Your guide to Diwali 2026 in the UK

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the UK. In 2026, the main day falls on a Sunday, which means the whole weekend becomes a chance to shop for gifts, visit celebrations and welcome family into your home. Here is everything you need to know about Diwali 2026 in the UK.

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November in the UK. This is the main day, when Lakshmi Puja takes place in the evening. The festival runs over five days:

• Friday 6 November: Dhanteras
• Saturday 7 November: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
• Sunday 8 November: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
• Monday 9 November: Govardhan Puja
• Tuesday 10 November: Bhai Dooj

Sikh communities also mark Bandi Chhor Divas on Sunday 8 November. Diwali is not a UK bank holiday, so falling on a weekend makes it easier for families to celebrate together.

What is Diwali?

Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families light diyas, decorate their homes, share sweets, exchange gifts and come together for prayers and meals.

Things to do in the UK on Diwali weekend

With Diwali falling on a Sunday and Bonfire Night on Thursday 5 November, the weekend of 6 to 8 November is one of the busiest of the year for celebrations across the UK.

Visit Leicester

Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India. The lights along the Golden Mile on Belgrave Road draw visitors from across the country, along with food stalls, music and shopping. Check Leicester City Council for event times and travel advice, as roads and car parks become busy.

Diwali events in London

London hosts celebrations across the city, including Diwali on the Square in Trafalgar Square, and events in Southall, Wembley, Harrow and East Ham. Temples such as BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden hold special Diwali programmes and fireworks. Check event websites for dates, as some celebrations take place on the weekends before Diwali.

Celebrations in Birmingham, Manchester and beyond

Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Bradford and Manchester all host community Diwali events. Search for Diwali events near you on your local council or temple website for the latest listings.

Visit your local mandir or gurdwara

Many temples and gurdwaras open their doors for Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, with prayers, langar and lighting ceremonies. Visitors are usually welcome, so check timings in advance.

Watch a fireworks display

As Bonfire Night falls the same week, many towns hold public firework displays on Saturday 7 November. It is a good way to enjoy fireworks without hosting your own.

Diwali gift ideas

Diwali weekend is a popular time to shop for gifts. Here are some Diwali gift ideas for family and friends:

• Sweets boxes: A Diwali sweets box from your local mithai shop is a traditional gift. Order early, as shops in Leicester, Southall, Wembley and Birmingham are especially busy.
• Gift hampers: Diwali gift hampers with dried fruit, sweets, candles and tea are available from many UK retailers and Asian grocers.
• Diyas and candles: Decorative diyas, scented candles or a set of LED tea lights.
• Diwali outfits: New clothes are a Diwali tradition. Shops along Belgrave Road in Leicester, the Broadway in Southall and Soho Road in Birmingham stock kurtas, sarees and lehengas.
• Gifts for the home: Brass or silver tableware, a toran for the front door, or potted plants.

Diwali food and sweets

Food is central to Diwali. Popular choices include samosas, pakoras and chaat to start, a vegetarian main course, and sweets such as gulab jamun, barfi, jalebi and laddoos. Many families serve vegetarian food only during Diwali, so check with guests if you are hosting.

Diwali decorations

• Diyas and lights: Use clay diyas, LED tea lights and string lights. LED options are safer near curtains and soft furnishings.
• Rangoli: Create a rangoli at your front door using coloured powders, rice or flower petals.
• Marigolds: Hang marigold garlands across doorways or use them as table centrepieces.
• Toran: Place a toran above your front door to welcome guests.

Diwali fireworks in the UK

In England and Wales, fireworks can be set off until 1am on Diwali night, rather than the usual 11pm. In 2026, this applies to Sunday 8 November. Only buy fireworks from licensed retailers, follow the Firework Code and let your neighbours know in advance, particularly if they have pets.

Hosting Diwali in a new home

If you have recently moved, Diwali is a wonderful way to fill your new home with light. Keep it simple:

• Unpack your Diwali box first: Keep diyas, decorations and puja items in one clearly labelled box.
• Clear the main rooms: Focus on the living room and kitchen. If you still have boxes to unpack, a self storage unit can give you extra space while you settle in.
• Check your smoke alarms: Test them before lighting diyas and candles in your new home.
• Invite your new neighbours: Sharing a box of sweets is a friendly way to introduce yourself.

Frequently asked questions

• What day is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday 8 November in the UK.

• How long does Diwali last?

Diwali lasts five days. In 2026, it runs from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November.

• Is Diwali a bank holiday in the UK?

No, Diwali is not a UK bank holiday. In 2026, the main day falls on a Sunday.

• Where is the biggest Diwali celebration in the UK?

Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, centred on the Golden Mile on Belgrave Road.

• When is Diwali 2027?

Diwali 2027 falls on Friday 29 October 2027.

Celebrate Diwali with Pickfords

If you are planning a move this season, our team can help with removals, packing materials and self storage from £18, so your new home is ready for every celebration. Request a free quote for your upcoming move today.

From everyone at Pickfords, we wish you a happy Diwali.