Diwali Festival of Lights 2026 in India: Dates, Locations, and Travel Tips

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights for Indians and Indian communities around the world. At the core of the festival is the belief that light triumphs over darkness, and good triumphs over evil. Each tradition tells a different story: many associate the festival with King Rama's return to Ayodhya, others with the goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes on the main night, and for Sikhs, it is also the festival of Bandi Chhor Divas. The date of the festival changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar, so it falls in late October or November.

The first thing you'll notice is the atmosphere of preparation. Homes are cleaned and repainted, doorways are decorated with rangoli, patterns on the floor made from colored powder or flower petals, and earthenware oil lamps called diya are lit in rows on windowsills, rooftops, and temple steps. Markets are filled with lights, sweets, flowers, new clothes, and gold and silver. In the evening, the sound of firecrackers, temple bells, and family laughter blend together.

What to see, do, eat, buy:

• See: markets, temples, forts, and riverbanks lit up after dark.

• Do: watch or attend a Lakshmi Puja ceremony, light a diya, and try drawing rangoli.

• Eat: sweets like ghewar, jalebi, gulab jamun, kaju katli, and savory dishes like kachori.

• Buy: oil lamps, brassware, textiles, sweets as gifts, and if you like, a traditional outfit.

Tip: When offered sweets, accept them. Sharing mithai is part of the festival, and refusing might be seen as unfriendly. Taking a small portion and smiling is enough.

Diwali is not just one night but spans about five days. In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6, Naraka Chaturdashi (also known as Choti Diwali) on Saturday, November 7, the main Lakshmi Puja night on Sunday, November 8, Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9, and Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, November 10. Some regional calendars push the last two days back by one day, so please confirm the specific dates in your chosen city.

Dhanteras is the day when people buy gold, silver, or new kitchenware for good luck, so jewelry and metal markets are the busiest. Choti Diwali is a day for cleaning, decorating, and lighting the first lamps, and in some regions, people also take an oil bath at dawn. The third day is the main event: families gather at dusk to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, homes are lit with diyas, and fireworks explode after the ceremony. Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is marked by large offerings at temples. Bhai Dooj concludes the festival as siblings exchange wishes and gifts.

Where and when to be present:

• November 6 and 7: shopping markets are the busiest, suitable for photography and gift shopping.

• November 8, late afternoon: arrive at a viewing spot for lights or a temple early, before roads are blocked.

• November 8, evening: lights, ceremonies, and fireworks; the most beautiful but also the busiest night.

• November 9 and 10: quieter, with temple feasts and family visits.

Note: Puja timings vary by city. Please look up the Lakshmi Puja schedule for your destination instead of using a general time.

India celebrates Diwali in many ways, and the right city depends on what you want. Jaipur is easiest for newcomers: main markets like Johari Bazaar and MI Road are adorned with huge strings of lights, and the entire old city glows brightly at night. Ayodhya, traditionally the birthplace of King Rama, hosts Deepotsav with hundreds of thousands of oil lamps lit along the Saryu riverbanks, along with cultural programs and Ram Leela performances. This place is deeply spiritual and very crowded, so early planning is essential.

Amritsar combines Diwali with Bandi Chhor Divas: the Golden Temple is lit up with lights and fireworks over the sacred lake, creating a peaceful and moving scene. Varanasi has the evening Ganga aarti prayer ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, although the city's biggest festival of lights is Dev Deepawali, which falls about 15 days after Diwali on the full moon night. Delhi and Mumbai have the largest markets and most options, but the air quality in Delhi can be very poor around the festival. In the east, Kolkata celebrates the main night with Kali Puja.

Where to choose:

• Newcomers, wanting beautiful lights and easy dining: Jaipur.

• Pilgrims, who enjoy grand spectacles: Ayodhya and Varanasi.

• Quiet, sacred, and picturesque: Amritsar.

• Shopping, dining, and many options: Delhi or Mumbai.

If you have more days, Jaipur connects very conveniently with Delhi and Agra, a familiar route for tourists, and from Amritsar, you can visit the Wagah border to watch the evening flag-lowering ceremony

Tip: Choose one city and stay for 2 to 3 days. Traveling between cities on festival days is both slow and tiring.

To fully experience the atmosphere, arrive a day or two before November 8th to see the markets gradually light up. The night of November 8th is the peak, but also the most crowded and difficult to navigate. If you prefer a quieter experience, dedicate November 9th and 10th to temples and meals with locals, when the pace of life slows down and offerings are shared.

Early November is after the rainy season, so days are usually dry and pleasant, while evenings in the north are chilly. The specific temperature is Ranging from 27°C to 29°C, so check the forecast a few days before flying. A bigger concern is the air quality. Delhi and most of northern India are already heavily polluted during this season, and Diwali fireworks make it worse; in 2025, many areas in Delhi recorded air quality index above 350 on the day after Diwali, a level considered severe. Firework regulations in Delhi change annually, sometimes banning traditional fireworks, sometimes only allowing less polluting green fireworks.

• Wear a fine particulate filter mask and use it in crowded, smoky areas.

• Check the air quality index before planning to stay outdoors for long.

• Choose a city with better air quality if you have asthma or cardiovascular conditions.

• Close windows in the evening, consider a room with an air purifier.

Tip: If you have a choice, Jaipur or Amritsar are often more pleasant than Delhi for those sensitive to smoke.

Most Diwali activities are public and free: you can stroll through illuminated markets, watch evening prayers, and admire decorated temples without needing a ticket. Some performances, river events, rooftop dinners, or festive parties at ancient palaces may require tickets or reservations, with Prices range from 2,500 to 7,000 Rupees (INR) per person.. Large temples and shrines do not charge admission but may have hours-long queues on the main day, so arrive early or choose a less crowded day.

Things that must be booked early are trains, flights, hotels, and cars with drivers. As the entire country travels, popular routes sell out weeks in advance, and prices surge closer to the date.

Regarding visas, Vietnamese citizens typically apply for an e-Tourist Visa through the official Indian government portal; please confirm the conditions applicable to Vietnamese passports. Aggregate sites mention three types: 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years, with fees around 25 USD for 30 days during the season from July to March, 40 USD for 1 year, and 80 USD for 5 years, plus a 2.5% bank fee, so it needs to be cross-referenced. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and have two blank pages. Submit your application at least 4 days before your arrival date; the earlier, the safer.

Pre-trip checklist:

• Check the appropriate visa type for your nationality, only on the official portal.

• Submit your application early, ideally a few weeks before the festival.

• Print or save your e-visa approval letter and hotel information.

• Book tickets and accommodation as soon as your dates are confirmed.

• Purchase travel insurance that includes medical expenses.

Note: There are many fraudulent websites that charge extra fees. Only use the official government portal.

Fly to Delhi or Mumbai, then choose how to proceed. Between cities, trains and domestic flights are the main options, while hiring a car with a driver suits small groups needing flexibility, especially around Rajasthan. Book everything early. Within cities, the metro (where available, like Delhi) is fast and avoids traffic jams, while auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing apps are convenient for short distances. In old quarters like Jaipur's Pink City or the narrow alleys of Varanasi, you'll have to walk the final stretch as vehicles cannot enter.

On Diwali night, roads around major markets and temples are blocked or extremely slow. Be at your viewing spot before the crowds gather, then walk back or wait for the crowds to thin out. Late at night, demand for ride-hailing is very high and prices increase, so book a ride as the evening winds down instead of waiting until the last minute.

Travel tips:

• Choose accommodation near a metro station or main road to easily leave when alleys are blocked.

• Hire a car with a driver for multi-stop days in Rajasthan.

• Allow extra time for all journeys on November 7 and 8.

• Save your hotel address in the local script to show drivers.

• Avoid riding on the back of a motorbike at night when fireworks are being set off.

Tip: If the street is safe and crowded, walk back through the brightly lit alleys. It's often faster, and it's also a beautiful part of the evening.

Where you stay determines your Diwali experience. Staying in or near the old quarter, like the Pink City in Jaipur, allows you to walk to markets and illuminated streets, but this area is noisy and vehicle access is restricted on festive evenings. Staying a bit further out offers quieter nights and easier access to main roads, but in return, you'll need to travel back and forth. In Amritsar, it's advisable to choose accommodation within walking distance of the Golden Temple; in Ayodhya and Varanasi, opt for places within walking distance of the river ghats.

Prices increase sharply and well-located rooms sell out quickly, so book as soon as your dates are confirmed, preferably with free cancellation. Heritage guesthouses and homestays often host festive dinners and offer a closer look at local customs. Ask your accommodation if they have quiet hours or rooftop access restrictions.

Look for accommodation with:

• Free cancellation policy, in case of changes to transport or plans.

• Walking distance to a main market or temple.

• Sealed windows or air purifiers if you are concerned about smog.

• A host who knows the Lakshmi Puja timings and places that are closed.

• Early check-in or luggage storage on arrival day.

Tip: Book one accommodation for your entire trip. Changing hotels on November 7th or 8th can be very tiring when roads are blocked.

Food is half the joy of Diwali. Sweet shops are filled with boxes of mithai: kaju katli, jalebi, gulab jamun, laddoo, and in Jaipur, also ghewar. Savory dishes like pyaaz kachori and samosa are sold everywhere, and families offer guests sweets as good wishes. In Amritsar, try the local kulcha and lassi. Eat where it's crowded, choose freshly fried items, and drink bottled or filtered water.

Prices vary greatly by city and the quality of the establishment. The cost for one day of food, city transport, and entrance fees is approximately 1,500 to 5,000 Rupees (INR) per person (approximately 450,000 – 1,500,000 VND)., but accommodation is a major variable and increases sharply around Diwali. Cash is still useful for small vendors, tips, and temple offerings, while many stalls and shops accept UPI QR codes, which can be used if your payment app supports foreign cards or accounts. The total trip cost is estimated at approximately 600 to 1,800 USD per person (equivalent to about 50,000 to 150,000 rupees / approximately 15,000,000 – 45,000,000 VND).

Money tips:

• Carry small change for vendors, drivers, and offerings.

• Withdraw cash from ATMs inside bank branches when possible.

• Exchange money at banks or licensed counters.

• Budget for gifts, as sweets and decorations can add up.

• Carry cards as a backup for hotels and larger stores.

Tip: Buy sweets as gifts one or two days before the main night, when shops still have plenty of stock and queues are shorter.

Dress comfortably and respectfully. Many visitors wear brightly colored kurtas, salwars, or saris, and you'll blend in more. When entering temples, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before stepping inside. Bring light clothing for the daytime and a warm layer for evenings in the north. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are best for crowded alleys.

Packing list:

• Light cotton clothing and one festive outfit.

• A shawl or scarf for temples and cold nights.

• Easy-to-remove shoes for convenient temple entry.

• Fine dust filter mask for smoky evenings.

• Power bank, small bag, and cross-body wallet.

• Hand sanitizer, tissues, and any personal medication you need.

• Earplugs for firecracker noise.

Etiquette is very important. Greet everyone with a smile or a namaste, accept sweets with your right hand, and ask before photographing people who are praying. Don't touch people's heads and don't step on rangoli. Don't point your feet towards the altar. Some temples and families abstain from alcohol and meat during the festival, so be mindful. Firecrackers are a part of the festive night, but keep your distance from families lighting them, and never pick up or relight an unexploded firecracker. If invited to a puja, follow your host's lead on when to stand, sit, or offer flowers, and leave a small donation when visiting a temple.

Tip: If a family invites you to observe their puja, accept the invitation. It's one of the warmest ways to experience Diwali.

Crowds, fireworks, and traffic are the main risks. Keep your phone, wallet, and a copy of your passport in a front-worn zippered bag, avoid crowded spots at market entrances, and stay away from fireworks lit directly on the street. Pickpockets operate in crowded markets, so keep valuables close to your body. The national emergency number is 112 (Emergency Response Support System – ERSS); save this number and your hotel's number before heading out. If you have an underlying medical condition, bring your prescriptions and regular medications.

Connectivity makes these things easier. An eSIM allows you to have data as soon as you land, so you can book rides, share your location, and translate signs without having to find a store. Around 1 to 2 GB per day is enough for maps, messaging, and a few photo uploads, more if you watch videos or tether Wi-Fi for the whole group. Install it at home via Wi-Fi, activate it upon arrival, and keep your main SIM for receiving verification codes.

When traveling with young children and the elderly:

• Choose morning or early evening for ceremonies, and quieter temples.

• Protect ears from firework noise, especially for babies and the elderly.

• Avoid crowded markets during peak hours and agree on a meeting point.

• Bring water and snacks.

• Allow time for rest and return to the hotel before the late-night fireworks display.

Note: Smoke and noise can exacerbate asthma, cardiovascular conditions, and sleep issues. Consult your doctor before your trip if you fall into this group.