Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Tamil Nadu, families celebrate by taking an early morning oil bath, wearing new clothes, preparing traditional sweets, lighting oil lamps, and offering prayers.
Lakshmi Pooja is observed by many households to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, happiness, and well-being.
When Is Deepavali 2026 in Tamil Nadu?
Deepavali will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 November 2026 (Aippasi 22) in Tamil Nadu.
- Amavasai / Amavasya Tithi Begins: November 8, 2026, at 11:27 AM IST
- Amavasai / Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 9, 2026, at 12:31 PM IST
- Lakshmi Puja / Evening Muhurat (Pradosh Kaal): Generally observed after sunset when Amavasya prevails (typically between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST
How to Perform Lakshmi Pooja at Home
Follow these simple steps to prepare for Diwali Lakshmi Pooja: - Clean your home and decorate the entrance with a traditional kolam or rangoli.
- Arrange an image or idol of Goddess Lakshmi in a clean pooja space.
- Keep flowers, turmeric, kumkum, fruits, sweets, a lamp, and cotton wicks ready.
- Light the lamp and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi according to your family tradition.
- Offer flowers and sweets, recite familiar prayers or slokas, and conclude with a prayer for peace and prosperity.
- For a more elaborate ritual, you can arrange a priest to perform the pooja according to your family customs.
Deepavali Traditions in Tamil Nadu - Tamil families traditionally celebrate Deepavali with an early morning oil bath, new clothes, festive food and visits to relatives. Popular sweets and savouries include adhirasam, murukku, laddu and mixture.
- Lighting traditional agal vilakku lamps is another beautiful way to celebrate. Place lamps on stable surfaces away from curtains and other flammable materials, and never leave burning lamps unattended.
