When Is Diwali in 2026? Best Places to Celebrate in India

Posted on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor Leave a Comment

Diwali is not just a festival of lights. It’s also a festival of homecoming, food, shopping, and tidying up your streets for the biggest celebration of the year. Diwali 2026 falls on 8th November, and what better way to spend it than to plan a festival getaway or discover a new destination in India?

Whether you want to take part in the celebrations, visit some of the country’s most historical cities, or take a few days in the mountains, your perfect Diwali holiday is out there.

Let’s find you a trip that fits your festive plans.

When Is Diwali in 2026?

The festival lasts 5 days, and the date of Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8th November. The five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras and concludes on Bhai Dooj. Diwali is filled with the lighting of diyas, rangoli, sweets, family get-togethers, and Lakshmi Puja, and each region has its own way of observing the festival.

Festival Day	Date
Dhanteras	6 November
Choti Diwali	7 November
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)	8 November
Govardhan Puja	9 November
Bhai Dooj	10 November

Because Diwali falls on a Sunday, the long weekend makes it easier to plan a short trip.

Make the most of the Diwali long weekend. Start planning your short break and choose a destination that fits your available days.

Why Diwali Is Celebrated

For DIWALI, there are a number of stories in different parts of India, but one of the most popular is about Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. Legend has it that the residents of Ayodhya lit diyas to celebrate their prince’s return after defeating Ravana.

Another piece of Hindu folklore is of Lord Krishna, who slew the demon Narakasura. The story is celebrated in some parts of India at Naraka Chaturdashi, which falls on the first day of the Diwali festival.

The story differs a bit in each corner of India. In some portions, the goddess of auspicious fortune, Lakshmi, is revered. Others mark the harvest season. But the spirit stays the same: cleaning the house, lighting lamps, sharing sweets, and being with family.

Best Places to Visit in India During Diwali

Not every Diwali trip needs to look the same. You could book a heritage city tour, enjoy a mountain escape, or plan a longer vacation with family. Here are a few options to consider.

• Jaipur and Rajasthan for Heritage and Festive Markets

If you enjoy architectural gems, bazaars, local cuisine, and streets filled with color, then a trip to Jaipur should be on your list. It is also a wonderful addition to a longer trip in which you can explore the forts, palaces, and other attractions of Rajasthan.

If you are keen to visit more than one city, see our Rajasthan holiday packages and find out which trip fits your dates.

• Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur for a Heritage Trip

Our Golden Triangle tour packages are worth exploring if you’d like to plan a multi-city trip around the festive season.

• Shimla and Manali for a Mountain Break

For those not so keen on exploring the crowded markets, we suggest you drive towards the hilly regions. Shimla and Manali sit high in the mountains, making them perfect getaways for sightseeing and relaxing.

Browse our Himachal holiday packages for details of the itineraries on offer. Before you travel, please check the weather and conditions.

• Kerala for a Relaxed Holiday

Prefer greenery, scenic backwaters, and a slower pace? Kerala is another option for a family holiday or a few days away. The experience will depend on your chosen itinerary and the places you want to cover.

Explore more domestic holiday packages

Famous Diwali Celebrations Across India

Region	What Makes It Unique
North India	Lakshmi Puja, rangoli, lights
West Bengal	Kali Puja, pandals, night-long celebrations
Maharashtra	Naraka Chaturdashi, early morning oil baths
Gujarat	Bestu Varas, business ledger worship
South India	Kolam, temple visits, early morning baths

Diwali Holiday Packages from Panchkula

Most Diwali trips can be categorized into two groups. Some are lively and jolly, while others provide a calm and peaceful experience. You can join in the festivities right where you are or take the long weekend to unwind in a peaceful spot.

Here’s what we typically plan for this season:

Type of Trip	Destinations	Best For
Spiritual	Ayodhya, Varanasi, Amritsar	Festival experiences
Heritage	Jaipur, Udaipur	Lights, forts, shopping
Hill break	Shimla, Manali, Kasauli	Quiet getaway
International	Dubai, Bali, Thailand	Skipping the festive rush

Every plan can be adjusted for duration, hotel category, and what’s included.

Not sure which destination to choose? Contact our team to discuss your travel preferences and explore suitable holiday options.

Diwali Vacation Ideas If You Want Something Quieter

Not everyone enjoys being in a crowd. So, if you’d prefer a low-key Diwali:

• Himachal: Shimla, Manali, or Kasauli for cold air and mountains.
• Kerala: Backwaters and houseboats, far from the noise.
• Coorg: Coffee plantations and cool hills.
• Rishikesh: Spiritual, peaceful, a different kind of festive.

These work well if you’re travelling with parents or young kids, or planning to travel.

Can You Plan an International Holiday During Diwali?

Of course. If you’d rather spend your festive break outside India, an international holiday may suit you better.

Depending on your travel style, you could consider:

• Dubai for city attractions, shopping, and desert experiences.
• Bali for temples, beaches, and cultural sightseeing.
• Thailand for a mix of city experiences and beach time.
• Maldives for an island getaway.

Explore our international holiday packages to see the destinations and itineraries available. Package inclusions, dates, and availability can vary, so check the details before confirming your plans.

A Few Things to Check Before Planning Your Diwali Trip

A bit of preparation can help you avoid last-minute confusion during the festive period.

• Select your dates: are you booking a short break or a longer holiday?
• Decide on your budget: consider accommodation, travel within the destination, food, and activities.
• Events by location: Activities, opening hours, and potential crowds will vary given the destination.
• Check the itinerary: make sure what’s included, what’s not, and whether the schedule fits your group.
• Give yourself additional time: some of the popular sites and markets should be busier during the special event season.

Make Your Diwali Break Count

A Diwali holiday can be a wonderful opportunity to explore Rajasthan’s rich heritage, enjoy some time in the mountains, or even embark on a longer international adventure. The best choice really depends on your dates, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for.

At Shipra Travels, we can help you explore available domestic and international holiday packages and discuss itinerary options based on your preferences.

Have a destination in mind? Get in touch with us to discuss your plans.

FAQs

Q1. When is Diwali in 2026?

A. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. The five-day festival runs from 6 November (Dhanteras) to 10 November (Bhai Dooj).

Q2. Why is Diwali celebrated in India?

A. It marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It’s also linked to Lakshmi Puja, the harvest season, and the victory of light over darkness.

Q3. Which are the best places to celebrate Diwali in India?

A. Ayodhya, Varanasi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Amritsar. Each offers a different kind of celebration.

Q4. How can I plan a holiday around Diwali 2026?

A. Share your destination, travel dates, and budget with us. We’ll create itinerary options that fit your plans.

Q5. Can I book a Diwali holiday package through Shipra Travels?

A. Yes. We plan both domestic and international Diwali packages, customized to your dates and preferences.