Quick answer: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in Sikkim is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. In Sikkim, Diwali is celebrated by the Nepali community as Tihar (Deepawali), a five-day festival honouring crows, dogs, cows, oxen and, finally, brothers on Bhai Tika. Perform Lakshmi Puja in the pradosh (dusk) window after local sunset — confirm the exact muhurat for Gangtok with a local panchang.

In Sikkim, Diwali is celebrated by the Nepali community as Tihar (Deepawali), a five-day festival honouring crows, dogs, cows, oxen and, finally, brothers on Bhai Tika.

How Sikkim celebrates Diwali 2026

Tihar unfolds over Kaag Tihar (crows), Kukur Tihar (dogs), Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, Govardhan/Goru Tihar (oxen), and Bhai Tika, when sisters honour brothers with a multicoloured tika. Homes are lit with lamps and marigold garlands, and Deusi-Bhailo singers go house to house.

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Where to celebrate in Sikkim

  • Gangtok Tihar celebrations
  • Namchi and Gyalshing town festivities

Diwali 2026 dates in Sikkim

Date

Observance

Friday, 6 November

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Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

Saturday, 7 November

Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali · Lakshmi Puja

Monday, 9 November

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Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Balipadyami

Tuesday, 10 November

Bhai Dooj

Lakshmi Puja is done in the pradosh window after sunset on 8 November; because it follows local sunset it shifts by city, so use a panchang set to your town or check today's panchangam.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tihar?

The Nepali five-day festival of lights (Diwali), celebrated in Sikkim, honouring crows, dogs, cows and oxen, Goddess Lakshmi, and brothers on Bhai Tika.

Diwali 2026 — India state guides

Explore Diwali 2026 across India and our wider guides: