Kharge’s Diwali Remark Draws BJP Criticism The Bharatiya Janata Party criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday after he used the phrase ‘Khushiyon Ka Eid’ while speaking to the media on Diwali. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari seized on the wording of the greeting in a post on X, accusing the Congress of appealing to a vote bank during the Hindu festival. Bhandari also called the Congress ‘anti-S

Delhi’s AQI rose to 387 on Friday morning, marking a fifth straight day of very poor air quality. Rohini recorded the highest reading at 473 as the weekend forecast pointed to a possible slide into the severe category. Delhi AQI Hits 387 Before Diwali Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index climbed to 387 at 7 am on Friday, up from 369 at the same time on Thursday, according to the Central Pollution

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, with the Lakshmi Puja muhurat in New Delhi from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM IST. Check the evening puja window for six Indian cities and explore the traditions and foods associated with Deepavali.

Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on November 6 with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Check city-wise evening puja timings, traditional shopping choices and simple rituals for celebrating at home. Dhanteras 2026 Date And Puja Muhurat Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the traditional Diwali festive period. Also called Dhantrayodashi, the occasion brings together prayers for prosperity, good health and family wellbeing. Trayodashi Tithi begins at 10:30 AM IST on November 6 and ends at 10:47 AM IST on November 7. The New Delhi evening puja muhurat is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on November 6, according to Drik Panchang. Although the tithi continues into the following morning, Dhanteras worship is observed on November 6. The festival’s religious significance is linked to the Samudra Manthan narrative. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of amrit, the nectar of immortality. Devotees honour him as the divine physician associated with Ayurveda and seek blessings for health and longevity. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera are worshipped for prosperity and the wise use of wealth. For many households, the celebration also offers an opportunity to express gratitude, prepare their homes for Diwali and support people in need. Dhanteras 2026 City Wise Puja Timings Dhanteras puja timings differ across cities because the auspicious evening window depends on local astronomical calculations. Drik Panchang lists the following timings for November 6, 2026. City Puja Muhurat — IST New Delhi 6:02 PM–7:57 PM Mumbai 6:35 PM–8:35 PM Jaipur 6:11 PM–8:07 PM Ahmedabad 6:30 PM–8:28 PM Bengaluru 6:25 PM–8:20 PM Chennai 6:14 PM–8:10 PM Kolkata 5:28 PM–7:26 PM Hyderabad 6:15 PM–8:13 PM Pune 6:32 PM–8:31 PM Chandigarh 6:00 PM–7:54 PM These windows apply to their respective cities. Families should follow their local Panchang or temple guidance when planning worship. Dhanteras 2026 Rituals And Shopping Guide Begin preparations by cleaning the home and arranging a tidy worship area. Place the customary idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean cloth. Keep diyas, incense, flowers, fruits, sweets, roli and unbroken rice grains ready before beginning the puja. During the local worship window, light a diya, offer prayers and perform aarti according to family customs. Devotees may recite familiar prayers, including “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah,” while worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Share prasad with family members after the ceremony. Shopping is another widely followed Dhanteras tradition. Popular purchases include gold jewellery, silver coins, brass or steel utensils, puja essentials and useful household items. Some families also buy a broom or whole coriander seeds, following regional customs associated with cleanliness and abundance. There is no single shopping muhurat that applies to every city. Those seeking an auspicious buying period should check the shopping or Choghadiya timings in their local Panchang. The evening puja window should not automatically be treated as the only suitable time to shop. Buying an expensive item is not essential. A small, useful purchase within the household budget can be a meaningful way to observe the custom. Diwali 2026 Date: Lakshmi Puja Timings and Deepavali Traditions Dhanteras 2026 Yama Deep Daan And Charity Yama Deep Daan is observed in many households on Dhanteras evening. According to tradition, devotees place a lamp outside the home, often facing south, and pray to Lord Yama for the protection and longevity of family members. The practice may differ across communities. Families also illuminate entrances and worship spaces with diyas as they prepare for Diwali. These rituals bring loved ones together and express hopes for a peaceful, prosperous year. Beliefs about avoiding glassware, black items, oil or ghee purchases are regional customs rather than universal rules. Families can follow their established practices without treating every shopping restriction as compulsory. Charity adds another dimension to the celebration. Sharing food, clothing or other essentials with people in need reflects the festival’s emphasis on compassion and the responsible use of prosperity. Alongside worship and shopping, Dhanteras offers a moment to value good health, contentment and care for others.  

Gold prices rebounded ahead of Dhanteras, with MCX gold reaching Rs 1,42,761 per 10 grams. The rise puts the spotlight on city rates, brokerage price levels and the different priorities of festive shoppers and investors. Dhanteras Gold Prices Rise Across Cities Gold’s sharp rebound has added a fresh dilemma for households preparing for Dhanteras: complete their festive purchase or wait for a possible correction. MCX