The short answer
- Diwali 2026
- Sunday 8 November
- Diwali 2027
- Friday 29 October
- How long
- Five days
- Best places
- Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi, Amritsar
Diwali, or Deepavali, is India's biggest festival. Homes, temples and whole cities are lit with clay oil lamps and strings of lights, families gather for feasts and sweets, and the night sky fills with fireworks.
For Hindus it celebrates the victory of light over darkness, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists celebrate at the same time for their own reasons.
The five days of Diwali
| Day | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras | A lucky day to buy gold, silver and new kitchen pots. Markets are packed |
| 2 | Choti Diwali | Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli patterns at the door |
| 3 | Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali) | Prayers to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, then lamps, feasts and fireworks |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja | Offerings of food to Krishna; in some regions the Hindu new year |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | Brothers and sisters celebrate their bond |
Where to celebrate
- Jaipur: The bazaars of the Pink City are lit end to end and compete for the best decorations. Jaipur's Hawa Mahal glows at night.
- Udaipur: Lamps reflected in the lakes make it one of the most beautiful places to spend Diwali.
- Varanasi: Lamps line the ghats. About two weeks later, Dev Deepawali sees the riverbanks lit with lakhs of lamps.
- Amritsar: Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, and the Golden Temple is lit with lamps and fireworks.
- Pushkar: The famous camel fair usually begins soon after Diwali, so the two can be combined.
Tips for travelling at Diwali
- Book early. Many Indians travel home or on holiday, so trains, flights and hotels fill up and prices rise.
- Expect some shops, offices and sights to close or keep short hours on the main day.
- Fireworks are loud and go on late. Ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper.
- Air quality in Delhi and the northern plains can be very poor around Diwali.
- If you are invited to a home, a box of sweets is the perfect gift.
Rather have a trip to India made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali is Sunday 8 November 2026, with celebrations over five days around it.
When is Diwali in 2027?
The main day of Diwali is Friday 29 October 2027.
Is Diwali a good time to visit India?
Yes, it is magical, and the weather in October and November is excellent. Book early, expect higher prices and some closures, and be aware of smoke and noise from fireworks.
Sources we checked
India month by month
More India guides
Best time to visit India: a region by region guide
October to March is the best time for most of India. The Himalaya is best from June to September, and tiger safaris from March to June.
Updated 14 October 2026
India month by month: weather, festivals and where to go
A month by month planner for India, with the weather in the north and south, the festivals worth timing a trip around, and where to go.
Updated 14 October 2026
India travel tips: 20 things to know before you go
Practical advice for a smooth first trip to India: staying healthy, money and SIM cards, etiquette at temples, getting around and avoiding common scams.
Updated 14 October 2026
India tourist visa: how to get an e-Visa, step by step
Most visitors can get an e-Tourist Visa online. Here are the three types, current fees, what you need and how to avoid common mistakes.
Updated 14 October 2026