Millions of oil lamps flicker across dark cities. Fireworks paint the sky. The sweet smell of mithai floats through the streets. Welcome to Diwali - one of the world's most spectacular festivals.
And if you're wondering about timing, when to plan a Diwali celebration, or when to book flights, you've come to the right place to check your dates.
✨ Diwali 2026: At a Glance
- 📅 Main Date: Sunday 8 November 2026 (Lakshmi Puja)
- ⏳ Duration: Five days (Friday, 6 November–Tuesday, 10 November 2026)
- 🕍 Top Destination: Varanasi, India (specifically for Dev Deepavali on Tuesday, 24 November 2026)
- 📱 Travel Tip: Use an eSIM for India to avoid roaming fees and navigate festival crowds with ease
When Is Diwali 2026? Your Questions Answered
Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with Lakshmi Puja, the festival's main event. Families will gather for massive feasts, exchange gifts, and light those famous diyas, or oil lamps, to symbolise the victory of light over darkness.
But it isn't just a single-day event. Diwali stretches across five days, and each day holds its own significance.
When Is Diwali This Year?
- Day 1 (Friday 6 November 2026): Dhanteras — worshipping Lord Dhanvantari for health and wealth.
- Day 2 (Saturday 7 November 2026): Choti Diwali — commemorating the victory over the demon Narakasura.
- Day 3 (Sunday 8 November 2026): Diwali and Lakshmi Puja — the main event and official festival of lights.
- Day 4 (Monday 9 November 2026): Govardhan Puja — honouring nature and the Govardhan Hill, a sacred place central to Lord Krishna's pastimes.
- Day 5 (Tuesday 10 November 2026): Bhai Dooj —celebrating the bond between siblings.
When is Diwali 2027, 2028 and 2029?
Diwali 2027 will fall on Friday 29 October 2027, and Diwali 2028 will fall on Tuesday 17 October 2028. Looking ahead even further, Diwali 2029 will fall on Monday 5 November 2029.
Why Do Diwali Dates Change Every Year?
Colourful rangoli patterns welcome the goddess Lakshmi, while the single candle represents peace and prosperity for the year ahead. / Unsplash / Jyoti Singh
You may notice that Diwali never falls on the same Gregorian date twice. In 2024, it was 31 October, and in 2025, it was 20 October. This drift happens because the festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar.
Specifically, the main night of Diwali is observed on the Amavasya (the new moon night) of the month of Kartika. Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, the date typically rotates between mid-October and mid-November.
💡 What is Kartika?
Kartika is the eighth month of the Hindu calendar and is often called the month of light. In 2026, Kartika spans from 27 October to 24 November. The main night of Diwali always falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of this month, which is why lighting diyas is so symbolic.
When Is Diwali Celebrated And Why?
Arranging flower petals around oil lamps is a ritual that symbolises the shared joy and togetherness of Kartika, the month of light. / Adobe Free Stock / toa555
Understanding when Diwali is celebrated goes beyond just dates. It's about understanding the 'why' behind the festival. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
These themes resonate across cultures, bringing together Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and many others worldwide.
Each community has its own take on celebrations. In North India, Diwali marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, when entire kingdoms lit oil lamps to welcome their beloved prince home.
Southern Indian traditions focus more on Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. This is celebrated with early morning oil baths and family prayers.
In Sikh communities, Diwali aligns with Bandi Chhor Diwas, or Prisoner Liberation Day.
This commemorates Guru Hargobind's release from prison, along with 52 other princes he refused to abandon. This act of selflessness embodies the Sikh principles of service and sacrifice.
Different traditions create a variety of celebrations. All unified by the symbolic lighting of lamps, transforming ordinary nights into something magical.
🪔 Diwali Travel Tip
An Asia eSIM is the ideal option for travellers moving between countries. It allows you to stay connected on the move without surprise roaming charges. Downloading the best eSIM for Asia before you travel and activating it when you land means you can share your Diwali moments wherever you are.
How Is Diwali Celebrated?
Lighting lamps at the feet of Lord Rama is a tradition that celebrates the triumph of righteousness and the power of faith. Adobe Free Stock / Abhishek Mittal
Diwali celebrations transform ordinary neighbourhoods into enchanted wonderlands through weeks of careful preparation. Families spend weeks cleaning homes until they sparkle. Shopping becomes a community-wide celebration itself.
The main event involves lighting diyas and candles around homes, creating intricate rangoli patterns and exchanging gifts. People feast on traditional sweets as fireworks light up the skies from dusk until dawn.
Regional differences add even more variety. North Indian festivities tend toward grand community gatherings.These consist of elaborate street decorations, huge fireworks displays and public celebrations that spill onto the streets.
South Indian traditions often emphasise family-centred celebrations. They put a special emphasis on early morning rituals, traditional oil baths and temple visits.
Travelling For Diwali 2026
During Dev Deepavali, a festival following Diwali, stone steps (ghats) in Varanasi are illuminated by millions of lamps, creating a spiritual atmosphere unlike anywhere else. / Adobe Free Stock / artqu
If you're planning an adventure and wondering where to go to see the most memorable sights, here are some of the top places to celebrate Diwali, both in India and around the world.
Best Places to Experience Diwali in India
- Amritsar, Punjab: The Golden Temple is illuminated in a spectacular display, and special fireworks light up the sky.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: Famous for its market decorations, which become part of a competitive, city-wide light display.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Offering an excuse to extend your trip, Varanasi is home to Dev Deepawali, a massive spiritual festival set to fall on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Celebrating Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura, it's widely believed that on this night the gods descend from heaven to bathe in the Ganges River.
When to Visit India for Diwali
- Early October Dates: Perfect for visiting Northern India, like Delhi or Rajasthan, as the summer heat begins to fade into pleasant autumn weather.
- November Dates (like 2026): Ideal for exploring Southern regions or the desert states, as the winter cooling makes outdoor festivities and temple visits much more comfortable.
Top International Diwali Destinations
- Bali, Indonesia: The Hindu-majority island celebrates with traditional prayers and glowing lamps.
- Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia: Diwali is widely celebrated in Malaysia, especially among its Indian communities in places such as Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and the Cameron Highlands.
- United Kingdom: The city of Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India, featuring a spectacular switch-on event.
- Mauritius: With a large Hindu population, the island celebrates with cultural events, lightings, and family gatherings.
- Singapore: Little India transforms with vibrant street lights, markets, and cultural activities.
- South Africa: Durban's large Indian community goes all out for Diwali.
- Trinidad and Tobago: The Diwali Nagar in Chaguanas, known as the Village of Light, holds a week of cultural events every year to mark Diwali.
- USA and Canada: Major cities like New York, New Jersey, Toronto, and Vancouver hold large community events, fireworks, and cultural festivals.
Practical Tips for Celebrating Diwali Abroad
Intricate mehendi patterns reflect the joy of Diwali. You'll often find henna artists at local festive markets, or melas, throughout the season. Adobe Free Stock / Oranuch
1.) Book Your Transport Early
Diwali is the busiest travel period in Asia. With the main event falling on Sunday, 8 November 2026, flights and trains will sell out weeks in advance.
Pro tip: If you're travelling in India, use the official Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation website to book trains 120 days in advance to be sure of getting a ticket during the festival rush.
2.) Navigate the Diwali Traffic
Expect major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur to be gridlocked in the three days leading up to Diwali. During this time, Dhanteras shopping is in full swing - a deeply rooted tradition that sees families buy specific items to invite prosperity, protection, and good fortune into their homes for the coming year.
Travel hack: Use the Delhi Metro or Mumbai Local to bypass road traffic, and always add an extra two hours to your airport commute during festival week.
3.) Stay Connected in the Crowds
Whether you're navigating the labyrinth of a Jaipur spice market or trying to find your friends during a fireworks display, having reliable data to hand is essential.
The eSIM advantage: Traditional SIM card kiosks at airports get overwhelmed during the holiday surge. Using an eSIM from Airalo keeps you connected quickly, conveniently and affordably during Diwali.
4.) Dress the Part
While it's not mandatory, wearing traditional clothes, like a kurta or a saree, is a great way to show respect and immerse yourself in the culture. Most local markets sell ready-to-wear outfits that are perfect for the occasion.
Stay Online During Diwali Travel With an eSIM
An Asia eSIM from Airalo gives you instant connectivity across multiple Asian countries. Enjoy stress-free WhatsApp calls, reliable maps during busy festivals, and seamless photo sharing.
Setup takes minutes, coverage spans countries, and you can share your festival memories with the world as soon as they happen.
Find the best eSIM for Asia, combining affordability with peace of mind, online at the Airalo store.
FAQs: When is Diwali 2026? Your Questions Answered
1.) What is the official date of Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November and in 2026, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat window for prayers is between 05:54 PM and 07:50 PM. While the entire festival spans five days from 6 November to 10 November, the main event — Lakshmi Puja — takes place on 8 November 2026.
2.) Why do the Diwali dates change every year?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar (Vikram Samvat) rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar. It's celebrated on the Amavasya (the new moon night) of the month of Kartika. Because lunar months are shorter than solar months, the date drifts annually, usually falling between mid-October and mid-November.
3.) What are the five days of Diwali in 2026?
The 2026 Diwali calendar includes Dhanteras on 6 November, Choti Diwali on 7 November, Diwali/Lakshmi Puja on 8 November, Govardhan Puja on 9 November, and Bhai Dooj on 10 November. Each day carries distinct spiritual significance, ranging from celebrating wealth and prosperity to honouring the bond between siblings.
4.) Where are the best places to celebrate Diwali 2026?
For an authentic Diwali travel experience, Ayodhya, birthplace of Lord Rama, or Varanasi, famous for the large-scale spiritual festival Dev Deepavali, are top destinations in India. Globally, cities with large South Asian populations like Singapore, London, and Leicester host major public light displays, cultural performances, and traditional street food festivals.
5.) How can travellers stay connected during Diwali in Asia?
An India eSIM or an Asia eSIM from Airalo provide instant mobile data in your chosen destination/s, allowing you to avoid expensive roaming charges and swapping plastic SIM cards. This is essential for navigating crowded festival markets in cities like Jaipur or Mumbai, sharing live celebration photos, and staying in touch with family during peak travel seasons.
