🪔 Diwali 2026: 6 Indian cities, festival dates and an 8-day itinerary

Diwali is India's biggest festival, roughly like Christmas in the West. In 2026 its main day falls on Sunday, November 8. For five days the country glows with lights: clay lamps burn, festive fairs are in full swing, and fireworks and firecrackers boom in the evenings. Going at this time means seeing India bright and alive. But also more crowded.

Below you'll find the exact dates, six traveler-friendly cities, a sample itinerary, and honest tips on how to survive the festive bustle.

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When Diwali is in 2026

💡 In short:

The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday, November 8. The festival runs for five days, from November 6 to 10.
Six convenient cities: Jaipur, Varanasi, Amritsar, Delhi, Kolkata, and Udaipur.
Plan at least 7 days for the trip. The first three days of Diwali are the most spectacular.
Book hotels and transport in advance, 2-3 months ahead: it's peak season.
Diwali dates: 09/2026, verified on Drik Panchang

The date of Diwali changes every year. It's calculated according to the Hindu calendar, which takes into account both solar and lunar cycles. The festival usually lasts five days, with the main day falling in the middle.

Here are the main Diwali days in India for the coming years (according to the Drik Panchang calendar, 09/2026):

Diwali 2026: Sunday, November 8
Diwali 2027: Friday, October 29
Diwali 2028: Tuesday, October 17
Diwali 2029: Monday, November 5
Diwali 2030: Saturday, October 26

Travelers shouldn't miss the first three days. That's when the rituals, fairs, and festive illumination look their best. On the first day, stop by a fair: there's a pre-festival chaos there, and the stalls have everything from decorations to traditional clothing and gold.

In the following days, people create rangoli (floor patterns made from colored powder) and draw mehndi (temporary henna designs on hands). On the main day, clay oil lamps (diyas) are lit and people sit down to a festive dinner at a hotel or at a local family's home. Join in: that's how you'll feel the festival from the inside.

Six cities worth celebrating Diwali in

Diwali is celebrated almost everywhere in the country. But northern India works better: the weather here is cooler and drier than in the south. We've picked six cities that are convenient for travelers.

Clay diya lamp with four flames in the dark

Delhi and Jaipur are family-friendly and deliver the classic Diwali experience in a short time. Varanasi, Kolkata, and Amritsar add their own religious flavor to the festival. And Udaipur suits those who want a calm, unhurried pace.

1. Jaipur: the most photogenic Diwali

Jaipur is one of the most picturesque cities in India. During Diwali, you'll get the best shots here: the illuminated streets are especially beautiful in the old part, from Bapu Bazar market to the City Palace. In the evening, head up to Nahargarh Fort, which offers a view of the entire glowing city.

To soak up the atmosphere, take a tuk-tuk ride through the noisy fair and try henna painting. If the hotel celebration feels modest, experience Diwali with a local family: put on a traditional outfit, make rangoli together with your hosts, and stay for dinner. That evening will stay with you longer than any guided tour.

Hawa Mahal palace in Jaipur in the evening

Jaipur is part of the classic Golden Triangle, so hotels here get booked up the fastest. Check hotels in Jaipur on Trip.com a couple of months before the festival.

2. Varanasi: ghats in lights and Dev Diwali

In Varanasi, Diwali traditions are similar to the rest of India. But the city is known for an even more spectacular follow-up: Dev Diwali (Dev Deepavali), about 15 days after the main festival. In 2026 it falls on November 24 (according to Wikipedia, 09/2026).

On Dev Diwali, all the ghats, the wide steps leading down to the Ganges, are decorated with thousands of clay lamps. The main celebrations take place at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The best way to see this scene is a boat ride on the river. Take an evening slot: from the water, the lights look especially striking.

Oil lamps on the ghats of Varanasi at night

If you want to watch the fireworks over the Ganges as a couple, waterfront hotels work well: BrijRama Palace, Taj Nadesar Palace, and Guleria Kothi. These are historic palaces with river views. Check prices at BrijRama Palace on Trip.com well in advance: there aren't many waterfront rooms.

3. Amritsar: Diwali and the Sikh Bandi Chhor Divas

In Amritsar, Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas. The most picturesque spot is the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which is illuminated with thousands of lights and clay lamps during these days. Here you can try the community meal, langar, and if you like, volunteer in the kitchen and food distribution.

Golden Temple in Amritsar at night with reflection in the water

In the evening on Diwali, fireworks are set off over the temple. Pilgrims light candles and meditate by the sacred pool surrounding the temple. Come early: thousands of worshippers gather well in advance, and morning light gives you the best shots. Tours of Amritsar and the Golden Temple on GetYourGuide will help you understand the rituals.

4. Delhi: the liveliest Diwali bazaars

Delhi is India's main entry and exit city. If you are short on time, it is the best choice for Diwali. It is convenient to start from here and return here before your flight.

Paharganj evening bazaar in festive lights

It is hard to miss the local fairs. Dilli Haat, the city's largest Diwali bazaar, is known for its carnivals and handicrafts. And Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is considered the busiest area during the festival. It is easy to get lost in the crowd here, so keep your belongings close.

For a more local experience, join a food walk with a local chef: you will try typical Indian food and festive sweets. Browse hotels in Delhi on Trip.com near the airport or in the center.

5. Kolkata: Kali Puja alongside Diwali

Kolkata is a great place to see another side of Diwali. Here, on the main day, people also celebrate Kali Puja.

On this day you will catch puja ceremonies (prayers) at Kalighat Temple or at the riverside Dakshineswar Kali Temple. After dark, pandals are set up across the city: large tents with big statues of the fierce goddess Kali and festive lights.

For a quieter evening, take a boat ride on the Hooghly River and watch the Diwali lights from the water. At Ramkrishnapur Ghat in the Howrah area, you can float your own lamp on the water. It is a simple but personal gesture amid the shared celebration.

6. Udaipur: Diwali at a relaxed pace

If you want to add an unhurried stop to your trip, Udaipur is one of the best options. The city of lakes moves at a different pace than noisy Delhi and Jaipur.

At the historic palace hotel, evenings feel especially romantic. It is worth setting aside time here for the spa and festive dinners. On the main day of Diwali, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola: from the water you can see the illuminated palaces and temples. Browse hotels in Udaipur on Trip.com among the heritage options by the water.

City Palace of Udaipur above Lake Pichola

How many days to plan for the trip

To align with the Diwali schedule, we recommend spending at least 7 days in India. This is enough for the festival and one or two transfers without rushing. In a week you will see both the cities and the first evening of Diwali.

A good base is a week-long Golden Triangle tour covering Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. From there, extend the route based on your interests, adding 2 days for each destination.

If you love animals, add a tiger safari. Ranthambore National Park is the most popular and convenient option along the way, between Agra and Jaipur. History lovers will appreciate the ancient rituals in Varanasi or Amritsar and the palace heritage of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

If you want to see the country's most dynamic city, head to Mumbai, the birthplace of Bollywood. And if you need beach time after the festival, add Goa. That way your trip will combine celebration, culture, and relaxation.

Sample 8-day itinerary

This itinerary brings together India's main icons and the festive Diwali experience. It is designed for first-time visitors.

You will catch the lively chaos of the capital, Delhi, see the Taj Mahal, and feel the royal charm of Jaipur. The main Diwali experiences await in Agra and Jaipur: in Agra you will ride a tuk-tuk through the fair, and in Jaipur you will get henna on your hands and join the rituals of a local family.

Day	Highlights	Book in advance
1-2	Delhi: historic sites and a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk market	centrally located hotel
3	Transfer to Agra, Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh garden	Taj Mahal ticket
4	Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb, tuk-tuk to the Diwali fair	-
5	Transfer to Jaipur, Chand Baori stepwell	driver for the transfer
6-8	Jaipur: main sights, cooking class and Diwali with a local family	dinner with a family

You can change the order of the cities to fit your dates. The main thing is to keep the main Diwali day, November 8, for a city with a strong festive program.

How much a Diwali trip costs

Diwali is the absolute peak of demand for trips to India. Hotel and private tour prices stay at the top of the range during these days, and the good options get booked first. Exact amounts depend heavily on the hotel class and itinerary, so you should check current prices for your specific dates.

In peak season, plan your trip 2-3 months ahead. That way you can book reliable hotels and guides before they are taken.

How to get there and get around during Diwali

Flights to India are easier than they seem: many flights serve major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From Southeast Asia the journey takes 4-6 hours, from Europe about 8-10 hours. Direct flights from America take about 13-15 hours. Finding flights to India on Kiwi.com is convenient for comparing by dates.

Getting around the country during Diwali is more difficult. Transport and popular places will be more crowded: most Indians take a week off and travel to fairs, friends, and family. Road closures and traffic jams in packed areas are possible. Plan transfers with extra time and avoid tight connections. That way you won't lose a day on the road.

Tips for a Diwali trip

Traveling in India is almost always intense and chaotic. During Diwali it gets even more crowded and noisy. A few simple tips will help you enjoy the holiday more calmly.

Locals set off fireworks and firecrackers all night and occasionally during the day. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs: in our experience of peak-season trips, that is the first thing people pack.
Children often run through the streets with firecrackers and sparklers. Stay alert while walking so you don't accidentally get burned.
Diwali fairs are noisy and crowded. Keep your belongings close: pickpockets work in the crowds.
There are many domestic tourists at this time, so accommodation and transport fill up quickly. Book hotels and transfers well in advance.

These small things don't ruin the holiday; they help you experience it without extra stress.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is Diwali in India in 2026?

The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday, November 8. The whole festival lasts five days, roughly from November 6 to 10, with the most spectacular first three days featuring fairs and illuminations. Dates verified on Drik Panchang (09/2026).

Which city should I choose for my first Diwali?

If you are short on time, choose Delhi or Jaipur: they are family-friendly and offer the classic holiday experience. For religious atmosphere, go to Varanasi or Amritsar, and for a calmer pace, to Udaipur on the lakes.

How many days do I need for a Diwali trip?

Plan for at least 7 days. A convenient base is the week-long Golden Triangle, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, then add 2 days for each additional destination, whether it's a safari, palaces, or Goa's beaches.

Is it expensive to go to India for Diwali?

It is peak season, so hotel and tour prices stay at the top of the range, and the good options get booked first. The exact amount depends on the hotel class and itinerary, so book 2-3 months ahead and check current prices for your dates.

What is Dev Diwali in Varanasi?

It is a separate festival of lights about 15 days after Diwali, on November 24 in 2026. All the ghats along the Ganges are decorated with thousands of lamps, and the best view is from a boat. The main celebrations take place at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

In short: what to book

If you have 7 days: take the Golden Triangle with the holiday in Jaipur. If you have 10-12 days: add Varanasi or a safari in Ranthambore. If you want to relax after the holiday: end your itinerary in Goa. Most importantly, book early: check hotels in India on Trip.com 2-3 months before your dates.

Diwali in India: when is the holiday in 2026 and which city to visit