CELEBRATION CALENDAR · FESTIVALS

Diwali (Deepavali)

A multi-day festival of lights observed by many Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, with traditions and dates that vary by region.

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a festival of lights associated with several religious and regional traditions. For many Hindus, Lakshmi Puja on the new-moon day is a central observance; the broader festival commonly spans several days. (Encyclopaedia Britannica; Drik Panchang)

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WHY IT MATTERS

A reason to notice.

For many celebrants, lamps and other customs express the triumph of light over darkness. Lakshmi Puja is associated with seeking blessings from Lakshmi; meanings and stories vary across traditions. (Encyclopaedia Britannica)

WHO CAN TAKE PART

Make it fit your people.

Many Hindus celebrate Diwali, and it is also important to many Jain and Sikh communities, with distinct meanings and practices. Families, local communities, and some businesses take part in different ways. (Encyclopaedia Britannica; Drik Panchang)

SIX WAYS TO TAKE PART

Ideas for different kinds of groups.

Choose what fits your time, access needs, and community. These are suggestions—not requirements.

5 minutes

Light an LED candle or diya safely, then take a quiet moment to name one thing you hope to bring more light to this season.

15 minutes

Share a short Diwali greeting with someone who celebrates, and invite them to tell you which traditions matter most to them.

30 minutes

Make a simple rangoli-inspired design with paper, colored pencils, or reusable materials, and display it at home or work.

Community event

Host an optional, welcoming gathering where neighbors can share a song, story, craft, or greeting from their own Diwali traditions.

Remote team event

Invite teammates to post an optional photo of a light, decoration, or festive treat and share a one-sentence greeting in a video call or chat.

Family event

Create a family gratitude-and-kindness jar: each person adds one note about something they appreciate and one kind act to do together.

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CHECK THE DETAILS

Sources & date notes.

Use these links to confirm the date and customs that apply to your location.

Diwali is a lunar-calendar festival, so its Gregorian date changes each year. The dates here are the widely listed main Diwali/Lakshmi Puja dates in India: Drik Panchang identifies the new-moon (Amavasya) day as the main Lakshmi Puja day and lists November 8 in 2026 and October 29 in 2027; Indian Embassy holiday lists corroborate those dates. Regional observances span multiple days and customs or calendar interpretations can place some regional celebrations on different dates; these dates are not a claim that every community observes on the same day. (Drik Panchang; Indian Embassy Netherlands; Embassy of India, Caracas; timeanddate.com)

List of Holidays for 2026 — Embassy of India, Netherlands ↗
Official embassy holiday list identifies Diwali on November 8, 2026.
Holidays to be observed by the Embassy in 2027 — Embassy of India, Caracas ↗
Official embassy holiday list identifies Diwali (Deepavali) on Friday, October 29, 2027.

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