Viniyogah — Living the Sanatana Way

Festival guide

Dīpāvali essentials: lamps, the oil bath and Lakṣmī pūjā

Everything for the festival of lights, with the meaning behind each custom.

Dīpāvali 2026 falls in early November. South Indian households usually celebrate Naraka Chaturdaśī with the early-morning oil bath, and Lakṣmī Pūjā is done on Amāvāsyā. Check your local Panchangam for the exact days.
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
“Lead me from darkness to light.”
— Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 1.3.28

Lamps

Handmade clay diyasView on Amazon →

Unglazed, evenly fired clay. Soak them in water for a few hours before first use so they absorb less oil.

Gingelly (sesame) oilView on Amazon →

For diyas and for the traditional oil bath.

Round cotton wicks (phool-batti)View on Amazon →

Sized for diyas, made of pure cotton.

The pre-dawn oil bath (abhyaṅga snāna)

In much of South India, Naraka Chaturdaśī begins before dawn with an oil bath. Warm sesame oil is applied, followed by a bath and new clothes. It recalls Kṛṣṇa's victory over Narakāsura.

Shikakai / herbal bath powderView on Amazon →

Traditionally used to wash out the oil after the bath.

Lakṣmī Pūjā

Kumkum and turmericView on Amazon →

Essential offerings for Lakṣmī Pūjā. Choose natural kumkum.

Bhimseni camphorView on Amazon →

For the closing ārati.

Rangoli / kolam coloursView on Amazon →

For the threshold design that welcomes Lakṣmī.

Sweets, flowers, fruitsBuy fresh locally

These are best fresh, so buy them locally or make them at home.

Questions people ask

When is Deepavali in 2026?

Dīpāvali falls in early November 2026. South Indian households often celebrate Naraka Chaturdaśī with the pre-dawn oil bath, and Lakṣmī Pūjā on Amāvāsyā. Check your local Panchangam for the exact days.

How do I stop clay diyas soaking up oil?

Soak new clay diyas in water for a few hours and let them dry before use. They will absorb far less oil.

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Personal Jyotisha readings, prepared from the classical texts.
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More guides

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