Quick Answer
Diwali 2027 runs as a five-day observance from October 26 to 31, with the main Lakshmi Puja — the festival's central lights-and-prayer ritual — falling on Friday, October 29. Dhanteras opens the festival on October 27 and Bhai Dooj closes it on October 31.
When
Oct 26–31, 2027 (main day: Oct 29)
Where
Celebrated nationwide across India; Jaipur, Varanasi, Amritsar and Ayodhya are especially well known for their illuminations
Est. Daily Budget
$90–$180 (mid-range)
When to Book
Diwali is India's biggest domestic travel period — comparable to Christmas or Lunar New Year elsewhere — so internal flights, trains and hotels in popular cities book up and rise in price well ahead. Book several months out if visiting during the festival window.
Diwali — the Festival of Lights — is India's biggest annual celebration and one of the most widely observed festivals on Earth, marked by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike, each with their own layer of meaning. In 2027 it runs as a five-day observance from October 26 to 31, with the central Lakshmi Puja — when homes are lit with rows of oil lamps (diyas) and Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, is welcomed in — falling on Friday, October 29.
The festival's most widely told origin, especially in North India, ties it to the Ramayana: Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, with the citizens of Ayodhya lighting rows of lamps to guide him home and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. That framing — good over evil, light over dark, knowledge over ignorance — carries across the festival's other traditions too. Sikhs mark the same period as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating Guru Hargobind Ji's release from imprisonment, while Jains observe it as the anniversary of Lord Mahavira's attainment of moksha (spiritual liberation).
The five days each carry their own significance: Dhanteras (October 27) opens the festival with the traditional purchase of gold, silver or new utensils for prosperity; Naraka Chaturdashi, or Choti Diwali (October 28), is a smaller lamp-lighting day; the main Lakshmi Puja (October 29) is the festival's centerpiece; Govardhan Puja (October 30) honors Krishna's protection of villagers; and Bhai Dooj (October 31) closes the festival, celebrating the bond between siblings.
Where to Experience Diwali
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Known as one of India's most elaborately illuminated cities during Diwali — the old city's bazaars, especially around Johari Bazaar, are strung with lights, and the palace properties around the city run their own celebrations, making it one of the most visitor-friendly places to experience the festival.
Varanasi's Dev Deepawali
Varanasi extends its own Diwali tradition into Dev Deepawali, held roughly two weeks after the main festival, when the ghats along the Ganges are lined with thousands of oil lamps for a river-wide spectacle — genuinely one of India's most striking sights, distinct from the main Diwali date itself.
Amritsar's Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is illuminated with thousands of lights for Diwali, doubling as the Sikh observance of Bandi Chhor Divas — a combination that makes it one of the most photographed Diwali scenes in the country.
How Much Does a Trip Cost?
India is inexpensive by international standards, and Diwali's public illuminations and markets are free to experience — the main cost driver is the sharp rise in domestic flight, train and hotel pricing during India's single busiest travel period.
| Budget Tier | Daily Cost (USD) | Accommodation | Transport & Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $30 – $60 | Guesthouse or hostel at holiday rates | Trains/shared transport, free public illuminations |
| Mid-Range | $90 – $180 | Mid-range hotel in Jaipur/Delhi/Varanasi | Private car for day trips, a ticketed cultural event |
| Luxury | $320 – $850+ | Heritage hotel or palace property | Private guide and driver, internal flights, Ganga Aarti access |
Getting There & Around
Logistics
- Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM) and Jaipur (JAI) are the main gateways for a Diwali-timed trip.
- Domestic flights and trains are heavily booked around the festival — book internal travel well ahead.
- Many businesses close or run reduced hours around the main festival days, particularly Lakshmi Puja itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When exactly is Diwali 2027?
Diwali runs as a five-day observance from October 26 to 31, 2027, with the main Lakshmi Puja falling on Friday, October 29 — the date shifts each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar.
Is Diwali celebrated only by Hindus?
No — it's also central to Sikh (Bandi Chhor Divas) and Jain (the anniversary of Mahavira's moksha) traditions, each observed around the same period with its own distinct meaning layered onto the shared festival of lights.
What's the difference between Diwali in Jaipur and Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?
Diwali itself (October 29, 2027) is observed nationwide, including in Jaipur. Varanasi's Dev Deepawali is a distinct, separate celebration roughly two weeks later, when the Ganges ghats are lit with thousands of lamps.
Fact-Checking & Sources
Status: CONFIRMED · Last verified against the sources below on 2026-09-19. Event dates, venues, and pricing can change — always confirm critical details on the official event website before booking non-refundable travel.
- Authoritative SourceSamvat — Diwali 2027 Date & Puja Calendar
- Secondary SourceDekho Panchang — Diwali 2027
