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Religious · Nationwide (Jaipur + Varanasi peaks), India

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

“Hindu festival of lights — 5-day celebration with fireworks, diyas + rangoli”

Diwali is India's biggest Hindu festival — 5 days of celebration featuring diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, rangoli (coloured floor art), sweet exchanges + Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) prayers. Varanasi + Jaipur + Udaipur are the most spectacular cities. Book flights + hotels 3-6 months ahead.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
November 8 (main day). Full period November 4-8
Following year
2027
October 28 (main day). Full period October 24-28

Dark night of the new moon in month of Kartika (Hindu calendar). Late October to mid-November (Gregorian). 3rd day is main Diwali night.

Duration
5 days (main celebration is Day 3 — Lakshmi Puja)
Crowd
Massive domestic travel
Budget/day
$80-200 mid-range
Book ahead
3+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Cultural travellers + photographers + first-time India visitors
  • ✓Book flights 3-6 months ahead — domestic Indian flights especially sell out
  • ✓Jaipur + Udaipur + Amritsar have the most spectacular illuminations
  • ✓Air quality (especially Delhi) is severe post-Diwali due to firecrackers — plan travel dates
  • ✓Trains within India book up 3-4 weeks ahead — use IRCTC website
  • ✓Many businesses close 1-2 days for holiday. Restaurants may have limited hours

Book hotels for Diwali (Festival of Lights) 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.

Fly to Jaipur International (or Delhi DEL, Varanasi VNS)

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Frequently asked

When is Diwali 2026?
November 8, 2026 is the main Diwali night (Lakshmi Puja). Full 5-day celebration November 4-8. Date changes with Hindu lunar calendar.
Best place to celebrate Diwali in India?
Varanasi (ghats illuminated), Jaipur (illuminated palaces), Udaipur (romantic + palace illumination), Amritsar (Golden Temple lit up + Bandi Chhor festival same day).
What is Diwali about?
Hindu festival celebrating light over darkness + Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. 5 days: Dhanteras (day 1) → Naraka Chaturdashi → Diwali (day 3) → Govardhan Puja → Bhai Dooj.
Is Diwali a good time to visit India?
Yes for cultural experience — but flights + hotels expensive + air pollution severe post-Diwali (especially Delhi + Punjab). Rajasthan is best combination of celebration + cleaner air.
What is Diwali air pollution like?
Delhi AQI can reach 400-600+ (hazardous) for 3-5 days post-Diwali due to firecrackers + stubble burning. Consider Rajasthan or Kerala for better air.