When Is Diwali 2026? Your Questions Answered

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 are wondering about timing, when to plan a Diwali celebration, or when to book flights, you have 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 (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 is not 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 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 in 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?

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?

Understanding when Diwali is celebrated goes beyond just dates. It is 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

A regional Asia eSIM is the ideal option for travellers moving between countries. It allows you to stay connected on the move without surprise roaming charges. Installing a RoameSIM plan before you travel and activating it when you land means you can share your Diwali moments wherever you are. New to eSIM? Read our benefits of switching to eSIM guide.

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.

Travelling for Diwali 2026

If you are 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 Deepavali, a massive spiritual festival set to fall on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Celebrating Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura, it is widely believed that on this night the gods descend from heaven to bathe in the Ganges River.
• Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Lord Rama's birthplace — increasingly famous for record-breaking lamp displays during Diwali.

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.

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Practical tips for celebrating Diwali abroad

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 are travelling in India, use the official Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) 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 are 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 RoameSIM keeps you connected quickly, conveniently and affordably during Diwali. Install at home on Wi‑Fi — see our iPhone or Android setup guides.

4. Dress the part

While it is 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. You will often find henna artists at local festive markets, or melas, throughout the season.

Stay online during Diwali travel with an eSIM

An India or Asia eSIM from RoameSIM gives you instant connectivity across your chosen destination. 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 your Diwali trip — combining affordability with peace of mind — online at the RoameSIM store. Estimate how much data you need with our travel data guide. Connection issues? See eSIM troubleshooting — 12 fixes.

Ready for Diwali 2026?

Mark your calendar: Sunday, 8 November 2026 — Lakshmi Puja Muhurat between 05:54 PM and 07:50 PM. Book transport early, plan your route, and install your eSIM before you fly. Browse RoameSIM India eSIM plans →