Indian families and communities across the United States will celebrate Diwali on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Because the country spans several time zones, the correct Lakshmi Puja muhurat must be calculated locally. An India timing should not be converted mechanically into US time.

Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja timings in major US cities

New York City: 5:02 PM to 6:51 PM ET

- West New York, New Jersey: 5:03 PM to 6:52 PM ET

- Washington, DC: 5:20 PM to 7:10 PM ET

- Chicago: 4:54 PM to 6:42 PM CT

- Dallas: 5:51 PM to 7:45 PM CT

- Houston: 5:51 PM to 7:46 PM CT

- San Jose, California: 5:23 PM to 7:14 PM PT

- Seattle: 4:56 PM to 6:38 PM PT

The listed windows are local clock times for the named cities. Daylight-saving arrangements and exact coordinates matter, so people outside these areas should use a Panchang for their own city rather than selecting the nearest time zone alone.

A home observance may include preparing a clean puja area, lighting diyas safely, offering flowers and sweets, reciting family prayers and sharing prasad. Community temples and cultural associations may publish separate programmes, registration requirements or parking instructions; those details should be checked directly with the host.

For the puja sequence and the meaning of common Diwali traditions, read the India News Grid article: Diwali 2026 Puja Guide: Muhurat, Lakshmi Puja Rituals and Traditions Worth Preserving- https://www.indianewsgrid.com/articles/diwali-2026-puja-guide-muhurat-lakshmi-puja-rituals-and-traditions-worth-preserving-1794123913450).

Use battery-operated lamps where open flames are restricted. Follow building, fire-safety and local fireworks rules; regulations can differ between states, counties, cities and residential communities. Confirm the final puja time with a local temple or city-specific Panchang.