Diwali 2026 in Delhi: Melas, Markets & Festive Events

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, when Lakshmi Puja is performed, according to Drik Panchang's New Delhi calendar. The five-day festival opens with Dhanteras on Friday 6 November and continues with Govardhan Puja on Tuesday 10 November and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday 11 November; Chhath Puja follows on Sunday 15 November. In the weeks before, Delhi's markets become the main event. Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh and Khan Market stay open late and lit up, and Diwali melas fill Dilli Haat INA and Pitampura, schools, community halls and charity grounds with crafts, diyas, sweets, food stalls and live performances. Hotels and clubs host Diwali parties and the city's traditional card parties, while malls in Saket, Gurgaon and Noida stage festive carnivals. Firecracker rules in Delhi have been tightened repeatedly in recent years because of winter air pollution, with bans or limited 'green cracker' windows set by the courts and the Delhi government, so check the current order before buying any. Air quality is often poor around Diwali; if you're sensitive, favour indoor events. This page lists Diwali melas, festive markets, parties and Diwali-themed workshops across Delhi NCR.