When is Diwali?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and usually falls in October or November, on the new moon night of the month of Kartika. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Friday, October 29, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 27 days to go, which is about 3 weeks and 6 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 29 | Friday |
A little history
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In northern India it marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, while many people also honor Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists all celebrate their own versions.
How people celebrate
Homes get cleaned top to bottom and decorated with oil lamps called diyas, string lights and colorful rangoli patterns on the floor. Families share sweets like ladoo and barfi, wear new clothes and set off fireworks. The celebration typically spans five days.
Closures and practical notes
It's a public holiday in India, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji and other countries. In the US it isn't a federal holiday, but New York City schools close for it, and more places are following.
Planning tips
Because the date depends on a religious or lunar calendar, it moves around from year to year, and the exact day can change by one depending on where you live and on local announcements. Treat the dates here as a solid guide, and check with your local community for the final word.
If you're celebrating with family, book travel early. If you're not celebrating but have friends, neighbors or coworkers who are, a quick greeting or simply not scheduling a big meeting that day is a thoughtful touch.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Sunday, November 8, 2026.
What day of the week is Diwali in 2027?
It's a Friday (October 29, 2027).
How many days does Diwali last?
The full festival usually lasts five days, with the main day of Lakshmi Puja in the middle.