Diwali 2026 Australia: Dates, Events, Temples & Lakshmi Puja Times

Diwali 2026 in Australia will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Known as Diwali, Deepavali or Deepawali, the Festival of Lights will bring families and communities together across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and other Australian cities.

Diwali is celebrated with diyas, Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, prayers, rangoli, Indian sweets, family gatherings, cultural programmes and community festivals. Large public celebrations are also scheduled across Australia, with many events taking place during October and early November because community festivals are commonly organised around weekends.

This complete Diwali 2026 Australia guide covers the Diwali date, five-day festival calendar, Lakshmi Puja timings, major events in Australia's cities, temples, Deepavali traditions, public-holiday information, fireworks rules and frequently asked questions.

Quick answer: Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Australia. Diwali is not a national public holiday in Australia in 2026. Major celebrations are planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. (Time and Date)

Diwali 2026 Australia at a Glance

Diwali/Deepavali is listed as a Hindu observance rather than a national public holiday in Australia for 2026. (Time and Date)

When Is Diwali 2026 in Australia?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The main Diwali evening is associated with Lakshmi Puja, when families traditionally clean and decorate their homes, light diyas and perform prayers seeking prosperity, peace and well-being.

In 2026, the main Diwali celebration falls on a Sunday, while Dhanteras is Friday, November 6 and Bhai Dooj is Tuesday, November 10. (India.com.au)

The exact religious observance can vary among Hindu traditions and regional communities, so families following a particular sampradaya or temple calendar should follow their local panchang or temple guidance.

Diwali 2026 Five-Day Calendar in Australia

Day 1 — Dhanteras

Friday, November 6, 2026

Dhanteras traditionally marks the beginning of the Diwali period.

Families may:

• Clean and prepare their homes
• Purchase gold, silver or new utensils
• Buy Diwali decorations
• Light lamps
• Perform Dhanvantari or Lakshmi-related prayers
• Begin preparations for the main Diwali celebration

For many Indian families living in Australia, Dhanteras is also an important day for shopping and preparing sweets, decorations and gifts.

Day 2 — Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Naraka Chaturdashi is traditionally associated with the Abhyang Snan, or ceremonial oil bath, early in the morning.

Different regional communities observe this day differently.

South Indian families may refer to the celebration as Deepavali, while other communities place greater emphasis on the evening Lakshmi Puja.

Day 3 — Diwali and Lakshmi Puja

Sunday, November 8, 2026

This is the main Diwali 2026 celebration.

Families commonly:

• Light diyas
• Decorate entrances with rangoli
• Perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja
• Wear new clothes
• Exchange sweets and gifts
• Prepare festive food
• Visit relatives and friends
• Attend temple programmes
• Participate in community celebrations

The evening Lakshmi Puja timing varies according to location.

Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / Annakut

Monday, November 9, 2026

Govardhan Puja is associated with Lord Krishna and the Govardhan Hill tradition.

Many temples and Vaishnava communities celebrate Annakut, where a large variety of vegetarian food is offered to the deity.

Temple celebrations can be especially important for families who want to celebrate Diwali together with their local Hindu community.

Day 5 — Bhai Dooj

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Bhai Dooj celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.

Traditions commonly include:

• Applying tilak
• Offering prayers
• Sharing sweets
• Giving gifts
• Family meals
• Visiting or contacting siblings

For Australian families with relatives overseas, Bhai Dooj can also be celebrated through video calls and online family gatherings.

Is Diwali a Public Holiday in Australia in 2026?

No. Diwali is not a national public holiday in Australia in 2026.

The 2026 Australian holiday calendar lists Diwali/Deepavali as a Hindu observance rather than a national public holiday. (Time and Date)

Because the main Diwali date falls on Sunday, November 8, many people celebrating the main festival may not need to take a weekday off work.

However, Dhanteras on November 6 and Bhai Dooj on November 10 fall on weekdays.

Employees should check their workplace policies, employment agreements and applicable awards if they require leave for religious observance.

Lakshmi Puja Timings for Diwali 2026 in Australia

Lakshmi Puja timings depend on the city because sunset and local astronomical calculations differ across Australia.

Sydney

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat:

8:04 PM – 9:33 PM AEDT

Pradosh Kaal:

7:29 PM – 9:33 PM

(India.com.au)

Brisbane

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat:

6:44 PM – 8:19 PM AEST

Pradosh Kaal:

6:11 PM – 8:19 PM

(India.com.au)

Melbourne

Melbourne follows AEDT in November 2026. Families should use a Melbourne-specific panchang rather than applying Sydney timings automatically.

Adelaide

Adelaide follows its local daylight-saving time in November. Use an Adelaide-specific panchang for the final Lakshmi Puja window.

Perth

Perth follows AWST and does not observe daylight saving. A city-specific panchang should be used for the final Lakshmi Puja timing.

Canberra

Canberra follows the same general daylight-saving regime as Sydney and Melbourne. Families should nevertheless use Canberra-specific local calculations for the final puja timing.

Important: Puja timings can vary depending on the panchang calculation and exact location. The times above should be treated as city-level guidance. Always verify the final timing with a trusted local panchang or temple before performing the puja.

Diwali 2026 Events in Australia

Australia's Indian and Hindu communities organise Diwali celebrations across the country.

Events may include:

• Diwali melas
• Cultural performances
• Classical dance
• Bollywood performances
• Indian food stalls
• Rangoli competitions
• Children's activities
• Shopping stalls
• Temple celebrations
• Fireworks at organised events
• Lakshmi Puja
• Community dinners

Event dates can change, so check with the organiser before travelling.

Diwali 2026 Sydney

Sydney is one of Australia's major centres for Diwali celebrations.

The Harris Park–Parramatta area is particularly important for Australia's Indian community, with restaurants, Indian grocery stores, cultural organisations and community events.

Australia’s Biggest Deepavali — Blacktown

Date: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2026 Location: Blacktown Showground Time: 12 PM–10 PM Entry: Free

The Hindu Council of Australia’s Deepavali Fair is scheduled at Blacktown Showground and includes cultural performances, food, entertainment and other festival activities. (India.com.au)

Diwali Festival of Lights — Harris Park

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Time: 1 PM–9 PM Location: Wigram Street, Harris Park Entry: Free

The Harris Park celebration includes food, market stalls, live entertainment, cultural dance and children's activities. (India.com.au)

Diwali Mela Parramatta

Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026 Location: Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta

The event is listed as a free Diwali mela featuring cultural performances, food stalls and family activities. (India.com.au)

Diwali Festival — Rockdale

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026 Location: King Street Mall, Rockdale

Bayside Council is scheduled to hold a Diwali street festival in Rockdale. (India.com.au)

Deepavali at Sydney Murugan Temple

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

Sydney Murugan Temple in Mays Hill is scheduled to hold Deepavali religious celebrations including morning abishekam. (India.com.au)

Chinmaya Mission Sydney Deepavali

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026 Location: Chinmaya Sannidhi Ashram, Castle Hill

The programme includes Lakshmi Puja, bhajans, arati, family activities and prasad. (India.com.au)

Sydney Lakshmi Puja

8:04 PM–9:33 PM AEDT

(India.com.au)

Diwali 2026 Melbourne

Melbourne has several major public Diwali celebrations.

Melbourne Diwali at Marvel Stadium Square

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 2 PM–10 PM Location: Stadium Square, Marvel Stadium Entry: Free

The City of Melbourne describes the event as a major community celebration featuring Indian cultural performances, classical and folk dance, Bollywood entertainment, food stalls, markets and family activities. (What's On Melbourne)

Victorian Festival of Diwali

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 12 PM–10 PM Location: Federation Square Entry: Free

The Victorian Festival of Diwali includes Bollywood, folk and classical performances, live music, workshops, children's activities, food and market stalls. The event listing also includes a fireworks finale. (What's On Melbourne)

Melbourne Diwali celebrations

Families in Melbourne can also look for community events in:

• Dandenong
• Wyndham
• Tarneit
• Point Cook
• Craigieburn
• Hume
• Clayton
• Glen Waverley
• Rowville
• South Asian community centres

Always check the individual organiser for the final 2026 programme.

Diwali 2026 Brisbane

Brisbane's Diwali celebrations include major community events in the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

FICQ Diwali — Festival of Lights

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026 Time: 11 AM–10 PM Location: King George Square, Brisbane CBD Entry: Free

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland is scheduled to host a major Diwali celebration featuring cultural performances, live entertainment, Indian food, market stalls and family activities. (India.com.au)

Tamil Association Queensland Deepavali

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Time: From 3:30 PM Location: Islamic College of Brisbane, Karawatha

The event is listed as a Deepavali celebration with cultural programming, food and stalls. (India.com.au)

Greater Brisbane Festival of Light

A community Diwali celebration is also scheduled at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds on November 14, 2026. (India.com.au)

Brisbane Lakshmi Puja

6:44 PM–8:19 PM AEST

(India.com.au)

Diwali 2026 Perth

Perth's Indian Society of Western Australia organises a major public Diwali celebration.

ISWA Diwali Mela 2026

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026 Time: 3 PM–9 PM Location: Langley Park, Perth Entry: Free

The event is scheduled to include:

• Fireworks
• Live entertainment
• Cultural performances
• Indian food
• Market stalls
• Family activities

The organiser has indicated that the detailed programme will be released closer to the event. (India.com.au)

Other Perth Diwali-related events are also scheduled during October and November, including community galas and cultural programmes. (India.com.au)

Diwali 2026 Adelaide

Adelaide's Indian community also celebrates Diwali with a large public festival.

Adelaide's Biggest Deepavali Festival

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Time: 12:30 PM–10:30 PM Location: Adelaide Showground, Wayville

The event is scheduled to feature:

• Cultural performances
• Indian food
• Music
• Ravan Dehan
• Fireworks
• Community activities

Current listings show a free general-entry tier alongside paid ticket tiers. (India.com.au)

Other Adelaide Diwali-related activities include a festive shopping exhibition in Rostrevor on October 24–25. (India.com.au)

Diwali 2026 Canberra

Canberra's Hindu and Indian communities celebrate Diwali through temples, community organisations, cultural events and festive gatherings.

The Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre of the ACT is an important community location for Hindu festivals and religious activities.

Canberra's community listings include Diwali-related events and festive activities leading up to November. (India.com.au)

For Canberra residents, check the local temple and community calendars closer to Diwali for the final 2026 programme.

Diwali in Gold Coast, Hobart and Darwin

Diwali is not limited to Australia's largest capital cities.

Indian, Hindu, Sikh, Jain and South Asian communities in regional cities and metropolitan areas may organise:

• Community dinners
• Cultural nights
• Temple prayers
• Indian food festivals
• Dance performances
• Children's activities
• Diwali shopping events
• University celebrations

Community event calendars should be checked regularly because smaller events are often announced closer to the festival.

Where Can I Celebrate Diwali in Australia?

Some of the main areas to look for Diwali celebrations include:

Sydney

• Harris Park
• Parramatta
• Blacktown
• Castle Hill
• Mays Hill
• Rockdale
• Ryde
• Liverpool

Melbourne

• Melbourne CBD
• Federation Square
• Docklands
• Dandenong
• Wyndham
• Tarneit
• Craigieburn
• Glen Waverley

Brisbane

• Brisbane CBD
• King George Square
• Mount Gravatt
• Karawatha
• Gold Coast region

Perth

• Perth CBD
• Langley Park
• Canning
• Willetton
• surrounding Indian community areas

Adelaide

• Adelaide CBD
• Wayville
• Campbelltown
• northern and southern suburbs

Canberra

• Canberra Hindu Temple
• Indian community centres
• local cultural venues

Diwali Temples in Australia

For a religious Diwali experience, families can check local Hindu temples for:

• Lakshmi Puja
• Ganesh Puja
• Abhishekam
• Bhajans
• Aarti
• Annakut
• Prasad
• Children's programmes
• Cultural programmes

Temple programmes can differ considerably from public Diwali melas.

Before visiting, check the temple's official website or social media page for:

• Timings
• Parking
• Registration
• Dress requirements
• Puja bookings
• Special darshan arrangements
• Prasad arrangements

Diwali vs Deepavali: What Is the Difference?

Diwali and Deepavali generally refer to the same Festival of Lights, although different regions and linguistic communities commonly use different names.

The word Deepavali is especially common in South Indian communities, while Diwali is widely used across North Indian and international English-language contexts.

You may therefore see:

• Diwali 2026
• Deepavali 2026
• Deepawali 2026
• Festival of Lights 2026

For SEO, HinduTone can naturally use all of these variations without repeating them unnaturally.

How Do Australian Hindu Families Celebrate Diwali?

Diwali celebrations in Australia combine traditional religious practices with the realities of diaspora life.

Families may:

Clean the home

Cleaning traditionally represents preparing the home for an auspicious festival.

Decorate with diyas

Oil lamps and LED diyas are commonly used to brighten homes.

Create rangoli

Families decorate entrances with colourful rangoli designs.

Perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja

Many families perform evening prayers seeking prosperity, wisdom and well-being.

Wear new clothes

Traditional Indian clothing is popular during Diwali celebrations.

Prepare sweets

Popular Diwali foods can include:

• Ladoo
• Gulab jamun
• Jalebi
• Kaju katli
• Mysore pak
• Murukku
• Chakli
• Karanji
• Halwa

Exchange gifts

Families and friends exchange sweets, dry fruits, clothing, decorations and other gifts.

Attend community events

Large public events allow families to celebrate with thousands of other community members.

Diwali Fireworks in Australia: What Are the Rules?

Fireworks regulations in Australia are controlled by state and territory authorities.

Private fireworks are generally restricted, while approved public displays may be conducted by licensed professionals.

Current Australian Diwali guidance indicates that fireworks rules differ by state, with organised public displays requiring appropriate approvals and licensed operators. (India.com.au)

For example:

• NSW: consumer fireworks require licensing.
• Victoria: fireworks are restricted to licensed use.
• Queensland: certain unrestricted fireworks such as sparklers have different rules.
• Western Australia: certain unrestricted fireworks, including sparklers, have different rules.

Rules can change, so always check the relevant state regulator before using any fireworks. (India.com.au)

Safer Diwali lighting

Families can use:

• LED diyas
• Battery-operated candles
• Decorative lights
• Rangoli
• Traditional diyas used safely
• Organised professional fireworks displays

Never leave an open flame unattended.

Diwali Safety Tips for Australian Families

Keep these simple safety tips in mind:

1. Keep diyas away from curtains and other flammable materials.
2. Never leave burning lamps unattended.
3. Keep children supervised around flames.
4. Use LED diyas where open flames are not permitted.
5. Follow local fire regulations.
6. Check apartment and rental-property rules.
7. Use only legal fireworks where permitted.
8. Prefer professional community fireworks displays.
9. Keep walkways clear of electrical cables.
10. Check smoke alarms before the festival.

Diwali Shopping in Australia

Diwali is also an important shopping season for Indian families.

Popular purchases include:

• Diyas
• Rangoli colours
• Decorative lights
• Puja items
• Incense
• Indian sweets
• Dry fruits
• Sarees
• Lehengas
• Kurtas
• Jewellery
• Children's clothing
• Gift hampers
• Home decorations

Indian shopping districts in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide often become particularly busy during the weeks leading up to Diwali.

Diwali for Children in Australia

Parents can introduce children to Diwali through simple activities:

• Making rangoli
• Painting diyas
• Learning Diwali stories
• Making greeting cards
• Preparing sweets
• Learning Sanskrit or regional-language prayers
• Visiting temples
• Attending cultural festivals
• Learning classical dance
• Watching Ramayana-based performances

Children's activities at public Diwali festivals can also provide an opportunity to learn about Indian traditions while meeting other families.

Diwali and the Indian Diaspora in Australia

Diwali is an important cultural occasion for Australia's Indian and South Asian communities.

Public celebrations bring together people from different linguistic and regional backgrounds, including communities with roots in:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Punjab
• West Bengal
• Odisha
• Rajasthan
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Delhi
• Nepal

Different communities may follow different Diwali traditions, dates for particular observances, foods and religious customs.

This diversity is one of the defining features of Diwali celebrations in Australia.

Diwali Events Near Me in Australia

Searching for “Diwali events near me” is one of the easiest ways to find local celebrations.

Try searching for:

Diwali events Sydney 2026

Diwali events Melbourne 2026

Diwali events Brisbane 2026

Diwali events Perth 2026

Diwali events Adelaide 2026

Diwali events Canberra 2026

Also check:

• Local council event calendars
• Hindu temple websites
• Indian community organisations
• University Indian student associations
• Local cultural centres
• Community Facebook pages
• Event ticketing platforms

Event dates can change, so always verify the final details before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2026 Australia

When is Diwali 2026 in Australia?

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. (Time and Date)

Is Diwali a public holiday in Australia?

No. Diwali is not a national public holiday in Australia in 2026. It is listed as a Hindu observance. (Time and Date)

When is Lakshmi Puja in Australia?

Lakshmi Puja is performed on the evening of Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the exact muhurat depending on the location.

What time is Lakshmi Puja in Sydney?

The currently published Sydney Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 8:04 PM–9:33 PM AEDT on November 8, 2026. (India.com.au)

What time is Lakshmi Puja in Brisbane?

The currently published Brisbane Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is 6:44 PM–8:19 PM AEST. (India.com.au)

Where is Diwali celebrated in Australia?

Major public celebrations take place in cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, with additional community celebrations throughout Australia.

What is the biggest Diwali celebration in Sydney?

Major Sydney celebrations include the Australia’s Biggest Deepavali event at Blacktown Showground and the Diwali Festival of Lights in Harris Park. (India.com.au)

When is Melbourne Diwali 2026?

Melbourne Diwali at Marvel Stadium Square is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 2 PM to 10 PM. (What's On Melbourne)

When is the Victorian Festival of Diwali?

The Victorian Festival of Diwali is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Federation Square from noon to 10 PM. (What's On Melbourne)

When is Brisbane Diwali 2026?

One of Brisbane's major celebrations, FICQ Diwali, is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, at King George Square from 11 AM to 10 PM. (India.com.au)

When is Perth Diwali 2026?

The ISWA Diwali Mela is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Langley Park from 3 PM to 9 PM. (India.com.au)

When is Adelaide Diwali 2026?

Adelaide's Biggest Deepavali Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Adelaide Showground from 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM. (India.com.au)

Are Diwali fireworks legal in Australia?

Fireworks laws differ between states and territories. Private fireworks are restricted, while approved public displays may be conducted by licensed professionals. Check your state regulator before using fireworks. (India.com.au)

Is Diwali the same as Deepavali?

Yes. Diwali and Deepavali are commonly used names for the Festival of Lights, although usage varies between regional and linguistic communities.

What should I do on Diwali?

Families may clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, prepare festive food, exchange gifts, visit relatives and attend temple or community celebrations.

Diwali 2026 Australia: Final Checklist

Before Diwali arrives, families can prepare:

• Clean the home
• Buy diyas
• Prepare rangoli
• Purchase puja items
• Buy or prepare sweets
• Plan Lakshmi Puja
• Prepare traditional clothes
• Buy gifts
• Check temple timings
• Check local Diwali events
• Check transport and parking
• Confirm event tickets
• Check fireworks regulations
• Plan family gatherings
• Contact relatives overseas

Related Diwali Guides from HinduTone

Continue your Diwali preparation with these HinduTone resources:

• Diwali 2026: Complete Five-Day Festival Guide
• Diwali 2026 Dates and Calendar
• Lakshmi Puja 2026: Puja Vidhi and Mantras
• Diwali Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 2026
• Diwali Decorations and Rangoli Ideas
• Diwali Recipes and Traditional Sweets
• Hindu Temples in Australia
• Diwali Celebrations Around the World
• Diwali 2026 in the USA
• Diwali 2026 in Canada
• Diwali 2026 in the UK

Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Diwali is more than a single evening of lights. For millions of families, it is a time for prayer, gratitude, family, friendship, charity and new beginnings.

From Sydney and Melbourne to Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, Australian communities will come together in 2026 to celebrate the Festival of Lights through temple prayers, cultural performances, family gatherings, community melas and traditional Diwali celebrations.

May the light of the diyas bring peace, prosperity, happiness and hope to every home.

Happy Diwali 2026! Shubh Deepavali!