Diwali 2027 (India public holiday)

Diwali 2027 falls on Friday 29 October 2027, according to the official Government of India holiday list for 2027. Diwali, also called Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated across India with oil lamps, fireworks, sweets and family visits. It is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, especially for the Indian diaspora returning home.

About Diwali

Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. For many Hindus it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, and it is also a time to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and many others too. Homes and streets are decorated with clay lamps, lights and rangoli patterns, and families exchange gifts and sweets.

Diwali is a five-day festival in many regions, starting with Dhanteras and continuing after the main day with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Celebrations differ by region: Varanasi, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Amritsar and Delhi all draw visitors, each with its own traditions. Diwali is a religious and family festival for many, so visitors should be respectful at temples and private gatherings.

Diwali 2027 dates and venue

Diwali 2027 date: Friday 29 October 2027. The Government of India holiday list for 2027 states this date and adds that in some states the holiday may be observed on Naraka Chaturdasi, the day before, where that day is the state's compulsory Diwali holiday. Check local holiday arrangements for the city you are visiting.

There is no single venue. Celebrations take place in homes, temples, markets and public spaces across India. Many shops and offices close for the main day, while markets are very busy in the days before.

How to get to New Delhi for Diwali

The main international gateways are Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, with other airports such as Jaipur (JAI), Varanasi (VNS), Amritsar (ATQ), Hyderabad (HYD) and Kochi (COK) serving regional celebrations and diaspora travel.

Diwali is one of the busiest times of year for flights, trains and roads in India, as millions travel to be with family. Book flights well in advance. Check the official entry requirements for India before booking international travel.

Where to stay

For travellers wanting to see Diwali celebrations, popular bases include central Delhi, the old city of Jaipur, the ghats of Varanasi and the area around the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Heritage hotels in Rajasthan often decorate for the festival and host special dinners.

Hotel demand rises sharply in the festival week, both in big cities and in pilgrimage towns, so book early and confirm whether hotels host events or have noise from fireworks in the evenings.

Planning a group trip for Diwali

A group tour for Diwali suits cultural travellers and diaspora families. Agencies can build itineraries around Jaipur, Varanasi or Ayodhya, adding Agra and Delhi. For Gulf and diaspora agencies, Diwali is also one of the strongest periods for family visits to India, so early fare planning matters.

• Book flights and hotels early, as demand peaks in the week of Diwali.
• Brief travellers on firework safety and air quality in North India.
• Expect closures of some shops and offices on the main day.
• Encourage respectful behaviour at temples and private celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

When is Diwali 2027?

Diwali 2027 falls on Friday 29 October 2027, according to the Government of India holiday list for 2027. In some states the holiday may be marked on Naraka Chaturdasi, the day before, so check local holiday arrangements.

Is Diwali a public holiday in India?

Yes. Diwali (Deepavali) is a compulsory holiday for Central Government offices in India in 2027. States publish their own lists, so the exact closure days for shops, banks and offices can differ by location.

Where is the best place to see Diwali in India?

Popular places include Varanasi, with lamps along the ghats, Ayodhya, Jaipur's decorated old city, Amritsar around the Golden Temple, and Delhi. Each region has its own traditions, so choose based on the travellers' interests.

Is it hard to travel in India during Diwali?

Diwali is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in India, as millions of people go home to their families. Flights, trains and hotels fill early, so book well in advance and allow extra time for journeys.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Diwali in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.