Diwali: Everything you need to know about India’s festival of lights
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, takes place every autumn in India and beyond. So, why is it celebrated? How? And where in the world can you experience Diwali for yourself?
Among the biggest Hindu celebrations (the title of Hindu’s most important festival goes to Kumbh Mela, held every four or 12 years), Diwali is celebrated each autumn.
Want to know how India celebrates, or thinking about taking a trip to discover for yourself next year? Here’s what you need to know…
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, which is widely celebrated across the world between October and November. In 2025, Diwali falls on 20 November, and in 2026, it will fall on 8 November.
Around 31 million homes in rural India don’t have any access to electricity – so Diwali actively represents the one time of year when the community really does come together to conquer the dark.
Locals light up their homes all through the night with colourful rangoli (patterns made with ground rice and colours) and lit diya lamps.
So what’s the story again?
The story differs depending on the region and religion, but the classic tale is of the exiled prince Rama, who rescued his beautiful wife Sita from the clutches of the ten-headed demon Ravana from his palace in Sri Lanka.
People lit oil lamps, paving the way for the hero’s return home to the kingdom of Ayodhya, India.
How is Diwali celebrated?
In glittering fashion, of course. See the ganga aarti, where fire is offered to the Ganges in Haridwar, or admire ghats (flights of steps) lit up with lamps that extend all the way down to the river in Varanasi.
You could also appreciate the fireworks reflecting off the Golden Temple and its lake in Amritsar. Down south, Goans celebrate Lord Krishna and burn effigies of the demon Narakasur.
Beyond the glittering lights, other simple ways people celebrate the Hindu festival include: cleaning the house, exchanging gifts or wearing new clothes.
Where else can I go?
Fiji, Indonesia, Nepal… the list goes on. Visit Sri Lanka’s Hakgala Botanical Garden, though, and according to local legend, you’ll be close to where Sita was held captive.
Hike through the garden – one of the highest in the world – then rest under the giant shadow of Hakgala peak. Exotic flora blooms alongside classic English roses in this paradise, with sloth bears slinking among the shrubbery, too. Not bad for a one-time prison.
3 lesser-known spots in India for celebrating Diwali in style
Dangs, India
Immerse yourself in tribal culture and spend Diwali in a remote Gujarati village. Prepare rangoli with locals, who will show you how to use forest resources, give art demonstrations and cook food for you. You can go trekking and take part in daily activities, too.
Nathdwara, India
Centuries-old art depicting the life of Lord Krishna is the key attraction of this village on the outskirts of Udaipur. All the buildings are given a fresh lick of paint before Diwali, when idols of the gods are taken through the streets in a procession.
Purushwadi, India
Every June, this remote Maharashtrian village is lit up with the glow of a million fireflies. But on the night of Diwali, villagers light a bonfire, women cook traditional meals and children sing, inviting people to light their lamps.
Where to celebrate Diwali in the UK
Leicester
Believed to be the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India, with more than 50,000 people enjoying the festivities last year. Diwali lights hang above the streets of the Golden Mile, and there will be workshops where you can learn how to make your own rangoli (patterns made out of coloured sand and other materials). The city is also known as the UK’s curry capital, so you can try dishes from all over India.
More information: visitleicester.com
London
The capital also marks Diwali with a special event, but this year’s was held on 12 October. Centred on Trafalgar Square, keep your eyes peeled for the 2026 dates so you don’t miss out on song and dance, yoga and meditation, and storytelling.
More information: diwaliinlondon.com
