Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8 — celebrated by over a billion people across Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and some Buddhist communities. While most associated with India, Diwali is a public holiday in 10+ countries.
Diwali 2026 dates by country
| Country | Public holiday? | Local name |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | ✅ Yes (national) | Diwali / Deepavali |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | ✅ Yes | Deepavali (Hari Raya Deepavali) |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | ✅ Yes | Deepavali |
| 🇫🇯 Fiji | ✅ Yes | Diwali |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius | ✅ Yes | Divali |
| 🇬🇾 Guyana | ✅ Yes | Diwali |
| 🇸🇷 Suriname | ✅ Yes | Diwali |
| 🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago | ✅ Yes | Divali |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | ✅ Yes | Tihar/Deepawali |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | ✅ Yes (Hindu) | Deepavali |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | ❌ No (Bali Hindu community observes) | Diwali |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ❌ No (school closures in some districts) | Diwali |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ❌ No (London Diwali celebration Sept-Nov) | Diwali |
The five days of Diwali
| Day | Date 2026 | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nov 5 (Thu) | Dhanteras | Buying gold, silver, utensils. Worship of Lakshmi |
| Day 2 | Nov 6 (Fri) | Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali | Krishna's victory over Narakasura |
| Day 3 | Nov 7 (Sat) | Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali | Goddess Lakshmi welcomed home |
| Day 4 | Nov 8 (Sun) | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill |
| Day 5 | Nov 9 (Mon) | Bhai Dooj | Sisters honor brothers |
The dates above are most common. Different regions emphasize different days — Maharashtra centers on Lakshmi Puja, Karnataka focuses on Naraka Chaturdashi.
Regional variations across India
North India: Return of Rama
Focus on Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. Houses lit to guide him home.
South India: Killing of Narakasura
Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Oil baths before sunrise.
West India (Gujarat, Maharashtra): Wealth & Trade
Lakshmi Puja is primary. Many Gujarati businesses begin new financial year on Diwali. Trading floors hold ceremonial sessions.
East India (Bengal): Kali Puja
Diwali night, Bengalis worship Goddess Kali instead — a more fierce form of the divine feminine.
Punjab (Sikhs): Bandi Chhor Divas
Sikhs commemorate Guru Hargobind's release from imprisonment in 1619. Golden Temple in Amritsar fully illuminated.
Nepal: Tihar (5-day festival)
- Day 1: Kag Tihar (crow worship)
- Day 2: Kukur Tihar (dog worship)
- Day 3: Gai Tihar (cow worship) + Laxmi Puja
- Day 4: Goru Tihar (ox)
- Day 5: Bhai Tika (sister-brother)
Top destinations for Diwali 2026
Varanasi, India — Dev Deepawali
Falls 15 days after Diwali (Nov 23, 2026). Banks of the Ganges lined with thousands of diyas. Most spiritual setting.
Jaipur, India
The Pink City decorates lavishly. Bazaars open late. Market lighting competitions.
Mumbai, India
Marine Drive's lights, Bollywood star events, financial district Lakshmi puja.
Singapore — Little India
Serangoon Road illuminated for weeks. Multi-cultural celebration.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Brickfields
Massive lighting installations on Jalan Tun Sambanthan.
Penang, Malaysia
Indian-Hindu communities organize parades and free food.
London, UK
Trafalgar Square Diwali festival — UK's largest South Asian celebration.
Diwali pollution concern
Diwali night sees mass firecracker bursts across northern India — Delhi's air quality often drops to "hazardous" the next day. Many states have banned firecrackers since 2017, with mixed enforcement. Green firecrackers (lower emissions) are now sold as alternatives.
For travelers with respiratory sensitivity: avoid Delhi NCR area Nov 7-9. Bangalore, Mumbai, southern India are typically less affected.
Foods to expect
- Sweets: ladoo, barfi, gulab jamun, jalebi, kaju katli
- Savories: samosa, chakli, namak para, mathri
- Drinks: thandai, lassi, masala chai
- Regional: kheer (north), payasam (south), mithai (gift boxes)
Greetings to learn
- Hindi: शुभ दीपावली (Shubh Deepawali) · दीवाली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं
- English: Happy Diwali
- Tamil: தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துக்கள் (Deepavali Vazhthukkal)
- Marathi: दीपावलीच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा
Diwali dates 2026-2030
| Year | Diwali main day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | November 8 (Sunday) |
| 2027 | October 28 (Thursday) |
| 2028 | November 15 (Wednesday) |
| 2029 | November 5 (Monday) |
| 2030 | October 26 (Saturday) |
See more
- Diwali holiday detail
- India 2026 calendar
- Holi (Festival of Colors) detail
- Dussehra (preceding festival) detail
Diwali dates follow the Hindu lunisolar calendar — Lakshmi Puja falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of Kartik. Various traditions emphasize different days.