Diwali 2026 in Australia: Dates, the 5 Days and What to Wear

Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest festival of the year for Indian families in Australia. In 2026 the main Diwali night falls on Sunday 8 November. Diwali is actually a five-day festival, and each day has its own meaning. Here is a simple guide to the dates, why each day is celebrated, and what to wear.

Diwali 2026 dates in Australia

• Dhanteras – Friday 6 November
• Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – Saturday 7 November
• Diwali and Lakshmi Puja – Sunday 8 November
• Govardhan Puja – around Monday 9 to Tuesday 10 November
• Bhai Dooj – Wednesday 11 November (some calendars show 10 November)

Exact puja times change from city to city, so check with your local temple or family pandit.

Why is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali celebrates the win of light over darkness and good over evil. In North India it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years, when people lit rows of lamps (diyas) to welcome him home. Families also pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and good luck in the year ahead, and to Lord Ganesh for a good start.

The five days, one by one

Day 1: Dhanteras

A day for buying something new – gold, silver, a utensil or new clothes – to welcome wealth into the home. Many families do their Diwali outfit shopping on or before Dhanteras.

Day 2: Choti Diwali

Marks Lord Krishna’s win over the demon Narakasura. Homes are cleaned, rangoli is drawn at the door and the first diyas are lit.

Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja

The main night. Families do Lakshmi Puja after sunset, light diyas and candles, share sweets, visit friends and enjoy fireworks. This is the night for your best outfit.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

Remembers Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to protect villagers from heavy rain. Temples make Annakut, a big offering of vegetarian food.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

Sisters put a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life, and brothers give a gift in return. Read more in our Bhai Dooj guide.

What to wear for Diwali in Melbourne

• Women – a silk or ready-to-wear saree, an embroidered suit, a sharara set or a lehenga. Jewel tones like emerald, ruby red, royal blue and wine are popular this year. Shop women’s Diwali outfits.
• Men – a silk or chikankari kurta pajama in maroon, emerald, midnight blue or ivory.
• Kids – boys’ kurta pajama (ages 1–10) and soft organic cotton girls’ sets from 6 months.
• The whole family – see our matching family Diwali outfits guide.

Diwali events in Melbourne

Melbourne usually has community Diwali celebrations around this time, including events at Federation Square and at local temples and community halls. Check event websites for this year’s dates.

Get your Diwali outfit in Aintree

Style World is at 251 Frontier Ave, Aintree, in Melbourne’s west. Try outfits on in our showroom, pick up free, or get $16 delivery anywhere in Australia – order by Tuesday 3 November for delivery before Diwali. WhatsApp us on 0450 649 304. See all Diwali outfits in Melbourne.