Diwali 2026 in Seattle, Washington: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Indian Community

Diwali, the beautiful Festival of Lights, is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu calendar. It represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair and good over evil. Every year, Indian families across the United States celebrate Diwali with traditional prayers, colourful decorations, oil lamps, sweets, family gatherings and cultural programmes.

In 2026, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8. The Seattle metropolitan area is preparing for a festive weekend with public cultural celebrations, Indian classical dance performances, music, family activities and temple programmes.

From the city of Seattle to the Indian-American communities of Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Bothell and Kirkland, Diwali brings together people from different Indian states, languages and cultural traditions.

One of the most prominent public celebrations is Diwali: Lights of India at Seattle Center on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The Bellevue community is also hosting a Diwali celebration at The Bellevue Collection on November 7. Hindu temples across the Eastside provide additional opportunities for prayer, worship and participation in festival traditions.

Whether you are an Indian professional working in the Seattle technology sector, an international student, a recently arrived family, a long-time Washington resident or a visitor interested in Indian culture, this guide will help you explore Diwali 2026 in the Seattle area.

1. When Is Diwali 2026 in Seattle?

The main Diwali date in 2026 is:

• Festival: Diwali 2026
• Main date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
• Major public celebration dates: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8
• Location: Seattle and surrounding Eastside communities
• Time zone: Pacific Time
• Main festival traditions: Lakshmi Puja, lighting diyas, decorating homes, exchanging sweets, family gatherings and prayers

Diwali is celebrated over several days. Different Hindu communities observe the festival according to regional traditions and the Hindu lunar calendar.

The main Lakshmi Puja observance is associated with Amavasya, the new-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika. Families traditionally prepare their homes, light lamps and pray for prosperity, wisdom and well-being.

Important: Temple-specific puja timings can differ. Families should check the temple's official calendar for the exact 2026 Lakshmi Puja schedule rather than assuming that every temple follows the same time.

2. Confirmed Diwali Events in Seattle and the Eastside – 2026

The Seattle area has several confirmed Diwali programmes for the 2026 festival weekend. The following listings are based on published organiser and venue information available on November 6, 2026.

Event 1: Diwali – Lights of India at Seattle Center

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Venue: Armory Food & Event Hall, Seattle Center

Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Admission: Free

Seattle Center's annual Festál programme presents Diwali: Lights of India, a public cultural festival celebrating Indian traditions through dance, music, arts, crafts and community activities.

The 2026 event schedule includes:

Additional attractions include a flower mandala, a roti-making demonstration, visual arts, kolam-inspired displays, workshops and free food provided by Northwest SHARE.

Why attend?

• Experience Indian classical dance traditions.
• Enjoy music and cultural performances.
• Introduce children to Indian art and traditions.
• Participate in interactive cultural activities.
• Celebrate with Seattle's wider multicultural community.

Official event information: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/event-calendar/diwali-lights-of-india

Event 2: Diwali at The Bellevue Collection

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

Venue: The Bellevue Collection, Bellevue, Washington

The Bellevue Collection and Seattle Maharashtra Mandal are hosting a Diwali celebration featuring performances, festive displays, henna and family-friendly crafts.

The event is an opportunity for Indian families in Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland and nearby communities to enjoy a cultural celebration close to home.

The Seattle Maharashtra Mandal event calendar separately lists its Bellevue Square Diwali Celebration from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Because the published time windows differ, check the organiser's latest announcement before travelling.

Activities to look forward to:

• Indian cultural performances
• Traditional festive displays
• Henna activities
• Children's crafts
• Community participation
• Family-friendly Diwali experiences

Official information:

https://www.bellevuedowntown.com/do/diwali-at-the-bellevue-collection-1

Organiser:

https://www.seattlemm.org/

Event 3: BAPS Seattle Diwali and Chopda Pujan

Location: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Redmond

Address: 15440 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA 98052

BAPS Seattle has published a Diwali and Chopda Pujan programme for the 2026 festival period.

Its event listing includes:

• Saturday, November 7, 2026: Diwali-related programme
• Sunday, November 8, 2026: Sharda (Chopda) Pujan, listed from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Chopda Pujan is a traditional observance in which account books and business records are ceremonially blessed. It is particularly significant for many Gujarati Hindu families and business communities as they welcome a new financial year.

BAPS has also listed a Kids' Diwali Celebration on November 7 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Visitor note: Confirm entry arrangements, individual programme timings and any registration requirements directly with the mandir.

Official website:

https://www.baps.org/seattle/

Event 4: Seattle Maharashtra Mandal – Diwali Maifil

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

Venue: Rose Hill Middle School, Redmond, Washington

Seattle Maharashtra Mandal has also listed a Diwali Maifil for November 14.

The event provides another opportunity for the Marathi-speaking community and friends of Indian culture to gather after the main Diwali weekend.

Check the organiser's event page for programme details, ticketing and participation information:

https://www.seattlemm.org/events/

Important event-planning note

The November 7 events are the main public cultural celebrations identified in the published listings. They are not all temple Lakshmi Puja ceremonies. If your priority is religious worship on November 8, contact your preferred temple directly for its puja schedule.

Event details can change. Check the organiser's official page before setting out.

3. Best Hindu Temples in Seattle and Nearby Cities for Diwali 2026

Seattle and the Eastside have several Hindu temples serving devotees from different Indian traditions. Families can visit these institutions for worship, community activities and festival observances.

The following directory is intended as a starting point. Confirm Diwali-specific schedules, parking, visitor access and puja arrangements with each temple.

1. Hindu Temple & Cultural Center – Bothell

Address: 3818 212th Street SE, Bothell, WA 98021

The Hindu Temple & Cultural Center in Bothell serves Hindu families across the Greater Seattle region.

It is a multi-deity Hindu worship and cultural institution. Devotees visit for regular prayers, religious observances and major Hindu festivals.

During Diwali, families can contact the temple to enquire about:

• Lakshmi Puja arrangements
• Diwali prayers
• Family worship
• Festival announcements
• Community participation

Website and programme details should be checked directly before visiting.

2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Redmond

Address: 15440 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA 98052

BAPS Seattle is an important Hindu religious centre serving the Redmond and Greater Seattle communities.

Its 2026 event calendar includes Diwali and Chopda Pujan programmes, a children's Diwali celebration and other festival activities.

Visitors can explore:

• Swaminarayan Hindu traditions
• Daily darshan and arti
• Diwali celebrations
• Chopda Pujan
• Annakut and Hindu New Year traditions
• Family and youth activities

Official website: https://www.baps.org/seattle/

3. Jaya Hanuman Temple and Cultural Center – Bellevue

Address: 655 156th Avenue SE, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007

Jaya Hanuman Temple and Cultural Center is a Hindu religious and cultural institution in Bellevue.

It serves devotees seeking Hanuman worship and broader Hindu spiritual and cultural activities.

Families in Bellevue and nearby Eastside neighbourhoods can contact the temple to enquire about:

• Diwali worship
• Hanuman prayers
• Special festival observances
• Vedic and cultural programmes
• Community activities

Confirm the 2026 Diwali schedule directly with the temple.

4. ISKCON Vedic Cultural Center – Sammamish

Address: 1420 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish, WA 98075

The Vedic Cultural Center in Sammamish is associated with the ISKCON tradition and offers devotional and cultural activities.

The centre is relevant to families interested in:

• Krishna bhakti
• Bhagavad Gita teachings
• Kirtan and devotional music
• Hindu festivals
• Cultural education
• Youth and family programmes

Diwali and related celebrations may be observed through devotional activities. Confirm the current festival calendar before visiting.

5. Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple – Redmond

Address: 18109 NE 76th Street, Suite 105, Redmond, WA 98052

Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple serves Hindu devotees in Redmond and the surrounding Eastside.

The temple focuses on traditional Hindu worship and offers religious services and opportunities for devotees to participate in spiritual and cultural activities.

Families can contact the temple about:

• Lakshmi Puja
• Venkateswara worship
• Diwali prayers
• Special puja services
• Hindu cultural education

6. VEDA Sri Venkateswara Temple – Redmond

Address: 7305 208th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98053

VEDA Sri Venkateswara Temple is another important spiritual destination for devotees in the Redmond area.

The temple is centred on Lord Venkateswara and serves the regional Hindu community through worship and religious programmes.

Before visiting for Diwali, enquire about:

• Festival darshan
• Lakshmi-related prayers
• Special pujas
• Temple opening hours
• Community announcements

7. Bellevue Hindu Temple and Cultural Center

Address: 14270 NE 21st Street, Bellevue, WA 98007

This Bellevue institution offers a local place of worship and cultural connection for Hindu families.

Residents can contact the temple to learn about its Diwali observances, religious services and cultural programmes.

Other spiritual destinations

The Seattle region also has additional Hindu worship and community centres. Devotees should verify their current addresses and festival schedules through official organisation channels before travelling.

4. Where Do Indian Families Celebrate Diwali Around Seattle?

The Indian-American community is distributed across Seattle and several Eastside cities. Many families choose local temple programmes, neighbourhood gatherings and community events rather than travelling into downtown Seattle.

Bellevue

Bellevue is one of Washington's major Indian-American population centres.

The city offers access to:

• The Bellevue Collection Diwali celebration
• Hindu temples and cultural institutions
• Indian restaurants and grocery stores
• Community events
• Family-friendly activities

Redmond

Redmond is an important centre for Indian families, especially those connected with the technology industry.

The city's Indian community can participate in:

• BAPS Diwali programmes
• Hindu temple visits
• Vedic cultural activities
• Indian community gatherings
• Family celebrations

Sammamish

Sammamish has a substantial Indian-origin community and is home to the Vedic Cultural Center.

Families can celebrate with temple visits, home Lakshmi Puja, children's activities and local gatherings.

Bothell

Bothell is home to the Hindu Temple & Cultural Center, making it an important religious destination for Hindu families in the northern Seattle metropolitan area.

Kirkland

Kirkland residents can access Eastside temple programmes and community celebrations in Bellevue and Redmond.

Seattle

Seattle itself has a large Indian community, with public cultural celebrations at Seattle Center and access to Indian restaurants, shops and community networks.

5. How to Celebrate Lakshmi Puja at Home in Seattle

Lakshmi Puja is one of the central traditions associated with Diwali.

Hindu families worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, abundance and auspiciousness. Many households also worship Lord Ganesha, seeking wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

A traditional home celebration can include:

1. Clean and decorate the home

Clean the entrance, living room and puja space. Decorate the entrance with flowers, rangoli and traditional designs.

2. Prepare the puja area

Arrange images or murtis of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean platform.

3. Light diyas

Light traditional oil lamps or suitable electric lamps. Families should use open flames responsibly and follow local fire-safety rules.

4. Prepare offerings

Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense and other customary items according to family tradition.

5. Perform prayers

Recite Lakshmi mantras, Ganesha prayers or family-specific stotras.

6. Offer naivedyam

Prepare and offer traditional sweets or other vegetarian food.

7. Share blessings with family

After the puja, distribute prasadam and spend time with family members.

Lakshmi Mantra

A widely recited mantra is:

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah

This mantra is traditionally recited as a prayer to Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Ganesha Mantra

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Families often begin worship with prayers to Lord Ganesha.

A note on puja timings: The correct muhurat depends on the local Panchang and the family's tradition. Use a reliable Seattle-specific Panchang or ask your temple priest for the appropriate 2026 timing. Do not simply copy Indian time-zone timings for a Seattle puja.

6. Diwali Traditions Followed by Indian Families in Washington

Diwali in the Seattle region brings together families from many parts of India.

North Indian traditions

Families may celebrate with:

• Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja
• Diyas and decorative lights
• Rangoli
• Mithai exchanges
• Family gatherings
• New clothes
• Prayers and devotional songs

Gujarati traditions

Many Gujarati families observe Chopda Pujan, worship Goddess Lakshmi and welcome the Gujarati New Year according to their regional calendar.

Telugu and South Indian traditions

Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and other South Indian families may follow their own regional customs, including oil baths, special food preparations, prayers and family gatherings.

The precise observance can differ by family and community.

Marathi traditions

Marathi families may celebrate with traditional sweets, family visits, cultural programmes and community events such as the Seattle Maharashtra Mandal Diwali Maifil.

Bengali and other regional traditions

Some families also observe Kali Puja or other regional customs around the Diwali period. The form of worship varies by tradition.

Seattle's multicultural Indian community makes the festival a celebration of many languages, customs and regional identities.

7. Indian Food and Sweets for Diwali in Seattle

Food is an essential part of Diwali celebrations. Families prepare traditional dishes at home, order festive meals and share sweets with friends and neighbours.

Popular Diwali foods include:

Sweets

• Kaju katli
• Gulab jamun
• Rasgulla
• Laddu
• Mysore pak
• Jalebi
• Soan papdi
• Barfi
• Peda

Snacks

• Chakli
• Murukku
• Mixture
• Samosa
• Kachori
• Pakora
• Mathri
• Namak pare

Traditional meals

• Pulao and biryani
• Poori and chole
• Paneer dishes
• Dal and rice
• South Indian festive meals
• Regional vegetarian preparations

Indian grocery shopping

Indian families can look for groceries, sweets, spices, festival ingredients and decorative items through Indian and South Asian retailers across the Eastside and Seattle area.

Plan shopping early for:

• Diyas and wicks
• Rangoli colours
• Incense
• Puja accessories
• Fresh flowers
• Sweets and snacks
• Traditional clothing
• Gift boxes

Store inventory and holiday hours vary. Contact retailers before travelling, particularly on the festival weekend.

8. Diwali Shopping in Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond

Diwali shopping is a major part of the festival for many families.

Traditional clothing

Popular clothing choices include:

• Sarees
• Salwar kameez
• Lehengas
• Kurta-pyjamas
• Sherwanis
• Children's Indian outfits

Home decoration

Families can prepare their homes with:

• LED string lights
• Diyas
• Rangoli stencils
• Flower garlands
• Decorative torans
• Candles
• Puja thalis

Gifts

Common Diwali gifts include:

• Sweets
• Dry-fruit boxes
• Decorative lamps
• Home accessories
• Gift cards
• Traditional handicrafts

For families shopping with children, choose age-appropriate decorations and avoid small items that may pose choking hazards.

9. Diwali Activities for Children in Seattle

Diwali is an opportunity to teach children about Indian heritage, Hindu stories and family traditions.

Parents can introduce children to:

Ramayana stories

Explain the traditional story of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and the celebration of light associated with Diwali.

Rangoli workshops

Children can create colourful rangoli designs using safe, age-appropriate materials.

Diya decoration

Decorating clay lamps is a simple activity that helps children understand the symbolism of light.

Indian dance and music

Attend the Seattle Center programme to experience Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Indian music.

Cooking activities

Children can help prepare simple sweets or festive snacks with adult supervision.

Community volunteering

Families can also use the festival to teach generosity, service and care for others.

The Seattle Center event on November 7 includes several performances and hands-on activities that can be especially interesting for children.

10. Diwali for Indian Students and Technology Professionals in Seattle

The Seattle region is home to a large population of Indian professionals and international students.

Many Indians work in technology, software engineering, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data science, healthcare, research and business.

Diwali is an opportunity for people living away from India to reconnect with their culture and community.

Students and professionals can:

• Attend public Diwali festivals.
• Join Indian cultural associations.
• Visit Hindu temples.
• Organise small apartment celebrations.
• Share sweets with colleagues.
• Invite friends from different backgrounds.
• Participate in volunteering and community service.

For people who cannot travel to India during the festival, local community celebrations can provide a meaningful connection to home.

11. A Suggested Diwali Weekend Itinerary for Seattle

Saturday, November 7: Seattle cultural celebration

12:00 PM–2:00 PM

Visit Seattle Center's Diwali: Lights of India festival. Enjoy classical music, dance and cultural displays.

2:00 PM–4:00 PM

Explore the festival's cultural activities, art displays and family workshops.

4:00 PM–6:00 PM

Enjoy the remaining stage performances and community activities.

Alternative Saturday plan: Bellevue

Families based on the Eastside may prefer the Bellevue Collection celebration, listed from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Check the latest event schedule and parking arrangements before travelling.

Sunday, November 8: Main Diwali day

Morning

Prepare the home, arrange decorations and complete family traditions.

Afternoon

Visit a local Hindu temple if its festival schedule permits. Confirm opening hours and special arrangements.

Evening

Perform Lakshmi Puja at home or attend a temple programme if available. Light diyas safely, share prasadam and celebrate with family.

Saturday, November 14: Additional Marathi community programme

The Seattle Maharashtra Mandal calendar lists a Diwali Maifil in Redmond from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

12. Practical Travel Tips for Diwali in Seattle

Weather

November in Seattle is typically cool and often rainy. Visitors should check the forecast, carry waterproof outerwear and plan for wet conditions.

Parking

Seattle Center and Bellevue are busy destinations. Check official venue parking information and consider public transportation where convenient.

Temple etiquette

• Dress respectfully.
• Follow footwear instructions.
• Respect photography restrictions.
• Follow temple volunteers' directions.
• Check whether registration is required.
• Do not assume that every temple allows walk-in participation in special pujas.

Fireworks and fire safety

Do not assume that fireworks are permitted in every neighbourhood or public location. Follow local laws, venue rules and fire-safety requirements. Use lamps and candles responsibly, especially in apartments and shared buildings.

Event confirmation

Festival listings can change. Confirm event times, admission, registration and parking with the official organiser before leaving home.

13. Why Seattle Is an Important Diwali Destination for the Indian Diaspora

Seattle's Indian-American community is spread across several cities rather than being concentrated in one neighbourhood.

The Eastside communities of Bellevue, Redmond and Sammamish are particularly important destinations for Indian families.

Recent ACS 2020–2024 estimates reported in the Washington city ranking show:

• Seattle: 27,773 Indian residents
• Bellevue: 21,686
• Redmond: 17,271
• Sammamish: 12,122

These figures help explain why the Seattle region supports a wide range of Hindu temples, cultural organisations, Indian businesses and community celebrations.

Diwali also creates opportunities for cultural exchange. Public events such as Seattle Center's Lights of India invite the wider community to experience Indian dance, music, food and traditions.

For Indian families, the festival is more than a one-day celebration. It is a time to preserve language, share customs with children, connect with friends and strengthen community relationships.

14. Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2026 in Seattle

When is Diwali 2026 in Seattle?

The main Diwali date in 2026 is Sunday, November 8.

Are there Diwali events in Seattle on November 7, 2026?

Yes. Seattle Center's Diwali: Lights of India is scheduled for November 7 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Armory Food & Event Hall. The event is listed as free.

Is the Seattle Center Diwali event free?

Yes. The official Seattle Center event listing identifies Diwali: Lights of India as a free public event.

Where is the Bellevue Diwali celebration?

The Bellevue Collection and Seattle Maharashtra Mandal have listed a Diwali celebration at The Bellevue Collection on November 7, 2026.

What time is the Bellevue Diwali event?

The Bellevue Downtown Association lists 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Seattle Maharashtra Mandal separately lists its Bellevue Square celebration from 12:00 PM–5:00 PM. Check the organiser's latest information before attending.

Which Hindu temples can I visit near Seattle for Diwali?

Options in the Greater Seattle and Eastside area include Hindu Temple & Cultural Center in Bothell, BAPS Seattle in Redmond, Jaya Hanuman Temple in Bellevue, ISKCON Vedic Cultural Center in Sammamish, Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple in Redmond and VEDA Sri Venkateswara Temple in Redmond.

Where can I attend Lakshmi Puja in Seattle?

Contact your preferred Hindu temple for its November 8 Lakshmi Puja schedule. Temple-specific timings and participation arrangements may differ.

Does BAPS Seattle have a Diwali programme in 2026?

Yes. BAPS Seattle has published Diwali and Chopda Pujan programmes for November 7 and November 8, including a Sharda (Chopda) Pujan listing on November 8 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Is there a Diwali event for children in Seattle?

Yes. Seattle Center's festival includes cultural activities and performances. BAPS Seattle has also listed a Kids' Diwali Celebration on November 7.

Where do Indian families live around Seattle?

Important Indian-American population centres include Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Bothell, Kirkland and other nearby Eastside communities.

What should I wear for Diwali celebrations?

Traditional Indian clothing such as sarees, kurtas, lehengas and salwar kameez is popular. Comfortable festive clothing is also appropriate for public cultural events.

Can non-Indians attend Seattle Diwali celebrations?

The Seattle Center event is listed as free and open to the public. For temple visits and other community programmes, follow the individual organiser's visitor and participation guidelines.

What is Chopda Pujan?

Chopda Pujan is a traditional Hindu observance in which account books and business records are worshipped and blessed, particularly in Gujarati communities, as part of the Diwali and new-year period.

How can I find the latest Seattle Diwali event updates?

Check Seattle Center, Bellevue Downtown Association, Seattle Maharashtra Mandal and the official websites of local Hindu temples for current schedules and announcements.

15. Celebrate Diwali 2026 in Seattle with Light, Devotion and Community

Diwali 2026 offers Indian families and the wider Seattle community several ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

From the cultural performances at Seattle Center to the Bellevue community celebration, from BAPS programmes in Redmond to worship at Hindu temples across the Eastside, the Seattle region offers a rich mix of religious, cultural and family experiences.

The most important part of Diwali is the message it carries: let knowledge overcome ignorance, kindness overcome negativity and hope illuminate every home.

May Goddess Lakshmi bless every family with prosperity, health and happiness. May Lord Ganesha remove obstacles and guide everyone towards wisdom and success.

HinduTone wishes all readers in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Bothell and across Washington State a very Happy Diwali 2026!

Shubh Deepavali! शुभ दीपावली!