Diwali in India
Sunday, November 8, 2026 ยท Asia/Kolkata ยท Public holiday
When is Diwali in India in 2026?
Diwali in India is on Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Asia/Kolkata). As of October 16, 2026, thatโs 23 days ยท about 3 weeks. It falls on a Sunday.
Is Diwali a public holiday in India?
Yes โ Diwali is a public holiday in India. In Karnataka and Maharashtra, Tuesday, November 10, 2026 is also a public holiday. In Maharashtra, Wednesday, November 11, 2026 is also a holiday for civil servants. Monday, November 9, 2026 and Wednesday, November 11, 2026 are optional (restricted) holidays for central government employees.
Days off for Diwali 2026 in India
- Sunday, November 8, 2026Public holiday
- Monday, November 9, 2026Optional (restricted) holiday (central government employees)
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026Public holiday โ Karnataka and Maharashtra
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026Optional (restricted) holiday (central government employees)
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026Public holiday (civil servants) โ Maharashtra
How India celebrates
In India, Diwali is the biggest festival of the year: homes are renovated and decorated, markets glow for weeks, and cities hold spectacular firework displays. Regional celebrations differ โ Kali Puja in Bengal, Naraka Chaturdashi as the main day in the south.
What people eat
Regional sweets from soan papdi to mysore pak, with families exchanging boxes of mithai.