November 2026 Festivals

Ahoi Ashtami is a fast observed by mothers for the longevity and well-being of their sons. The origin story involves a woman who accidentally killed a lion cub while digging clay from the forest. The lioness cursed her children. The woman repented and worshipped Ahoi Mata (a form of Parvati) on this day. Her children were restored. The word Ahoi is said to come from 'aho' (auspiciousness) or from the Hindi 'a-hoi' (not lost). Mothers fast throughout the day without water, breaking their fast only after seeing the stars at night.

Krishna Ashtami of Kartik (8 days before Diwali)

Diwali stories vary by region, including the return of Rama to Ayodhya, worship of Lakshmi, and themes of inner light and auspicious beginnings.

Kartik amavasya period, usually October or November, with city event dates announced annually.

Dhan Teras opens the five-day Diwali season. 'Dhan' means wealth and 'Teras' is the thirteenth lunar day. Three deities are worshipped: Dhanvantari (the physician of the gods, who emerged from the ocean churning carrying the pot of amrita), Lakshmi (for wealth), and Yama (to ward off untimely death). The tradition of buying gold, silver, or metal utensils on this day has ancient roots — purchasing something new of metal is considered auspicious for wealth. Tiny footprints of Lakshmi are drawn leading into the house.

Krishna Trayodashi of Kartik (2 days before Diwali)

Deepavali is an important Guyana observance connected with light over darkness, devotion, home blessing, family, and Indo-Guyanese heritage.

Guyana 2026 holiday calendars list Deepavali on November 8, with a public holiday on November 9.

Multiple stories: (1) Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and Ravana's defeat; (2) Lakshmi emerging from samudra-manthan; (3) Krishna defeating Narakasura; (4) Vamana confining Bali; (5) Lakshmi Puja and Krishna defeating Narakasura.

Kartik Amavasya (October-November)

Diwali is an important Suriname observance connected with light, devotion, prosperity, spiritual renewal.

Observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar; listed in 2026 on November 8.

Kali Puja is the primary Kali festival of Bengal, observed on the same night as Diwali across the rest of India. Goddess Kali — the fierce form of Durga who destroyed the demon Raktabija — is worshipped with elaborate rituals on the darkest night of the year. The darkness of Amavasya is considered Kali's own element. Unlike the more widely celebrated Durga Puja, Kali Puja is conducted at night and involves tantric rituals, red hibiscus flowers, and sometimes non-vegetarian offerings. The Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples in Kolkata are the most celebrated centres.

Amavasya of Kartik (new moon — same night as Diwali)

Naraka Chaturdashi celebrates Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura who had imprisoned 16,000 women (one account says 16,100). Satyabhama, Krishna's wife, played a crucial role in the battle — she killed Narakasura after he wounded Krishna. The women were freed and Krishna married all of them (to restore their honour). This day is called Chhoti Diwali (Little Diwali) and firecrackers are burst before sunrise to symbolise the destruction of the demon. In South India, people bathe before sunrise as a purification rite.

Krishna Chaturdashi of Kartik (1 day before Diwali/Amavasya)

Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger for seven days to protect the people of Vraja from Indra's wrathful floods. When Indra proudly demanded the traditional yajna offering, Krishna persuaded the Braj people to worship Govardhan mountain (Giriraj) instead. The furious Indra sent torrential rains, but Krishna sheltered everyone and their cattle under the mountain. A humbled Indra then surrendered and recognised Krishna as the Supreme. On this day, an Annakut (mountain of food) is offered — a mound of 56 or 108 different dishes symbolising the mountain.

Shukla Pratipada of Kartik — day after Diwali

Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters. On this day, Yamuna (the river goddess) worshipped her brother Yama (god of death) and invited him for a meal. Pleased, Yama blessed her that whoever receives a tilak from their sister on this day will be protected from untimely death. Sisters apply a tilak on their brother's forehead, offer aarti and gifts, and pray for their long life. Brothers give gifts in return. The festival parallels Raksha Bandhan in celebrating the sibling bond but is celebrated on a different occasion.

Shukla Dwitiya of Kartik — two days after Diwali

Skanda Sashti celebrates the victory of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya / Skanda) over the demon Surapadman. The demon had imprisoned the gods and brought chaos to the three worlds. Shiva and Parvati gave birth to Murugan specifically to destroy this evil. Over six days of battle, Murugan finally vanquished Surapadman on the sixth day (Sashti), splitting him into two — one half became the peacock (Murugan's vehicle) and the other became the rooster (on his flag). The festival is observed with six days of fasting.

Shukla Sashti of Aippasi (Kartik) — October/November

(1) Karna (Mahabharata), son of Surya, popularized Chhath; (2) Sita performed Chhath at Munger after returning from Lanka; (3) Draupadi performed Chhath. Worship of Surya as the visible Brahman.

Kartik shukla shashthi (October-November); 4-day festival starting from Kartik shukla chaturthi

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also called Devotthan or Prabodhini Ekadashi, marks the day Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from his four-month Yoga Nidra at the end of Chaturmas. In 2026, PujaKit lists the India calendar date as November 20, 2026, with a local panchang check recommended for Ekadashi fasting and parana. The day matters because the paused season of major auspicious ceremonies begins to reopen. Many families also begin the Tulsi Vivah period, worshipping Tulsi as Vrinda / Lakshmi and Shaligram or Vishnu as the divine groom. The mood is gentle and hopeful: the Lord wakes, lamps are lit near Tulsi, and homes prepare for weddings, vrata, and winter devotional life.

Shukla Ekadashi of Kartik (October/November)

A festival of lights observed by Indian and wider South Asian communities across Australia.

Kartik amavasya period.

A festival of lights observed by Hindu and South Asian Hindu communities across Canada.

Kartik amavasya period.

Vrinda's chastity made her demon-husband Jalandhara invincible. Vishnu, to save the gods, took Jalandhara's form and Vrinda was unknowingly violated. Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become a stone (Shaligrama) and immolated herself, becoming the Tulsi plant. Tulsi-Krishna vivah symbolically reunites them.

Kartik shukla dvadashi (October-November) — Prabodhini Ekadashi follows by one day

Kartik Purnima is one of the holiest full moons of the year. On this day, Shiva destroyed the three cities (Tripura) of the demon Tripurasura — hence called Tripuri Purnima or Tripurasuri Purnima. Skanda (Kartikeya) was born on this day. Bathing in sacred rivers on this day — especially the Pushkar lake in Rajasthan — is considered supremely meritorious. The Pushkar Camel Fair reaches its peak on this day.

Purnima of Kartik (October/November)