Millions of oil lamps flickering across cities. Fireworks painting the sky. The sweet smell of mithai floating through the streets.
Welcome to Diwali - one of the world's most spectacular festivals.
And if you're wondering when to book flights or plan a celebration, you've come to the right place.
When Is Diwali 2025? Your Questions Answered
Diwali falls on Monday 20th October, 2025. This is when the main event kicks off with Lakshmi Puja, the centrepiece of the festival.
But it isn't just a single-day event. Diwali stretches across five days, with each day holding its own significance.
The main celebration on 20th October is when families gather for the big feast and light those famous diyas, or oil lamps.
Diwali's dates shift every year because the festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar.
It's celebrated on the new moon night of Kartika month - the eighth month of the Hindu calendar and Indian national calendar.
This means Diwali's exact date depends on lunar cycles, not our standard Gregorian calendar.
When Is Diwali This Year?
We've established that Diwali falls on 20th October in 2025. But if it doesn't fall on the same day every year, then when does it usually happen?
Diwali typically takes place at the end of October or the start of November. For context, Diwali 2024 was celebrated on 31st October 2024.
Diwali 2026 will fall on Sunday 8th November 2026. In 2027, Diwali will fall on Friday 29th October 2027. Looking ahead even further, Diwali 2028 will fall on Tuesday 17th October 2028.
For international visitors, Diwali date variations mean slightly different planning opportunities.
Early October Diwali celebrations might coincide with pleasant weather in northern India. November dates for Diwali often provide ideal conditions for exploring southern regions during the festival.
When Is Diwali Celebrated And Why?
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.
Adobe Free Stock / Abhishek Mittal
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.
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?
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.
Want to experience authentic Diwali? Head to Jaipur's illuminated palaces, Singapore's Little India, London's Trafalgar Square celebrations, or Dublin's community events. Each offers its own take on the ancient festival.
Travelling For Diwali 2025
Planning a Diwali adventure? India offers the most authentic festival experience, with almost unlimited options for every type of traveller.
Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia are probably next on most travellers' lists for authentic celebrations.
These destinations pull out all the stops, transforming cities into fairytales of light.
Over in the UK and Ireland, impressive celebrations take place. Leicester claims one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, attracting over 40,000 visitors annually to its Golden Mile.
London offers multiple celebration venues, from Trafalgar Square's public events to intimate temple ceremonies.
Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow each provide distinct regional celebration styles.
Practical Tips for Celebrating Diwali Abroad
Book flights early, as Diwali sees travel demand surge across Asia. Indian railways and airports also become extremely busy during Diwali.
Staying connected during the festivities is crucial. Whether you're navigating crowded Delhi markets or sharing celebration photos with family back home, reliable mobile data becomes essential.
Stay Connected 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 2025? Your Questions Answered
1. What Date Is Diwali In 2025?
Diwali 2025 falls on Monday 20th October. The festival lasts for five days, with the main Lakshmi Puja day celebrated on this date.
2. When Is Diwali Usually Celebrated Each Year?
Diwali is usually celebrated in October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. The exact date changes annually.
3. Why Does Diwali's Date Change Every Year?
The date of Diwali changes every year because it's based on the lunar calendar. Specifically the new moon night of Kartika month, which shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar.
4. Where Is the Best Place to Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is most widely celebrated in India. But major events also take place in Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal and larger cities across the UK and Ireland.
