Diwali 2026 in Goa: Narkasur Night, Dates & Events
Diwali in Goa is celebrated at dawn, not at night. In 2026 Narak Chaturdashi falls on Sunday 8 November, which is also the state's public holiday for Diwali, and the night before, Saturday 7 November, is Narkasur night. Through that evening, neighbourhoods in Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa, Ponda and almost every village parade towering effigies of the demon Narkasur, many built for competitions, with music and crowds on the streets until late. The effigies are burnt before sunrise to mark Krishna's victory. Families then take the ritual oil bath (Drik Panchang gives the abhyang snan window for Panaji as 5:36 to 6:34 am), crush a bitter karit fruit underfoot and sit down to a breakfast of fov, flattened rice cooked several ways. Lakshmi Puja follows the same evening, with the muhurat from 6:29 to 8:30 pm, when traders open new account books. Goa lists Govardhan Puja on Tuesday 10 November and Bhaubij on Wednesday 11 November as restricted holidays; some calendars put Padwa on Monday 9 November. Dhanteras is on Friday 6 November. This page lists Narkasur competitions, Diwali markets, lantern and diya workshops and festive events as they are announced.
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Good to know
- Walk the Narkasur circuit on Saturday 7 November from about 8 pm. In Panaji, effigies stand at junctions across the city; roads are jammed, so go on foot.
- The burning happens before dawn on Sunday 8 November. If you want to see it, stay up or set an alarm for 4 am.
- Loudspeakers are covered by the 10 pm noise rule unless organisers hold a specific permission. Expect police to switch off sound systems in some areas.
- The Goa Science Centre is closed on Diwali, and many shops and restaurants shut on Sunday 8 November or open late.
- The Supreme Court's 2018 order limiting fireworks to green crackers between 8 and 10 pm on Diwali applies in Goa as elsewhere; watch for any district order closer to the date.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026 in Goa?
Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja both fall on Sunday 8 November 2026, which is Goa's public holiday for Diwali. Narkasur night is Saturday 7 November.
What is Narkasur night?
The eve of Narak Chaturdashi, when communities across Goa parade large effigies of the demon Narkasur and burn them before dawn to mark his defeat by Krishna.
Where can I see Narkasur effigies?
Every town has them. Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda have the largest numbers and hold competitions; in Panaji you can see many on foot in one evening.
Is Diwali a dry day in Goa?
We could not confirm a dry-day order for Diwali 2026. Many restaurants and bars close or open late on the day because staff are on holiday.
When is Tripurari Poornima 2026?
Kartik Purnima is on Tuesday 24 November 2026. The state's boat festival at Sanquelim is listed for November, with the date still tentative.
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