Planning Diwali week? The November dates for Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan and Bhai Dooj

The New Delhi calendar places Govatsa Dwadashi on Thursday, November 5. Known as Vasu Baras in Maharashtra, it marks the start of Diwali observances in some households, with traditions centred on honouring cows and calves.

Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6 in the cited calendar. Families traditionally worship Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera, while purchases such as utensils, gold and silver are associated with the day. Local puja timings need a city-specific check.

Saturday, November 7 is listed for Kali Chaudas. Its observance varies across regions and traditions, so it should not be treated as a universal date for every ritual commonly grouped under the Diwali celebrations.

The main Diwali and Lakshmi Puja observances fall on Sunday, November 8. Naraka Chaturdashi is also listed on that date in the New Delhi calendar, placing morning observances and the evening celebrations on the same day.

Govardhan Puja and Annakut fall on Tuesday, November 10 in the cited calendar. That leaves a calendar-day gap after Diwali on November 8, rather than placing every major observance on consecutive dates this year.

Bhai Dooj falls on Wednesday, November 11, closing this sequence of festival dates with celebrations of the sibling bond. Regional names and customs vary, and the appropriate tilak time should be checked for the location where it is observed.