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Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated this year on Sunday, November 8, with festivities running across five days from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 11. It marks the victory of light over darkness, and homes are filled with lamps, colour, sweets and family.
Whether you have celebrated your whole life or are joining friends for the first time, here are decoration, outfit and gift ideas to make your Diwali glow.
Diyas and Candles
Small clay oil lamps (diyas) are at the heart of Diwali. Line windowsills, entrances and balconies with them. In apartments or dorms, LED diyas give the same glow without an open flame.
String Lights and Lanterns
Fairy lights around doors, railings and curtains, and hanging paper or fabric lanterns (akash kandil), make the whole home feel festive.
Rangoli
Colourful patterns at the entrance welcome guests and good fortune. Coloured powders are traditional; reusable rangoli mats and stencils make it easier for beginners.
Flowers and Toran
Marigold garlands across doorways and a decorative toran (door hanging) are classic. Faux marigolds last through the festival and can be reused.
What to Wear for Diwali
Bright, rich colours and festive fabrics are the norm: think gold, red, pink, royal blue and emerald. Women often wear a saree, lehenga or anarkali suit; men a kurta with churidar or a Nehru jacket. If you’re a guest, a festive kurta or a bright dress with gold jewellery is a respectful, lovely choice.
Diwali Gift Ideas
Sweets and dry fruits are traditional, along with candles, decorative diyas and home items. A nicely boxed set of sweets or a decorative gift basket is always welcome when visiting family or friends.
The Five Days of Diwali 2026
Dhanteras (Friday, November 6): the first day, traditionally a day for buying gold, silver or new kitchen items, and cleaning the home ready for the festival.
Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi (Saturday, November 7): the ‘small Diwali’, when homes are decorated and the first lamps are lit.
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (Sunday, November 8): the main day, with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, lamps in every window, family gatherings, sweets and fireworks.
Govardhan Puja (Tuesday, November 10): celebrated in many regions with food offerings, and in some communities as the start of the new year.
Bhai Dooj (Wednesday, November 11): a day celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, with gifts and blessings.
Exact dates and customs vary by region and family, so check your local calendar or community for puja timings.
Decorating a Small Apartment
You do not need a big house to make Diwali glow. Focus on three spots: the front door (a toran and a small rangoli or rangoli mat), one window (curtain lights or a row of LED diyas), and a small puja corner or side table with flowers, a diya and a few candles. Mirrors and metallic trays reflect light and make a small space feel brighter.
An Eco-Friendly Diwali
Clay diyas are biodegradable and reusable, LED lights use little power, and flower or rice-flour rangoli is gentler than synthetic colours. Many families now choose quieter, low-smoke celebrations or skip firecrackers altogether to reduce noise and air pollution.
Diya Safety Tips
Keep oil lamps away from curtains, paper lanterns and anything flammable; place them on metal or ceramic trays; never leave them burning unattended; and keep children’s festive clothes, which are often loose and flowing, well clear of flames.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali 2026?
The main day of Diwali is Sunday, November 8, 2026. The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 11.
What should a guest wear to a Diwali party?
Bright, festive colours and something a little dressy. A kurta, salwar suit, saree or simply a colourful dress with gold accessories all work well.
