Diwali in Australia looks a little different. The mithai comes from the sweet shop in Harris Park or Dandenong, the puja fits around work and school, and part of the family celebration happens on a video call. But the lights still go up, and the feeling is just as strong.
So, when is Diwali in Australia this year? The main day falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. Below you’ll find the five day calendar, events in Sydney and Melbourne, gift ideas and simple tips for sending money home.
When is Diwali 2026 in Australia?
Diwali is a five day festival, and in 2026 it runs from Friday 6 November to Tuesday 10 November. The main celebration, Lakshmi Puja, is on Sunday 8 November.
| Day | Date | What it’s about |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday 6 November | Buying something new, often gold, silver or kitchenware, for good fortune |
| Choti Diwali | Saturday 7 November | Cleaning, decorating and lighting the first diyas |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday 8 November | The main night of prayers, lights, sweets and family |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday 9 November | Honouring Lord Krishna, often with a feast of food offerings |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday 10 November | Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters |
Diwali isn’t a public holiday in Australia, but with the main day falling on a Sunday this year, it’s easier to celebrate properly at home. If you have family in Fiji, they’ll have an extra day off: Fiji’s Diwali public holiday is Monday 9 November.
Puja times follow the lunar calendar and can vary slightly by city, so check with your local temple for exact timings.
One festival, many homes
Diwali is celebrated across the world, and each community brings its own traditions. Chances are, your neighbour in Australia celebrates it a little differently from you.
🇮🇳 India
Called Diwali
Diyas, rangoli and Lakshmi Puja. Sikhs also mark Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day.
🇳🇵 Nepal
Called Tihar
Days honouring crows, dogs and cows, ending with Bhai Tika, when sisters bless their brothers.
🇫🇯 Fiji
Called Diwali
A national public holiday, with homes lit up and sweets shared with neighbours.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Called Deepavali
Celebrated by Tamil families, often starting with an early morning oil bath.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Called Deepavali
It’s a public holiday, and families open their homes to friends of all backgrounds.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Called Kali Puja
Lamps lit at night to honour the goddess Kali.
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Called Diwali
Celebrated by the Hindu community, especially in Sindh.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Called Diwali
Celebrated by the Indian community, especially around Durban.
How to celebrate Diwali in Australia
Diwali events in Melbourne and Sydney
The biggest public celebrations happen the weekend before Diwali this year, so get them in your calendar now:
Victorian Festival of Diwali, Fed Square, Melbourne:
Saturday 31 October, 11:30am to 10pm. Free, with dance, music, a bazaar, street food and evening fireworks. It’s now in its 21st year.
Melbourne Diwali, Marvel Stadium Square, Docklands:
Saturday 31 October, 2pm to 10pm. Free.
Diwali Mela Parramata, Prince Alfred Square, Sydney:
Sunday 1 November, 12pm to 8:30pm. Free, with a live Ramayan performance, music and food stalls.
On Diwali day itself, many temples across Sydney and Melbourne hold special pujas and celebrations, so check with your local mandir.
Celebrating at home
Head to Harris Park in Sydney or Dandenong in Melbourne for mithai and puja items (order sweets early, as the popular shops sell out), draw a rangoli at your front door, and light up the house.
If you rent or live in an apartment, consider LED diyas, or keep real ones away from curtains and smoke alarms, and never leave them unattended. And leave the fireworks to the public events, as backyard fireworks are banned in most of Australia.
Diwali gift ideas for family near and far
For friends and family in Australia
- A box of mithai: kaju katli, barfi or laddoos from your local sweet shop are always a hit.
- Dry fruit hampers: almonds, cashews and dates in a nice tray make a classic gift that keeps.
- New clothes: a kurta, saree or festive outfit, especially for the kids.
- Something for the home: brass diyas, a rangoli kit, scented candles or a small indoor plant.
- Homemade treats: a batch of your family’s own sweets or snacks, shared with neighbours and colleagues.
Sending money home for Diwali: 4 quick tips
Tip 1 Send a few days early. Your family will want time to shop for sweets, clothes and puja items before the big night. Banks in India, Nepal and Fiji also close for Diwali holidays, so sending by Thursday 5 November helps avoid delays.
Tip 2 Compare the total cost, not just the fee. A “no fee” offer can hide a poor exchange rate. Check how much your family actually receives in their currency.
Tip 3 Double check the details. Make sure the recipient’s name matches their ID, and confirm bank account or mobile wallet numbers before you hit send.
Tip 4 Watch out for festival scams. Be wary of messages from “relatives” with new numbers asking for urgent money. Call them on a number you know before sending.
Tip 5 Sending with Rocket Remit? New customers get zero fees and a promo rate on their first transfer. Send money to India, Nepal, Fiji, Sri Lanka and more in a few taps. T&Cs apply.
Quick Diwali questions, answered
Is Diwali a public holiday in Australia?
No, but many workplaces, schools and councils mark it with events. This year the main day falls on a Sunday, so it’s easier to celebrate with family.
Is it common to give money at Diwali?
Yes. Gifting money to family, especially elders and children, is a long tradition. Many people living overseas send money home so loved ones can buy what they need for the celebrations.
What do you say to wish someone a happy Diwali?
“Happy Diwali” or “Shubh Deepavali” are both warm and widely used. In Nepal, you can say “Shubha Tihar”.
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