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Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
Dates for the Bay Area
- Sunday, 8 November 2026Major festivalnext
- Thursday, 28 October 2027Major festival
Why it matters
Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and dharma over disorder. Lakshmi Puja especially invokes auspiciousness and prosperity.
The story behind it
Regional stories include Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura and worship of Lakshmi; the festival’s meaning varies across India.
Prayers and worship
Lakshmi-Ganesha pooja, Sri Suktam or Lakshmi prayers, lighting diyas, family prayer, arati, charity and sharing sweets are common.
Fasting and devotional customs
Fasting and household customs vary; follow the temple or family tradition for this observance.
What is typically offered
Oil lamps/diyas, flowers, rangoli, kumkum, coins, sweets, fruit and new or cleaned account books in some communities.
Visiting a temple that day
Temples are often extremely busy. Expect elaborate decoration, lamps and multiple pooja sessions. Follow fire-safety guidance and temple announcements.
Spiritual themes
Light, gratitude, generosity, renewal and righteous prosperity.
Request this pooja
Sri Kumar Gurukkal performs Diwali / Lakshmi Puja observances at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely.
Request a pooja Add 8 Nov 2026 to calendarKeep this in your calendar
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Subscribe to the festival calendar Share on WhatsAppThis date was validated against a location-specific Northern-California Panchāṅgam source. Dates are compiled for the Fremont / Bay Area location and checked against Northern-California Panchāṅgam references. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →