rule: Observed when the Amavasya tithi prevails during Pradosh Kaal (sunset to ~96 minutes after). Lakshmi Puja is performed during Sthira (Taurus) Lagna for stability of wealth. The darkest night is illuminated with diyas.
Calculation Proof — Transparent Audit Trail
Deity
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha
Mythology & Legend
Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The citizens lit thousands of oil lamps (diyas) to welcome him, illuminating the moonless night of Kartika Amavasya. In another tradition, Lakshmi emerged from the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning) on this night and is worshipped for wealth and prosperity.
How to Observe
Five-day celebration: Dhanteras (buy gold/utensils), Naraka Chaturdashi (pre-dawn oil bath), Diwali (Lakshmi Puja at night, light diyas, burst crackers), Govardhan Puja (worship food mountains), Bhai Dooj (sister-brother bond). Clean and decorate homes, make rangoli, wear new clothes.
Significance
The festival of lights — the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil. The darkest night (Amavasya) is illuminated, symbolizing hope and renewal. Also marks the Hindu new year in many traditions.