Diwali 2026: dates, travel tips and how to stay connected

Planning to be in India for Diwali, or looking for the date and where to celebrate in the UK? Here's the fast answer: Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, the main day of a five-day festival that runs from Friday 6 to Tuesday 10 November. In this guide we cover when it is, what it means, how it's celebrated, what to wear, safety and travel tips, and the eSIM plans for India that keep you connected the moment you land.

• Main day (Diwali and Lakshmi Puja): Sunday 8 November 2026
• Festival dates: Friday 6 to Tuesday 10 November 2026
• Meaning: the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil
• In London: Diwali on the Square, Trafalgar Square, Sunday 25 October 2026, free entry
• In Leicester: Diwali Day celebrations on Sunday 8 November 2026 at Cossington Recreation Ground

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday 8 November. That is the third and main day of the festival, when families light diyas (clay lamps), make rangoli patterns and offer prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Diwali doesn't fall on the same date every year because it follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is usually celebrated between October and November, and the main day falls on the darkest day of the lunar month, which is why the festival is all about light.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in India. People come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, and by some Buddhists.

Diwali is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of India. Most people celebrate it to mark the return of Lord Rama to his home in Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, which shows that good wins over evil. It's also a time to honour Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and to welcome happiness and prosperity into homes.

Diwali is celebrated with lights, decorations and lots of joy. People clean and decorate their homes, light oil lamps and candles, and make colourful rangoli designs. Families exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy special meals and watch fireworks. In India, Sunday 8 November 2026 is a public holiday, so expect some businesses to follow Sunday hours.

You don't need to fly to India to celebrate. Three UK celebrations worth knowing about in 2026:

• London: Diwali on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October 2026, from 1pm to 7pm. Entry is free and no tickets are needed, and the organisers expect well over 30,000 visitors for music, dance, workshops and food. See Diwali in London for the programme.
• Leicester: Diwali Day celebrations are on Sunday 8 November 2026 at Cossington Recreation Ground, just off the Golden Mile on Belgrave Road, with stage performances, food stalls, crafts and a children's funfair. Leicester City Council has confirmed there will be no public fireworks display this year; read the council's announcement for details.
• Greenwich: the National Maritime Museum hosts a Diwali celebration with workshops, live music, dance, talks and a Diwali Bazaar of South Asian designers; check Royal Museums Greenwich for the 2026 details.

Visiting the UK for Diwali from abroad? A UK eSIM lets you use maps and transport apps as soon as you land: see our eSIM for the UK options, or read what a UK eSIM is in our UK eSIM guide.

For Diwali, wear bright, festive clothes.

• Women usually wear sarees, lehengas or salwar kameez.
• Men wear kurta pyjamas or sherwanis.
• Red, gold, orange and green are popular colours.

Make sure your clothes are comfortable so you can enjoy the celebrations and prayers.

It's important to be mindful and respectful during Diwali celebrations, so keep these tips in mind.

• Avoid wearing loose or synthetic clothes, because they can easily catch fire while lighting diyas or fireworks. Choose cotton instead, as it's safer and more comfortable.
• Skip lighters or matchsticks when setting off fireworks. Use a sparkler or a long stick to light them safely from a distance.
• Do not burst crackers in closed or crowded areas, as it can be dangerous and cause injuries. Pick an open space away from people, homes and vehicles.
• Never leave diyas or candles burning unattended, especially near fabrics or decorations.

Setting off fireworks in the UK? It is against the law to use fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but on Diwali night the cut-off is extended to 1am. See the GOV.UK fireworks rules before you buy.

With all the crowds, lights and last-minute rush, travelling during this festival can get tricky. Here are some simple tips to make your Diwali journey smoother.

• Book your train early. If you haven't booked ahead, check the Tatkal quota: IRCTC opens Tatkal e-tickets one day before departure, at 10am for AC classes and 11am for non-AC classes, and they sell out fast. See the IRCTC Tatkal FAQ for the rules.
• Travel at off-peak times. The middle of the day can be hectic and crowded, so leave early in the morning or in the evening if you can. If you must travel at peak hours, break your journey into smaller chunks and take short breaks in quieter spots.
• Sort your data before you fly. Install your eSIM at home, so you can order a taxi, check maps and message family as soon as you land.

Getting an eSIM before you go is one of the smartest (and easiest) things you can do. It saves you from the hassle of finding a SIM card when you land, dealing with paperwork, or paying sky-high roaming charges. With an eSIM, your phone connects the moment you arrive. Whether your trip is a few days or a month, there is an India eSIM plan to fit it, and if you're travelling on afterwards, our guide to eSIMs for Thailand is a good next stop.