Diwali
Deepavali
The festival of lights, observed over several days. Which days matter most varies sharply by region — Lakshmi Puja in the west and north, Naraka Chaturdashi in the south.
- Where it is observed
- Pan-India, with regional variation in which days are emphasised
- Communities
- Hindu, Jain and Sikh families, each observing it for different reasons
- When to send
- 2–4 weeks ahead
- Invitation shape
- Either a family puja invitation or a party or corporate event invitation — two quite different things, and the wording should not be borrowed between them.
Who invites whom
Families invite relatives and friends for Lakshmi Puja and for meals; companies host Diwali gatherings for staff and clients; housing societies organise community celebrations.
Timing & dates
Three weeks for a corporate event, where guests' calendars fill quickly around the festival. One to two weeks is normal for a family puja.
2026–27 date guidance
Diwali 2026 falls on 8 November. The surrounding days — Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj — fall on consecutive days around it. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is specific to your location and is published in local panchangs closer to the date.
The ceremonies
Practice varies by family, community and region — not every household observes all of these.
Dhanterasधनतेरस
The first day, when metal or gold is traditionally purchased and Dhanvantari is worshipped.
Naraka Chaturdashiनरक चतुर्दशी
Observed as Choti Diwali in the north; in South India this is the principal day of Deepavali, marked by an oil bath before dawn.
Lakshmi Pujaलक्ष्मी पूजा
The main evening of Diwali in the north and west, when Lakshmi is worshipped at a muhurat after sunset.
Govardhan Puja / Annakutगोवर्धन पूजा
The day after Diwali, when an offering of many dishes is made.
Bhai Doojभाई दूज
The final day, honouring the bond between brothers and sisters.
What the invitation must include
- Which day or days the invitation is for — the festival spans several
- The Lakshmi Puja muhurat, where guests are invited to the puja itself
- Venue with map link
- Dress code, for corporate and society events
- Whether the celebration includes a meal, and at what time
- RSVP contact — useful for catering numbers
Wording examples
Adapt these to your family's own voice — square brackets mark what you replace.
We would be delighted to have you with us for Lakshmi Puja at our home on [Date]. Puja at [Time], dinner to follow.
[Company] invites you to our Diwali celebration on [Date] at [Venue], from [Time]. Traditional attire encouraged.
Create your Diwali invitation
Every function, muhurat, venue and RSVP built around your celebration — and shareable on WhatsApp in a single link.
Related guides
Navratri & Garba Nights
Nine nights honouring the Goddess, celebrated in Gujarat with garba and dandiya raas — circular dances performed nightly around an earthen lamp or an image of the Goddess.
Durga Puja
The great autumn festival of Bengal, marking the Goddess Durga's annual homecoming. Celebrated over five main days in community pandals and in family homes.
Golu · Bommala Koluvu
During Navratri, families arrange dolls and figurines on an odd number of tiered steps and invite women and children to visit, sing, and receive sundal and tamboolam.