Land in India a few days before Diwali 2026, and you will feel the vibe of the festival before you even experience it. Strings of tiny lights hang from every balcony, markets are decorated, and the air smells of fresh marigold flowers. Outside homes, women decorate their courtyards with colorful rangolis (patterns and shapes made of colored powder) as a good omen to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the home. This is Diwali in India, which is coming on 8th November 2026.
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a 5-day festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. So, who celebrates Diwali? Mainly Hindus, but Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists also celebrate it, each having their own traditional story. In the north, it is an occasion of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. Bengal, the same night belongs to Goddess Kali. In Amritsar, sikh people celebrate Bandi Chor Diwas at the Golden Temple. One festival and many variations to celebrate it.
Whether this is your first time traveling in India for Diwali 2026 or you are flying home to celebrate with family, this guide covers the best cities to celebrate, travel tips, and how to stay connected efficiently.
Table of contents
When is Diwali 2026?
The Diwali dates in 2026 run from Friday, November 6, to Tuesday, November 10. So, how long is Diwali? The festival will be celebrated for 5 days, with each day having its own significance and celebrations. The main night of Diwali in India 2026 is Sunday, November 8. On this day, families light lamps, perform the Lakshmi Puja, and then burn fireworks. Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so the date is never fixed; it changes every year.
| Day | Date | What Happens |
| Dhanteras | November 6, Friday | Officially, this is the shopping day when it is believed auspicious to buy gold, silver, and new kitchenware for good luck. |
| Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi | November 7. Saturday | This day is known as Choti Diwali, when people clean their homes and decorate their courtyards with Rangoli and other Diwali decorations. Ayodhya celebrates Deepotsav this evening. |
| Diwali | November 8, Sunday | This is the main night of Diwali, when families pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and well-being. Houses are decorated with lights and diyas. |
| Govardhan Puja (Annakut) | November 9, Monday | This is the next day of Diwali, when people offer Annakut (a feast of various foods) to Lord Krishna. |
| Bhai Dooj | November 10, Tuesday | This day celebrates the bond between siblings, in which sisters apply a tilak on their brother’s forehead and exchange gifts. |
Planning Your Trip Around Diwali 2026
When to Arrive and How Long To Stay?
If you are traveling in India for Diwali, we suggest arriving by November 5 or 6 to see the markets fill up and enjoy pre-Diwali festivities. 5 to 6 days will give you a full experience of the festival, and you can extend your trip by visiting Varanasi for Dev Deepawali or by visiting other Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, or Bali.
Booking Flights, Hotels, and Trains
Since Diwali is the biggest festival in India, domestic trains and flights fill up very quickly. So we suggest you book your flights, hotels, and trains now and keep your itinerary flexible. Domestic transport in India is very well connected; for example, if you plan to travel from Delhi to Ayodhya, it is an 8- to 10-hour train journey. Similarly, the drive from Delhi to Jaipur is approximately 4 hours.
Top Destinations in India to celebrate Diwali 2026
This year, if you are planning to travel in India for Diwali 2026, then don’t ask which are the best destinations. Ask what kind of Diwali you want to experience. India is a diverse country, and every corner celebrates differently. So the best place to celebrate Diwali in India depends on your mood.
1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
If you ever want to witness one epic Diwali celebration in your life, make it Ayodhya. The city is Lord Rama’s birthplace and a key destination for Diwali celebrations. In the Ramayana, after 14 years in exile and his victory over Ravana, Rama returns to his home and his kingdom. The people line the streets with clay lamps to welcome him home. From there, the tradition of lighting diyas on Diwali began. On the riverbank of Ayodhya, you can still witness thousands of diyas being lit up to recreate that. It’s called Deepotsav, and its 10th edition takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the night before Diwali.
The day starts with a grand procession of Ramayana tableaux rolling through the city to the beat of drums. As the sun sets, volunteers light lakhs of clay lamps along the Saryu River, and within minutes, every ghat becomes a beautiful sight. In 2025, they lit 26,17,215 diyas across 56 ghats and set a Guinness World Record. More than 2,100 priests and scholars performed the Saryu aarti together, and over 1,100 drones drew scenes from Lord Rama’s life across the sky.
Between all the Diwali celebrations, don’t forget to visit the Lord Ram Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan, all dressed in marigolds and lamps.
- Know before you go: Deepotsav draws the biggest Diwali crowd in India. So, we suggest you reach Ayodhya by November 6, because the police close the roads near the ghats by the afternoon of Deepotsav. Reach Ram Ki Paidi by mid-afternoon, or Saryu Ghat about an hour before sunset.
- How to reach Ayodhya: You can fly directly to Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, or to Lucknow (about 135 km away) and drive. And from Delhi, Ayodhya is 9-10 hours by train.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
If you want a royal Diwali, come to Jaipur. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded the Pink City in 1727, and its royal family still lives in part of the City Palace. At Diwali, the old walled city dresses up like it’s hosting a coronation. Forts glow on the hilltops, palace walls turn gold under thousands of lights, and the bazaars outsparkle each other.
Between the lights, Jaipur gives you a full royal itinerary. The Walled City, Amer Fort, and Jantar Mantar are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Give yourself three days, and you’ll still leave a palace unseen. Start early at Amer Fort and its Sheesh Mahal, a hall of mirrors that glitters when a single lamp is lit. Walk through the City Palace and take a royal tour to witness Shobha Niwaas, where the royal family still does its Diwali Puja. And end your day at Nahargarh Fort to watch the whole city sparkle below at sunset.
- How to Reach Jaipur: The city is well connected by air and train, and pairs perfectly with Udaipur or Delhi. From Delhi, the city is just a 4-hour drive away.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, for Dev Deepawali
Two weeks after Diwali, Varanasi lights up again for its own festival of lights known as Dev Deepawali, which means “the Diwali of the gods”. It falls on Kartik Purnima, the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, and in 2026, that’s Tuesday, November 24. If your trip can stretch that long, end it on the ghats of the Ganga.
On Diwali, people in Varanasi light lamps at home. On Dev Deepawali, the whole river lights up. At dusk, diyas cover every step from Ravidas Ghat to Raj Ghat, and the full riverfront curves away in one long line of lit lamps under the full moon. In 2025, the city will have about 25 lakh diyas. The Ganga Aarti blazes at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and a light-and-laser show tells Kashi’s legends on the walls of Chet Singh Ghat.
The best way to witness this magic is from a boat, where you can see the complete shoreline light up. Boats sell out, and rates jump at night, so book early with a known operator. Get there early: Reach the ghats 2 to 3 hours before sunset. Vehicles can’t drive near the river that evening, so expect to walk a kilometer or more. Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat are more open than Dashashwamedh.
- How to Reach Varanasi: We suggest you fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, then take a train to Varanasi, which takes approximately 8 hours. You can conveniently book 1st- or 2nd-class seats through IRCTC.
4. Amritsar, Punjab
In Amritsar, Diwali shares its night with Bandi Chhor Divas. The day marks the return of Guru Hargobind to Amritsar after his release from Gwalior Fort, along with 52 kings who had been held with him. The city lit lamps to welcome him, and the Golden Temple is decorated with lights and diyas. On Diwali night, devotees light diyas all along the marble walkway (parikrama) around the holy pool, and the Golden Temple glows in the water. In most years, fireworks burst over the temple late into the night.
- Know before you go: Huge crowds, prayers and hymns from the temple, and free langar (community meals) served to everyone. Cover your head, remove your shoes, and wash your feet before entering. Head scarves are available at the entrance.
- How to Reach Amritsar: We suggest you fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, then take a train to Amritsar, which takes approximately 5 to 7 hours.
5. Delhi
Most international flights land in Delhi, and that’s good news, because Delhi, before Diwali, is one big party. In Chandni Chowk, you can see string lights zigzag over the lanes of Old Delhi, and Diwali melas (fairs) pop up across the city with stalls of painted diyas, lanterns, and gifts. Delhi also takes the Diwali party season seriously. In the week before the festival, families and offices host card parties, long dinners, and dance nights, and Delhiites love a new face at the table. Make one local friend, and don’t be surprised if you end up with an invite and a seat at the card game.
Between the parties, don’t forget to explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. Start at the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, then ride a cycle-rickshaw through Chandni Chowk. Spend a slow afternoon at Humayun’s Tomb and Lodhi Garden, see Qutub Minar, and end the evening at India Gate when it’s lit up.
- How to Reach Delhi: You can reach Delhi by taking direct or connecting flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Non-stop flights are available from New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, and more.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur is the place for a slow, romantic Diwali. The old city wraps around Lake Pichola, with the cream-colored City Palace rising from its eastern shore, with Jag Mandir and the white marble Taj Lake Palace sitting out on the water. At Diwali, the palaces and lakeside havelis are outlined in lights, and on a still night, the lake holds a perfect upside-down copy of the whole skyline.
Sit on the steps of Gangaur Ghat at sunset and watch the palace lights switch on one by one. Then wander up to Jagdish Chowk, where folk musicians play outside the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, and get lost in the lanes of Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol. The city is best for couples and travelers who want a quieter Diwali. Take a sunset boat on Lake Pichola, then watch the fireworks from Ambrai Ghat or a rooftop restaurant facing the City Palace.
- How to Reach Udaipur: To reach Udaipur, book an international flight to a major hub like Delhi or Mumbai, then take a domestic flight to Udaipur. From Delhi, the domestic flight takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Udaipur and costs around $59.
7. Kolkata, West Bengal
In Kolkata, Diwali night belongs to Goddess Kali. The city celebrates Kali Puja on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and the worship runs through the night. The evening before, on Bhoot Chaturdashi, Bengali families light 14 diyas at home to ward off evil spirits. Then the neighborhoods unveil their pandals (temporary temples), each with its own Kali idol draped in red hibiscus garlands. Locals hop from one pandal to the next until dawn, to the sound of drums and firecrackers.
Explore Kalighat Temple, Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the Hooghly River, and Kumartuli, the potters’ quarter where artisans hand-sculpt Kali idols. Expect red hibiscus flowers, beating drums, fireworks, and a festive energy that lasts all night during the Diwali celebrations.
- How to Reach Kolkata: To reach Kolkata, you can fly to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). However, there are no direct flights from the US, so you have to take connecting flights through Singapore, Doha, etc.
8. Goa
Goa has a Diwali tradition you won’t find anywhere else in India. Hindu mythology tells of Narakasura, a demon king who held thousands of women captive until Lord Krishna killed him just before dawn. The freed women lit lamps to celebrate.
For two to three weeks before Diwali, neighborhood groups build huge Narakasura effigies out of wood, grass, and paper. Some are grinning monsters with bulging eyes; others are towering, horned giants. On the night of Saturday, November 7, they parade them through the streets to blaring music, with crowds dancing alongside. Then, just before dawn on November 8, the locals set the demons on fire, and the firecrackers stuffed inside go off with a bang.
On the day of Diwali, families take a scented oil bath, crush a bitter berry called kareet under their feet to stamp out evil, and hang paper lanterns (akash kandil) at their doors. Panaji (Panjim) and nearby Taleigao, as well as Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, and Vasco, are the best places to witness this local tradition.
- How to Reach Goa: To reach Goa directly, we suggest booking a flight to the main hub near Goa, Mumbai. Then you can either drive or take a domestic flight to reach Goa.
Also check out our guide on the best places to travel in India.
Diwali Travel Tips for Visitors
If you are planning to travel in India for Diwali 2026, here are a few simple things to keep in mind. These will help you enjoy Diwali traditions and blend right in.
- Dress for temples: Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering. At gurdwaras such as the Golden Temple, cover your head as well.
- Bring mithai if you’re invited home: A box of Indian sweets, like kaju katli or laddoos, is the classic Diwali gift. And don’t be surprised when your host keeps refilling your plate.
- Try the festival food: Look out for crispy chakli, sweet gujiya, soft rasgulla in Kolkata, and fresh jalebi from street stalls.
- Pick a good fireworks spot: Every street lights up on the main night. Find a rooftop or a spot at the edge of the action, wear closed shoes, and keep little ones close.
Staying Connected in India During Diwali
When you’re traveling in India for Diwali, between market crawls, temple visits, and rooftop fireworks, you’ll use mobile data for various reasons. Like booking rides, using Google Maps, live train updates, translating, or sharing the perfect Diwali moments with your friends. A Maya Mobile travel eSIM installed before you fly keeps all of this working from the moment you land.
Going home for Diwali? How to stay connected abroad
If you’re flying home to India to celebrate with family, your needs are a little different from those of a first-time visitor. You want to message your family from the arrivals hall, book a cab home, share your live location, and video-call relatives who couldn’t make the trip.
Pre-trip checklist:
- Check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
- Download your key apps before you leave: Uber or Ola, IRCTC for trains, Google Maps offline areas, and WhatsApp.
- Install your eSIM at home using the installation guide.
- Save hotel addresses and family contacts offline.
Maya Mobile eSIM vs roaming vs a local Indian SIM
Weighing up eSIM vs SIM for travel? You have three ways to get mobile data in India. Here’s how they compare.
| Maya Mobile eSIM | Roaming with your US carrier | Local Indian SIM | |
| Setup | Install at home in about 2 minutes | Nothing to set up | Buy in India after you land |
| Paperwork | None | None | Passport, Indian visa, photo, and proof of address in India (usually a hotel booking) |
| When it works | As soon as you land | As soon as you land | Usually, 2 to 24 hours after registration |
| Cost | Low fixed price for your trip | Usually, the most expensive per day | Cheap data, but costs time on arrival |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Your US number | Yes, an Indian number |
| Validity | Your plan length | Your carrier’s terms | Up to 90 days, with a new registration every visit |
| Works in other countries | Yes | Depends on your plan | No, India only |
A local SIM makes sense if you’re staying in India for months and need an Indian number. For a Diwali trip of one or two weeks, a Maya Mobile eSIM saves you the paperwork, the airport queue, and the wait. So, what are you waiting for? Install the Maya Mobile app now.
How Maya Mobile works for a Diwali trip
Looking for the best eSIM for India this Diwali? With Maya Mobile, you install one eSIM before you fly, pick a plan for the length of your trip, and you’re online the moment you land in India.
- One eSIM, never reinstalled: Use the same eSIM for India now, and you can extend it to any other country. Just add a new plan.
- Hotspot included: Share your connection with family or travel companions.
- 165+ countries on one plan: Adding Singapore or Kathmandu to your trip? Your data keeps working.
- Affordable: Plans start from $1.67 a day.
- Real humans, 24/7: Talk to live customer support any time by phone at +1 850 988 6292 or by email.
Get your eSIM for India and check where Maya works before you fly.
Where to Celebrate Diwali Around the World
Wondering where to celebrate Diwali beyond India? Diwali outside India is just as bright. Every destination is a short hop from India. And you can find flights easily to explore these places further. Add one before or after your trip to India, and you get an amazing Asian experience in one vacation.
| Destination | Best for | How to reach From India | Don’t miss |
| Singapore | Festival lights and food | Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and more take about 4 to 5.5 hours | The Serangoon Road light-up and the Festival Village on Campbell Lane |
| Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) | Open-house hospitality | Direct flights from major Indian cities, about 4 to 5.5 hours | The Brickfields bazaar and Batu Caves |
| Nepal (Kathmandu) | Five days of Tihar, with dogs, cows, and crows honored | About 1.5 hours by air from Delhi, or overland via the Sunauli or Raxaul border | Kukur Tihar and Deusi-Bhailo singing |
| Sri Lanka (Jaffna and Colombo) | Tamil Deepavali and the part of the Ramayana mythology | About 1.5 hours from Chennai to Colombo, plus direct Chennai to Jaffna flights | Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and the Seetha Amman Temple |
| Fiji | Diwali on a tropical island | No direct flights. Connect via Singapore or Hong Kong to Nadi | The Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi |
1. Singapore
Deepavali in Singapore is one of the brightest celebrations outside India. Since October 3, 2026, the Little India light-up has glowed along more than 2 km of Serangoon Road every night from 7 pm to midnight. Deepavali falls on Sunday, November 8, and Singapore gives everyone Monday, November 9, off as a public holiday.
- How to get there from India: Direct flights leave from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and other cities. Flight time is about 4 hours from Chennai and 5.5 hours from Delhi.
- How to celebrate: Walk Serangoon Road after 7 pm, shop for saris, garlands, and sweets at the Festival Village on Campbell Lane (open until November 8), visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and eat a banana-leaf meal in Little India.
- Entry: US passport holders don’t need a visa. Fill in the free SG Arrival Card online within 3 days of landing.
2. Deepavali in Malaysia
Deepavali in Malaysia falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and most states take Monday, November 9, off as a replacement holiday (except Sarawak, which works as normal). The highlight is that families open their doors to friends, neighbors, and visitors, and feed everyone who walks in.
- How to get there from India: Direct flights connect Kuala Lumpur with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and other cities in about 4 to 5.5 hours.
- How to celebrate: Shop the Deepavali bazaar in Brickfields, KL’s Little India, next to KL Sentral, where lanterns, oil lamps, and kolam patterns light up the streets. Try murukku, the crunchy festival snack. Then head 13 km north to Batu Caves, where the cave temples are illuminated and adorned with offerings.
- Entry: US passport holders don’t need a visa. Submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of your arrival.
3. Diwali in Nepal (Tihar)
Diwali in Nepal is called Tihar, and it’s a five-day celebration honoring the animals that matter in daily life. In 2026, it runs from November 7 to 11.
- Nov 7, Kaag Tihar: Crows are fed on rooftops.
- Nov 8, Kukur Tihar and Lakshmi Puja: Dogs are garlanded with marigolds and given a red tika, and homes light oil lamps in the evening.
- Nov 9, Gai Tihar: Cows are decorated and fed treats.
- Nov 10, Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja: Oxen are honored, and Newar communities celebrate their New Year.
- Nov 11, Bhai Tika: Sisters apply a seven-colored tika to their brothers and pray for their long life.
In the evenings, groups of kids and young people go door to door singing Deusi-Bhailo songs, and families reward them with money and sweets.
- How to get there from India: Fly from Delhi to Kathmandu in about 1.5 hours. You can also cross overland at the Sunauli or Raxaul border.
- How to celebrate: Watch the valley light up at sunset from Swayambhunath. Walk from New Road to Kathmandu Durbar Square to hear Deusi-Bhailo and see Patan’s Pim Bahal pond reflecting the lamps of the surrounding homes.
- Entry: US travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online. Indian citizens don’t need a visa.
4. Diwali in Sri Lanka
Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, and much of the Ramayana mythology unfolds in Sri Lanka, where Ravana held Goddess Sita captive. After Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, a short flight takes you to the places linked to that mythology, like the Seetha Amman Temple in the hill country and Ravana Falls near Ella. Sri Lanka’s Tamil Hindus celebrate Deepavali on Sunday, November 8, 2026, a national public holiday. Their day starts at dawn with an oil bath, new clothes, and temple visits, not late-night fireworks.
- How to get there from India: Chennai to Colombo takes about 1.5 hours, and Delhi to Colombo about 4 hours. Direct flights also connect Chennai with Jaffna.
- How to celebrate: Start the morning like a local, with an oil bath and new clothes. Join the evening puja at Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna, or shop on Sea Street in Colombo’s Pettah, a street of goldsmiths and kovils. Then follow the Ramayana trail to the Seetha Amman Temple near Nuwara Eliya, where Sita is believed to have been held.
- Entry: Most travelers, including US citizens, need an ETA. Apply online before you fly.
5. Diwali in Fiji
Diwali in Fiji is a national public holiday, observed on Monday, November 9, 2026. Homes in Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka shine with lamps and fairy lights, and neighbors trade plates of sweets over the fence.
- How to get there from India: No direct flights to Fiji. Fly Air India to Singapore or Hong Kong, then connect to Nadi on Fiji Airways. The two airlines code-share so that you can book it as one trip.
- How to celebrate: Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, with its brightly painted towers. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off at the door. In the evening, drive through Indo-Fijian neighborhoods to see the homes lit up.
- Entry: US passport holders get a free visitor permit on arrival.
Diwali 2026: FAQs
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 runs from Friday, November 6, to Tuesday, November 10. The main night, with Lakshmi Puja, is Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Is Diwali a good time to visit India?
Yes, traveling in India for Diwali is one of the best ways to see the country. Cities glow, markets buzz, strangers share sweets, and the November weather across North India is pleasant. Book trains, flights, and hotels early, because the whole country is traveling too.
Which city is best for a first Diwali?
Jaipur is the easiest first Diwali. Its lit-up bazaars are beautiful, the city is well connected, and it pairs well with Udaipur or Delhi. For the biggest spectacle, go to Ayodhya for Deepotsav on November 7.
Do shops and attractions close during Diwali?
Some do. Many local shops, offices, and banks close on the night and the day after to celebrate with family. Carry some cash and check the monument’s opening hours before you go.
Can I buy a SIM card when I land in India?
Yes, but it takes time. You’ll need your passport, Indian visa, a photo, and proof of address in India. Activation can take 2 to 24 hours. A Maya Mobile eSIM installed before you fly works as soon as you land.
Will an eSIM work across India and other countries on the same trip?
Yes. With Maya Mobile, one eSIM covers 165+ countries on one plan, so it keeps working if you add Singapore, Nepal, or Sri Lanka to your Diwali trip.
Is Diwali celebrated outside India?
Yes. Outside India, Diwali is a public holiday in Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal (as Tihar), and Fiji. Big celebrations also take place during Diwali in Leicester, which lights up the Golden Mile on Belgrave Road. Moreover, Diwali in Canada centers on Toronto and Brampton.
Celebrate Diwali 2026 with Maya Mobile eSIM
Diwali is a festival you feel with every sense: the glow of a million diyas, the smell of fresh jalebi, the sound of fireworks rolling across the city. Whether you’re traveling in India for Diwali for the first time or coming home to your family, make sure your phone is ready to capture and share every moment. Get your eSIM for India before you fly, and land connected.
