Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important celebrations in India and for Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities around the world. Homes glow with oil lamps, skies light up with fireworks, and families gather for feasts and gifts. But because Diwali follows the lunar calendar, its date changes every year. Here's when Diwali is, why the date moves, how it's celebrated, and where to experience it.
When Is Diwali?
Diwali falls in October or November each year, on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the Hindu month of Kartika. The main day, when Lakshmi Puja is performed, is the most important part of a five-day festival.
- Diwali 2026: Sunday, November 8 (festival from November 6 to 10)
- Diwali 2027: Friday, October 29
- Diwali 2028: Tuesday, October 17
- Diwali 2029: Monday, November 5
Dates can vary by a day depending on the region and the exact timing of the new moon, so check local calendars before you travel.
Why Does the Date of Diwali Change Every Year?
Diwali is based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. The festival is tied to the darkest night of Kartika, the month that usually falls between mid-October and mid-November on the Gregorian calendar. Because lunar months don't line up exactly with the solar year, the date shifts each year.
The Five Days of Diwali
- Dhanteras: A day for good fortune, when many people buy gold, silver, or new kitchenware.
- Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi): Celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: The main day, when families pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and light lamps and fireworks.
- Govardhan Puja: Honors Lord Krishna, and in some regions marks the start of the new year.
- Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus, it celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, when people lit lamps to welcome him home. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time, and Jains mark the spiritual liberation of Lord Mahavira.
How Is Diwali Celebrated?
- Lighting lamps: Homes, temples, and streets are decorated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and string lights.
- Rangoli: Colorful patterns made from powder, rice, or flower petals decorate entrances.
- Cleaning and decorating: Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome Lakshmi.
- Sweets and feasts: Families share sweets like ladoos, barfi, and jalebi.
- Gifts and new clothes: People exchange gifts and wear new outfits.
- Fireworks: Fireworks light up the sky, although some cities restrict them because of air pollution.
Best Places to Experience Diwali
In India
- Varanasi: The ghats along the Ganges glow with lamps. Two weeks after Diwali, Dev Deepavali is even more spectacular, with millions of lamps along the river.
- Jaipur: The Pink City's bazaars and buildings are covered in lights.
- Ayodhya: The city linked to Lord Rama's return holds huge lamp-lighting celebrations along the Sarayu River.
- Amritsar: The Golden Temple is illuminated for Bandi Chhor Divas.
- Mumbai and Delhi: Markets, shopping streets, and neighborhoods are buzzing with festive energy.
Read our India travel guide.
Around the World
- Leicester, UK: Hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India, with lights along the Golden Mile.
- Singapore: Little India is decorated with lights and bustling markets.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Deepavali is a public holiday, with open houses and celebrations.
- Mauritius: Diwali is a national holiday on this island with a large Hindu population. See our Mauritius travel guide.
- Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, and Nepal: All celebrate with lights, food, and festivities. In Nepal, the festival is known as Tihar.
Tips for Traveling During Diwali
- Book transport early: Millions of people travel home for Diwali, and trains and flights in India sell out.
- Expect closures and crowds: Some businesses close on the main days, while markets are extremely busy.
- Dress the part: Wearing Indian festive clothes is welcomed, and it's a fun way to join in.
- Be careful with fireworks: Watch out for fireworks in the streets, and check air quality if you have breathing problems.
Love colorful festivals? Read our guide to the Holi festival in India.
Stay Connected During Diwali
An egoViet India eSIM helps you book transport, navigate busy markets, and share festival photos without roaming fees. Celebrating elsewhere? We also offer eSIMs for Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK. Learn more in our guide to the best India eSIM.
FAQs: When Is Diwali?
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday, November 8, with the five-day festival running from November 6 to 10.
Why does the date of Diwali change every year?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the new moon of the month of Kartika, which moves on the Gregorian calendar.
What are the five days of Diwali?
Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Where is the best place to celebrate Diwali?
In India, Varanasi, Jaipur, Ayodhya, and Amritsar are spectacular. Outside India, Leicester, Singapore, and Mauritius host big celebrations.