Diwali 2026 in Melbourne: Dates, Events and Where to Celebrate

The main day of Diwali, when Lakshmi Puja is performed, is Sunday 8 November 2026. Diwali is a five-day festival, and the days around it are kept differently from family to family. The exact timings for puja (the muhurat) depend on the panchang your family follows, so check with your local temple or pandit.

• Dhanteras: the start of the festival, a day for buying something new, often gold, silver or a new utensil.
• Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): lamps are lit and homes are cleaned and decorated.
• Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: the main night, with prayers, diyas, sweets and family.
• Govardhan Puja or Annakut: a day of thanksgiving, with large offerings of food at many temples.
• Bhai Dooj: sisters pray for their brothers' wellbeing, and brothers give gifts in return.

Diwali is shared by several communities in Melbourne, each with its own meaning. For Hindu families it celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and the victory of light over darkness. Sikh families mark Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, remembering Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's release from Gwalior Fort, and gurdwaras are lit up for the evening. Jain families mark the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, and many Bengali families celebrate Kali Puja on the same night.

These events come from organisers' own websites and public community listings as of 1 November 2026. Community events can change, so please confirm the time and any tickets with the organiser before you go.

• Saturday 7 November: Wyndham Diwali at Presidents Park, Wyndham Vale. One of Melbourne's largest free Diwali festivals, with stalls, food and performances.
• Saturday 7 November: Diwali Festival of Lights at Booran Reserve, Glen Huntly, run by Glen Eira City Council. Free.
• Saturday 7 November: Mitchell Diwali Mela at Broadford Shire Hall. Ticketed.
• Sunday 8 November: Kali Puja and Deepavali with the Bengali Association of Victoria at Glen Waverley Community Centre. Ticketed.
• Tuesday 10 November: Unimelb Diwali at University Plaza, University of Melbourne, Parkville.
• Saturday 14 November: Deepavali Sangamam at Truganina Community Centre. Ticketed.
• Saturday 14 November: Deepotsav, a Marathi Diwali evening, in Aspendale. Ticketed.

Many local libraries in Brimbank, Darebin, Hume and Casey also run free Diwali storytimes, rangoli and lantern sessions for children in the first week of November. Community event sites such as india.com.au keep an up-to-date list.

Most of the festival happens at home: cleaning and decorating, a rangoli at the door, diyas and fairy lights, a family puja, and boxes of mithai for relatives and neighbours. Indian grocers and sweet shops from Dandenong to Tarneit and Craigieburn get very busy in the final week, so order mithai early.

Backyard fireworks are illegal in Victoria without a licence. Enjoy the professional displays at public events instead, and use battery candles where little children or pets are around.

For many Desi families, Diwali is also the season of gatherings, and with them the question every young adult knows: "Beta, any plans?" It is a natural time for parents to start a search, and for relatives to suggest a family they know.

If your family is thinking about it this Diwali, Khandaan lets you create a private family profile for free and see families across Melbourne, with photos and contact details shared only when both sides agree. You can browse families in Melbourne or start your family's profile. If the festival brings an introduction, our guide on visiting a prospective family at Diwali covers the etiquette.