Diwali 2026 in Odisha: November 8 or 9? Know when to celebrate Kali Puja and Paya Shraddha

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: When will Odisha celebrate Diwali: November 8 or November 9? The question has sparked confusion among people as the dates for Diwali Amavasya, Paya Shraddha and rituals at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri appear to differ.

While the Shree Jagannath Temple will observe Amavasya on November 9, astrologers have advised devotees to celebrate Diwali, perform Shyama Kali Puja and observe Paya Shraddha on November 8, citing the presence of Amavasya Tithi during the night.

The confusion stems from the timing of Amavasya Tithi, which begins at 11:28 AM on Sunday, November 8, and continues until around 12 noon on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Why Is There Confusion Over Diwali 2026 Date?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali Amavasya, falls on the last day of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month of Kartik. The occasion is traditionally marked by lighting earthen lamps, worshipping Goddess Kali and performing Paya Shraddha to bid farewell to departed ancestors.

As part of the Paya Shraddha tradition in Odisha, people light lamps to symbolically guide their ancestors from the earthly realm towards heaven.

Since Diwali, Kali Puja and Paya Shraddha are predominantly night-time observances, astrologers suggest that November 8 is the appropriate date for these rituals, as Amavasya will prevail throughout the night.

On November 9, Amavasya Tithi will end around noon, meaning the night will no longer fall under the Amavasya period.

Why Will Shree Jagannath Temple Observe Amavasya on November 9?

The difference in dates is largely linked to the traditional method of determining festival observances at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

In Odisha, several religious festivals are traditionally observed in accordance with the rituals and customs followed at the Shree Jagannath Temple. As per the temple's traditional system, the Tithi prevailing at sunrise is considered significant for determining certain religious observances.

On November 8, Chaturdashi Tithi will prevail at sunrise, with Amavasya beginning at 11:28 AM. However, on November 9, Amavasya will prevail at sunrise. Accordingly, the Shree Jagannath Temple will observe Amavasya and perform its associated rituals, including the Sagara Bije ritual, on that day.

This difference between the sunrise-based observance followed at the temple and the night-based requirements of Diwali rituals has led to confusion among devotees.

When Should People Celebrate Diwali and Perform Paya Shraddha?

According to astrologers, November 8 is the appropriate date for celebrating Diwali, performing Shyama Kali Puja, lighting lamps and observing Paya Shraddha, as the Amavasya Tithi will remain throughout the night. The rituals are associated with the spiritual significance of Amavasya night, when devotees light lamps to dispel darkness and symbolically illuminate the path of their ancestors.

Meanwhile, the Shree Jagannath Temple will follow its traditional calendar and observe Amavasya on November 9.

Thus, while the Shree Jagannath Temple's Amavasya observance falls on November 9, the night-time celebrations of Diwali, Shyama Kali Puja and Paya Shraddha are advised for November 8.