Diwali is the festival of lights, and on the main night it's exactly that: oil lamps on every step and windowsill, strings of lights over the streets, fireworks until late. For more than a billion people it's the biggest celebration of the year.
When is Diwali 2026?#
The main day, Lakshmi Puja, is Sunday, November 8, 2026. The festival runs over five days:
| Day | What it is |
|---|---|
| Day 1 — Dhanteras | Buying something new, often gold or kitchenware, for luck |
| Day 2 — Choti Diwali | "Little Diwali": cleaning, decorating, first lamps |
| Day 3 — Lakshmi Puja (Nov 8) | The main night: prayers to Lakshmi, lamps, fireworks |
| Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / New Year | A new year in some regions, offerings of food |
| Day 5 — Bhai Dooj | Brothers and sisters honour each other |
The exact dates of the other days can vary by region and calendar.
What it celebrates#
Diwali celebrates light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus it marks the return of Rama to Ayodhya, and it's the night to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, into a clean, lit home. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time, and Jains mark the nirvana of Mahavira.
What happens#
- Diyas, small clay oil lamps, line doorways, roofs and windows.
- Rangoli, patterns of coloured powder or flowers, are drawn at the entrance.
- Sweets — mithai — are made and exchanged with neighbours, friends and colleagues.
- New clothes, family visits and prayers.
- Fireworks, especially on the main night.
Where to experience it#
In India
- Jaipur — bazaars and old-city streets lit end to end.
- Varanasi — lamps along the ghats of the Ganges. The city's Dev Deepawali, about two weeks later, is even more dramatic.
- Amritsar — the Golden Temple illuminated for Bandi Chhor Divas.
- Delhi and Mumbai — markets, lights and big-city energy.
Outside India
- Singapore — Little India is lit up for weeks.
- Leicester, UK — one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India.
- Big celebrations also in Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji and Malaysia.
Tips#
- Book early. It's India's busiest travel week; trains and flights fill fast.
- Air quality in north Indian cities can be poor around Diwali. Check it if you have breathing problems.
- Fireworks are everywhere on the main night. Keep children close.
- At temples, dress modestly and remove your shoes.
- Accept sweets when they're offered. It's the spirit of the day.
The rest of the season#
November is festival month across Asia: Loy Krathong in Thailand comes two and a half weeks later. All the big dates, month by month: the world events calendar.
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Meet Local FriendsFrequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, is Sunday, November 8, 2026. The festival spans five days around it; exact dates for the other days can vary slightly by region and calendar.What does Diwali celebrate?
The victory of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus it marks Rama's return to Ayodhya; it's also a day to honour Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time, and Jains mark the nirvana of Mahavira.Where is the best place to celebrate Diwali?
In India, Jaipur's lit-up bazaars, Varanasi on the ghats of the Ganges, and Amritsar's Golden Temple are famous. Outside India, Singapore's Little India and Leicester in the UK hold some of the largest public celebrations.Can tourists celebrate Diwali?
Yes, and visitors are usually welcomed warmly. Accept sweets when offered, dress modestly at temples, remove your shoes where asked, and be careful around fireworks, which are everywhere on the main night.