Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in October or November, the biggest date in the Hindu year.
- UK
- USA
- Ireland (not marked)
- Canada (not marked)
- Australia (not marked)
- New Zealand
- International
OrganiserBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
ListingAdded by us from official sources
Last checked19 October 2026
First heldNot known
About the day
Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness with lamps, fireworks, sweets, new clothes and family gatherings. Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day. It is a major retail and gifting date in UK and US South Asian communities, with large public celebrations in cities such as Leicester and London. Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and communities.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday 8 November 2026 | UK, USA, International, New Zealand | Confirmed by the organiser |
| 2027 | Friday 29 October 2027 | UK, USA, International, New Zealand | Confirmed by the organiser |
Where this information comes from
- BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: festival list 2026
- BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: festival list 2027
- Government of India (DoPT) holiday list 2026, as reproduced by GConnect
- Government of India (DoPT) holiday list 2027, circulated by Department of Posts
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