Diwali

When: Oct - Nov each year, anchored to the new moon (Amavasya) of Kartik so exact dates move annually.

Where: Celebrated nationwide across India and in diaspora communities, with public displays in cities, towns and villages.

Cost: Most events are free to watch; expect spending on sweets, new clothes, diyas and fireworks.

Don’t miss: Evening Lakshmi Puja and the river or street rows of lit diyas, the crowded bazaars stacked with sweets and decorations, and local firework displays.

Diwali is the major autumn festival in India marking the victory of light over darkness and prosperity over want; its meaning and local legends vary by region, from Rama’s return to Ayodhya to the worship of the goddess Lakshmi. The five days mix religious puja (prayer), family visiting, shopping and community spectacles.

Activities spill out of homes into streets and markets: households light oil lamps (diyas), create rangoli patterns, and set off fireworks; temples hold special services and businesses perform Lakshmi puja for prosperity. Expect the busiest, most colourful scenes in city bazaars, temple precincts and river ghats - examples include the ghats of Varanasi and the illuminated markets of Jaipur and other historic towns.

Diwali falls in October or November, on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Hindu month Kartik, so the Gregorian date shifts each year. The festival unfolds over five main days: Dhanteras (shopping and new purchases), Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (early-morning rituals and smaller lights), the main night of Lakshmi Puja (the principal evening of lights), Govardhan/Annakut or Padwa in some regions, and Bhai Dooj (siblings’ day).

The third day (Lakshmi Puja) is typically the peak for public lighting and fireworks; many events, market rushes and family gatherings concentrate in the two days either side.

For international travellers the main entry points are major airports such as Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) and Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), with good onward connections by rail and domestic air to other cities. Choose the city where you want to celebrate, arrive 2 - 3 days early to see markets and attend temple events, and book flights and accommodation well in advance - demand spikes sharply for the festival period.

• In India remove shoes before entering homes and temples and dress modestly for puja ceremonies.

• Be cautious around fireworks: keep a safe distance, supervise children, and carry basic first‑aid items; avoid crowded fireworks displays if you have respiratory issues.

• Wear comfortable shoes for crowded bazaars and uneven streets; bring a small torch or phone light for steps and ghats at night.

• Expect heavy crowds, traffic jams and busy trains; allow plenty of time to travel between neighbourhoods and book long-distance trains or flights weeks to months ahead.

• Cash is handy for small purchases at street stalls, but many markets accept cards and UPI; shop earlier in the festival for better stock of sweets and decorations.

• If you have noise or light sensitivity, choose accommodation slightly away from central squares and check for windows that seal out street noise.