Diwali 2026: Dates, Meaning, Havan & Seva | Dhyan Foundation
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Diwali 2026 · Dhyan Foundation
This Diwali, discover the light within
Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday, 8 November. On this page: discover what each day of the festival means, a Havan you can join, seva you can offer, and a way to begin your spiritual transformation.
The first day of Diwali, kept for divine health (Dhanvantari).
Diwali has become a multi-day celebration, and it opens with Dhanteras, kept for divine health, Dhanvantari.
Ashwini Guruji points to the tree, which gives shade, pure air, food and shelter till the last, and to the sun, which burns itself to give heat and light to all life. Save animals, feed the poor, nurse the sick, nurture plants, and do it without expecting anything in return.
Shri Krishna, with Satyabhama, frees the captives of Narakasur.
On Narak Chaturdashi, Shri Krishna, accompanied by Satyabhama, vanquished Narakasur, a powerful demon who had imprisoned 16,000 noble women and oppressed the Earth. He freed the captives, symbolising the soul's liberation from bondage.
The people rejoiced by lighting lamps, representing the victory of divine light over the darkness of ego, oppression and ignorance.
The new-moon night of Diwali, when Maa Lakshmi visits every home.
On the night of the new moon, when Diwali is celebrated, Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, descends on earth and visits every home to find those worthy of giving her shelter.
She is the Goddess of prosperity, both material and spiritual. The wealth we associate with her is not only worldly comfort; it is also the evolution of the soul, mind, character and behaviour.
What her form tells us
1
The four hands: dharma (purity), artha (prosperity), kama (pleasures) and mukti (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
2
The hundred-petal lotus: fertility, purity and detachment.
3
The cascade of gold coins: unending material prosperity.
4
The two elephants: grace, majesty and sovereignty over the world.
5
The right hand: blessings that lead to both material and spiritual prosperity.
She lives with those who have good character and are wise in their actions, who fulfil their duties, are grateful and in control of their senses, and who have forgiveness in their hearts and the passion to help others. She asks her devotees to move towards purity, generosity and compassion.
Shri Krishna lifts Govardhan to shelter the people of Vrindavan.
Govardhan Puja celebrates Shri Krishna lifting the sacred Govardhan mountain to shelter the people of Vrindavan from Lord Indra's wrathful rains. Honouring nature and devotion over the pride of celestial rituals, he taught that Bhakti, not fear, is the path to Divine grace.
The villagers offered food (annkoot) to Govardhan and lit lamps in gratitude for his protection. Cows and Nandis are adorned and worshipped on this day to honour their significance.
A question for all of us: If Shri Hari stood in our place, would he simply light a diya and walk away, or stop to offer food and treatment to an injured and hungry bull in the street?
Yes. Read and listen here, ask about a Havan, offer a seva, or tell the team you would like to begin a practice. None of it needs any experience.
Where can I join a Diwali Havan?
Send an enquiry from the Havan section on this page. The team will tell you what is planned near you and how to prepare.
How do I choose a seva?
Each card says what the seva pays for and where the amount starts. You will see the cause, the amount and whether it is one-time or monthly before you pay.
Can I keep going after Diwali?
Yes. Some sevas can be given monthly, and the team can tell you about regular practice and volunteering.
Diwali with Dhyan Foundation
Light within. Seva beyond.
Light a diya, offer a seva, and take one step towards practice.
