Diwali Melbourne 2026 — Festival of Lights Events, Celebrations & Complete Guide

Diwali Melbourne 2026 — Festival of Lights Events, Celebrations & Complete Guide

Melbourne's most spectacular cultural celebration lights up the city on Sunday 8 November 2026. Here's everything you need to know about Diwali in Melbourne — from Fed Square festivities and temple celebrations to the best Indian restaurants, markets, and ways to celebrate at home.

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What Is Diwali? A Warm Welcome to the Festival of Lights

If you've ever driven through Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs on a warm November evening and noticed entire streets glowing with tiny oil lamps, cascading fairy lights, and the faint aroma of cardamom and ghee drifting through the air — you've caught a glimpse of Diwali, and you're already part of it.

Diwali (also known as Deepavali, meaning "a row of lights" in Sanskrit) is one of the world's most widely celebrated festivals. Observed by over a billion people globally — Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists — it's a joyous five-day celebration marking the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

At its heart, Diwali is about renewal. Homes are cleaned from top to bottom, new clothes are worn, sweets are shared with neighbours and friends, and oil lamps called diyas are lit to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. It's a time when families gather, debts are settled, grudges are forgiven, and the coming year is welcomed with open arms and open doors.

For Hindus, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana — a story told in the ancient epic Ramayana. The people of Ayodhya lit thousands of oil lamps to guide Rama home, and that tradition of illumination continues to this day.

For Jains, the festival marks the attainment of moksha (spiritual liberation) by Lord Mahavira, the last of the great Jain teachers, in 527 BCE. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind from Mughal imprisonment. Newar Buddhists celebrate by worshipping Lakshmi and lighting oil lamps.

What makes Diwali special for everyone — regardless of background — is its universal message. Light a candle. Share food with a neighbour. Start fresh. These are things every Melburnian can get behind.

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When Is Diwali 2026? Key Dates for Melbourne

The main day of Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November.

Because Diwali follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar, it falls on a different date each year in the Gregorian calendar — typically between mid-October and mid-November, always on the new moon (amavasya) night. This is the darkest night of the month, which makes the millions of lights all the more dramatic.

The Five Days of Diwali 2026

Note: Different communities may observe the main Diwali celebration on slightly different days within this window. In 2026, most Melbourne celebrations and public events will be held on the weekend of 7–8 November, with some events extending across the full week.

Is Diwali a Public Holiday in Melbourne?

Diwali is not a public holiday in Victoria or anywhere in Australia. However, with Diwali 2026 falling on a Sunday, many Melburnians will enjoy the celebrations without needing time off work. Major public events are typically scheduled on the closest weekend.

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Melbourne's Indian Community — Why Diwali Is Huge Here

Melbourne is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Indian diaspora communities in the Southern Hemisphere. According to the 2021 Australian Census, 242,635 people born in India called Greater Melbourne home — making India the single largest overseas birthplace in the city, ahead of China, England, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

When you include second-generation Australians with Indian-born parents, the numbers are even more striking: over 333,000 Melburnians have an Indian-born father, and a similar number have an Indian-born mother. Add to that the Sri Lankan, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Fijian-Indian, and Malaysian-Indian communities who also celebrate Diwali, and you're looking at a celebration that touches hundreds of thousands of Melbourne households.

This community is concentrated across several key areas — including the City of Greater Dandenong (which has the most culturally diverse population of any local government area in Australia), as well as Casey, Wyndham, Monash, and Whittlesea. But Diwali's reach extends across the entire metropolitan area and beyond.

The result? Melbourne's Diwali celebrations are among the biggest outside the Indian subcontinent, rivalling those in London, New York, and Singapore.

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Major Diwali Celebrations & Events in Melbourne 2026

Fed Square Diwali Festival

Federation Square, corner of Flinders & Swanston Streets, CBD fedsquare.com

Fed Square's annual Diwali celebration has become one of Melbourne's most anticipated cultural events. Held in the city's most iconic public gathering space, with the backdrop of Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River, it's a genuinely spectacular free event.

What to expect:

• Bollywood and classical dance performances on the main stage, featuring both professional troupes and community groups
• Live music — from traditional tabla and sitar to Bollywood DJ sets
• Rangoli art demonstrations and community rangoli workshops
• Indian street food stalls with chaat, dosa, samosa, pav bhaji, and sweets
• Henna (mehndi) artists offering free or low-cost hand designs
• Diya lighting ceremony at dusk — a communal moment that never fails to move, as thousands of tiny flames flicker to life across the square
• Fireworks display (in some years) over the Yarra River

Typical timing: Afternoon to late evening, usually 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM on the Saturday or Sunday closest to Diwali.

Tips: Arrive early for the best viewing spots near the main stage. Bring a blanket to sit on the steps. The event is free, but food stalls accept card and cash. Wear something colourful — you'll fit right in.

Specific 2026 dates and lineup will be confirmed closer to November. Check the Fed Square events page and the What's On Melbourne listings from September onwards.

Diwali at Dandenong

Various venues across Greater Dandenong greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

If Fed Square is Melbourne's Diwali showcase, Dandenong is its heartbeat. The City of Greater Dandenong — home to residents from over 170 different birthplaces — hosts one of the most authentic Diwali experiences in Australia.

What to expect:

• Dandenong Diwali Mela — a large-scale community festival typically held in Harmony Square or Dandenong Park, featuring live performances, food stalls, market vendors, and children's activities
• Little India precinct along Foster Street and surrounding blocks, where Indian businesses deck out their shopfronts and offer Diwali specials
• Dandenong Market — Melbourne's multicultural food and shopping hub — hosts Diwali-themed activities, Indian sweets, and special produce
• Community organisations including the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) and local Hindu, Sikh, and Jain groups organise their own events throughout the week

Diwali on the Yarra / Docklands

The City of Melbourne and various community organisations have in recent years organised Diwali events along the Yarra River precinct and in Docklands, featuring:

• River-side illumination displays
• Cultural performances at Docklands waterfront
• Food festivals and pop-up markets
• Community processions

Springvale Diwali Celebrations

Springvale — another of Melbourne's richly multicultural hubs — comes alive during Diwali, with celebrations often hosted at Springvale Community Hub and surrounding areas. The Sri Lankan, South Indian, and Fijian-Indian communities add their unique traditions to the mix.

Regional Celebrations

Diwali celebrations extend beyond inner Melbourne to:

• Geelong — Growing Indian community events at Geelong Performing Arts Centre and local temples
• Ballarat — Community celebrations organised by Indian student and community groups
• Bendigo — Diwali gatherings at community halls and La Trobe University campus

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Cultural Events & Performances

Dance

Melbourne's Diwali season brings an extraordinary range of dance performances:

• Bharatanatyam — One of India's oldest classical dance forms, originating in Tamil Nadu. Look for performances by Natya Sudha Dance School and other Melbourne-based academies.
• Kathak — The elegant, storytelling dance of North India, characterised by intricate footwork and spins. Several Melbourne-based Kathak schools present Diwali recitals.
• Bollywood dance — High-energy, crowd-pleasing choreography inspired by Hindi cinema. Bollywood dance troupes perform at major public events and are always a highlight.
• Bhangra — The infectious Punjabi harvest dance, often performed by Melbourne's Sikh community groups.
• Garba and Dandiya Raas — Gujarati folk dances traditionally performed during the Navratri festival (which precedes Diwali by a few weeks). Many Melbourne Gujarati associations host massive Garba nights in October and November.

Music

• Classical Indian music recitals — Sitar, tabla, veena, and vocal performances at temples, cultural centres, and dedicated concert halls.
• Bollywood music nights — DJ nights and live Bollywood music at venues across Melbourne, including regular events at Crown Melbourne and various nightclubs.
• Devotional music (bhajans and kirtans) — Performed at temples throughout the Diwali period. These are open to all and offer a deeply moving, contemplative experience.

Fireworks

Melbourne has restrictions on personal fireworks (you need a licence in Victoria), but several organised Diwali events include professional fireworks displays. Fed Square and Docklands have featured Diwali fireworks in previous years. Check event listings closer to November for confirmed displays.

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Best Indian Restaurants for a Diwali Dinner in Melbourne

Whether you're planning a special Diwali feast or simply want to experience Melbourne's incredible Indian dining scene, these restaurants offer exceptional experiences across the city.

CBD & Inner City

Tonka 20 Duckboard Place, CBD tonkarestaurant.com.au Chef Adam D'Sylva's modern Indian restaurant is consistently rated among Melbourne's best. The tandoor-cooked dishes are extraordinary, and the spice-laced desserts are perfect for a Diwali celebration. Book well in advance for November.

Daughter in Law 37 Little Bourke Street, CBD daughterinlaw.com.au Jessi Singh's vibrant, irreverent take on Indian cuisine. Expect punchy flavours, generous portions, and a lively atmosphere. Great for groups celebrating Diwali.

Babu Ji (if reopened — check current status) A Melbourne favourite known for its playful, modern approach to North Indian street food and family recipes.

Horn Please 167 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North hornplease.com.au Named after the ubiquitous Indian truck sign, Horn Please serves inventive Indian share plates in a fun, casual setting. Excellent vegetarian options.

South-East Melbourne

Bhoj 342 Thomas Street, Dandenong A beloved Dandenong institution serving authentic North Indian and Punjabi cuisine. The butter chicken and tandoori dishes are legendary. Simple décor, enormous flavours, very reasonable prices.

Gaylord Indian Restaurant 85B Foster Street, Dandenong A long-standing favourite in Dandenong's Little India precinct, known for its traditional North Indian menu and warm service.

Saravana Bhavan Multiple locations including CBD and suburbs The Melbourne outpost of the famous Chennai-based chain, offering outstanding pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Dosa, idli, uttapam, and thali meals — all 100% vegetarian. Perfect for a Diwali feast.

Western Melbourne

Punjab Junction Werribee and Hoppers Crossing Serving generous portions of Punjabi comfort food to Melbourne's booming western suburbs. Excellent for family Diwali dinners.

Vegetarian & Vegan Diwali Dining

Many Hindus and Jains observe a vegetarian diet, especially during Diwali. Melbourne is exceptionally well-served for vegetarian Indian food:

• Crossways — 123 Swanston Street, CBD — Beloved all-you-can-eat vegetarian restaurant run by the Hare Krishna community. Incredibly affordable.
• Gopals — 139 Swanston Street, CBD — Another Hare Krishna-run vegetarian gem with pure, lovingly prepared Indian food.
• Saravana Bhavan — Pure vegetarian South Indian chain (mentioned above).
• Dosa Hut — Multiple locations across Melbourne's suburbs, specialising in South Indian dosas and uttapams.
• Madras Café — 261 Foster Street, Dandenong — Exceptional South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
• Anjappar — Multiple locations — Chettinad-style cooking with extensive vegetarian options.

Diwali dining tip: Many Indian restaurants offer special Diwali menus or thali (platter) meals during the festival period. Call ahead to ask about Diwali specials — and book early, as the best restaurants fill up fast around Diwali weekend.

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Diwali Markets & Shopping in Melbourne

Where to Buy Indian Sweets (Mithai)

No Diwali is complete without sweets. Melbourne has a thriving Indian sweets scene:

Royal Sweets & Snacks Foster Street, Dandenong The go-to destination for Diwali sweets in Melbourne's south-east. Expect boxes of gulab jamun, kaju katli (cashew fudge), rasgulla, barfi, ladoo, and elaborately decorated Diwali gift boxes. Order early — they sell out.

Maharaja Sweets Multiple locations Another excellent option for traditional North Indian sweets, snacks, and Diwali gift boxes.

Haldiram's and Bikaner products Available at most Indian grocery stores across Melbourne. Look for branded Diwali gift packs in October and November.

Indian Grocery & Spice Shopping

Stock up for your Diwali cooking at these Melbourne favourites:

• Bharat Spices — Dandenong — Enormous range of Indian spices, lentils, flours, and specialty ingredients.
• The Indian Grocery Store — Multiple locations across Melbourne — Well-stocked for everything from paneer to papadums.
• Dandenong Market — Visit the indoor produce halls for fresh Indian vegetables, spices, and ingredients you won't find at Coles or Woolies. Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
• Queen Victoria Market — Melbourne's beloved QVM has several stalls selling Indian spices, teas, and specialty ingredients, particularly in the deli hall.

Diwali Decorations & Supplies

Look for Diwali decorations — including diyas (oil lamps), torans (door hangings), rangoli stencils and powders, LED string lights, and lanterns — at:

• Indian homewares shops along Foster Street, Dandenong
• Variety stores in Dandenong, Springvale, and other multicultural shopping precincts
• Online retailers — Amazon Australia, eBay, and specialty Indian stores offer Diwali decoration packs
• Kmart and Target — In recent years, major Australian retailers have started stocking Diwali decorations and candles, reflecting the festival's growing mainstream recognition

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Temple Celebrations in Melbourne

Visiting a temple during Diwali is a profound and beautiful experience — and all of Melbourne's major Hindu, Jain, and Sikh temples welcome visitors of all backgrounds.

Hindu Temples

Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple Helms Street, Carrum Downs hindutemple.com.au Melbourne's largest and most prominent Hindu temple, serving devotees from across southern and eastern Melbourne. During Diwali, expect:

• Special puja ceremonies throughout the five days
• Lakshmi Puja on the main Diwali night with elaborate rituals
• Thousands of oil lamps lit around the temple grounds
• Prasadam (blessed food) distributed to all visitors
• Cultural performances and community celebrations

ISKCON Melbourne (Hare Krishna Temple) 197 Danks Street, Albert Park iskconmelbourne.com The International Society for Krishna Consciousness hosts vibrant, welcoming Diwali celebrations featuring:

• Govardhan Puja — a spectacular re-enactment of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan, with an enormous mountain of food offered to the deity
• Devotional music and kirtan (group chanting)
• Free vegetarian feast for all visitors
• Colourful decorations and thousands of candles

Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple Ardeer / Deer Park A beloved temple serving Melbourne's Tamil and South Indian community, with beautiful Diwali illuminations and traditional Deepavali celebrations.

Hindu Society of Victoria — Sri Ganapathy Temple Pillar Street, Mitcham Special Diwali pujas, abhishekam ceremonies, and community gatherings.

Jain Temples

Jain Society of Melbourne Melbourne's Jain community celebrates Diwali with special significance, as it marks Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana. Celebrations include:

• Meditation and prayer sessions
• Lectures on the significance of Mahavira's teachings
• Community feasts (strictly vegetarian, following Jain dietary principles — no root vegetables)
• Lakshmi Puja and lamp lighting

Sikh Gurdwaras

Gurdwara Sahib Melbourne Craigieburn and other locations Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas during Diwali, marking Guru Hargobind's release from imprisonment. Celebrations include:

• Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib)
• Fireworks and illumination of the Gurdwara
• Langar — the communal kitchen that serves free meals to everyone, regardless of faith, caste, or background. This is one of the most beautiful Sikh traditions and a wonderful way to experience Diwali hospitality.
• Kirtan and devotional music

Other Gurdwaras across Melbourne — including in Blackburn, Officer, Tarneit, and Hoppers Crossing — also host significant Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations.

Visiting a temple during Diwali — what to know:

• Remove your shoes before entering
• Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees)
• Head coverings are required at Sikh Gurdwaras (scarves are usually provided at the entrance)
• Photography — ask before taking photos inside prayer areas
• Food offerings — you may be offered prasadam (blessed food); it's respectful to accept it with both hands
• Everyone is welcome. You don't need to be of that faith to visit.

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Diwali for Families — Kids' Activities in Melbourne

Diwali is a wonderfully family-friendly festival, and Melbourne offers plenty of ways for children to get involved.

Rangoli Making

Rangoli are the beautiful geometric patterns created on floors and doorsteps using coloured powders, flower petals, rice, and sand. Many Diwali events include:

• Rangoli workshops for kids and adults
• Community rangoli projects where everyone contributes to a large collaborative design
• At home, you can create simple rangoli using chalk on your driveway, coloured sand from craft shops, or even arrange flower petals in patterns

Diya Decorating

Children love decorating their own diyas (small clay oil lamps). Many community events offer:

• Clay diya painting workshops — using acrylic paints and glitter
• You can buy plain clay diyas from Indian grocery stores for a few cents each and decorate them at home
• Fill with ghee or mustard oil and a cotton wick to light

Lantern Making

Paper lanterns (akash kandils) are a traditional Diwali decoration, especially in Maharashtra. Kids' workshops at libraries and community centres often include lantern-making activities during Diwali week.

Diwali Storytime at Libraries

Several Melbourne library networks — including City of Melbourne Libraries, Yarra Libraries, and Monash Public Library — host special Diwali storytelling sessions, craft activities, and cultural programs for children. Check your local library's event calendar from October.

Fireworks & Sparklers

While personal fireworks require a licence in Victoria, many families enjoy attending organised fireworks displays at major Diwali events. Some community events may also offer sparklers in supervised areas. Always check local regulations and event rules.

Top Tips for Families

• Wear your best — Diwali is all about dressing up. Encourage kids to wear bright colours.
• Bring cash — for food stalls, henna artists, and market vendors.
• Arrive early — the most popular events get crowded after sunset.
• Make it educational — tell kids the story of Rama and Sita's return to Ayodhya. It's an adventure story with heroes, villains, and a happy ending.

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How to Celebrate Diwali at Home in Melbourne

You don't need to be Hindu, Jain, or Sikh to welcome the spirit of Diwali into your home. Here's how to create your own Festival of Lights celebration.

Clean and Declutter

Diwali preparation traditionally starts with a thorough cleaning of the home — sweeping out the old to make way for the new. Think of it as spring cleaning with spiritual purpose (and November is perfect timing for a Melbourne spring clean).

Light Diyas and Candles

The most important Diwali tradition. Place oil lamps or candles:

• Along windowsills and doorways
• On balconies and porches
• Around your front entrance
• On your dining table

You can buy traditional clay diyas from Indian grocery stores in Dandenong, Springvale, and other suburbs (typically $1–2 for a pack of 10). Fill with ghee or vegetable oil and a cotton wick. LED tea lights and fairy lights work beautifully too.

Create a Rangoli

Use coloured chalk, sand, rice, or flower petals to create a pattern at your front door. Start with a simple geometric design — circles, petals, or a lotus flower. YouTube has hundreds of easy rangoli tutorials.

Prepare Traditional Sweets

Diwali is inseparable from mithai (Indian sweets). Try making these at home:

Gulab Jamun — Soft, syrup-soaked milk dumplings. Made from khoya (reduced milk) or milk powder, deep-fried and soaked in cardamom-scented sugar syrup. Rich, indulgent, and utterly addictive.

Kaju Katli — Diamond-shaped cashew fudge. Blend cashews to a fine powder, cook with sugar and a touch of cardamom, roll out, and cut into diamonds. Topped with edible silver leaf (vark). Elegant and surprisingly easy.

Coconut Ladoo — Balls of grated coconut, condensed milk, and cardamom. Simple enough for kids to help make.

Besan Ladoo — Roasted chickpea flour balls with ghee, sugar, and nuts. The aroma of roasting besan in ghee is quintessentially Diwali.

Kheer — Indian rice pudding, simmered slowly with milk, sugar, cardamom, saffron, and topped with almonds and pistachios.

Can't cook? No problem. Order a box of Diwali sweets from Royal Sweets in Dandenong, or pick up a selection from any Indian grocery store. Many bakeries and sweet shops offer beautifully packaged Diwali gift boxes perfect for sharing with neighbours and friends.

Decorate Your Home

• Toran — A door hanging made of mango leaves, marigolds, or decorative fabric, hung above the entrance to welcome guests and good fortune.
• Marigolds — The quintessential Diwali flower. String them into garlands or place them in bowls of water with floating candles.
• Fairy lights — Wrap them around balconies, fences, and windows.
• Fresh flowers — Arrange bouquets of bright orange marigolds, roses, and chrysanthemums.

Share with Your Neighbours

One of the most beautiful Diwali traditions is sharing sweets and food with neighbours — including those who don't celebrate. A box of Indian sweets or a plate of homemade treats is a wonderful way to spread the light.

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Diwali Fashion — Where to Buy Indian Wear in Melbourne

Diwali is a time to dress in your finest, and Melbourne has excellent options for Indian clothing and accessories.

Dandenong — Melbourne's Indian Fashion Hub

Foster Street and the surrounding blocks in Dandenong are lined with Indian clothing stores offering:

• Saris — Silk, chiffon, georgette, and cotton saris in dazzling colours and embroidery
• Salwar kameez — Comfortable and elegant three-piece outfits for women
• Lehengas — Flowing skirts paired with fitted blouses and dupattas — popular for Diwali parties
• Sherwanis and kurta pyjamas — Traditional men's wear, from simple cotton kurtas to elaborate embroidered sherwanis
• Children's Indian wear — Miniature lehengas, kurtas, and accessories for kids

Popular stores include shops along Foster Street and the Dandenong Plaza area. Prices are generally very reasonable compared to India-imported designer wear.

Other Melbourne Locations

• Springvale — Several Indian and Sri Lankan clothing stores on Springvale Road
• Footscray — Growing selection of South Asian fashion retailers
• CBD — Look for specialty Indian fashion boutiques on Swanston Street and in the city's multicultural shopping arcades

Online Shopping

• Indian fashion retailers on eBay Australia and Etsy offer a wide range
• Australian-based Indian clothing websites provide local sizing, fast shipping, and easy returns
• Instagram boutiques — Many Melbourne-based Indian designers and boutiques sell directly via Instagram. Search for #IndianFashionMelbourne or #DiwaliOutfit

Jewellery & Accessories

Complete your Diwali look with:

• Bangles — Glass, gold-plated, and lac bangles from Indian accessory shops in Dandenong and Springvale
• Bindis — Available at Indian beauty and accessory stores
• Jhumka earrings — Traditional Indian chandelier earrings
• Mehndi (henna) — Get your hands decorated at Diwali events, or buy henna cones from Indian grocery stores to apply at home

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History & Cultural Significance — Understanding the Five Days

The Story of Rama and Sita

The most widely told Diwali story comes from the Ramayana, one of Hinduism's two great epics. Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana are exiled from their kingdom of Ayodhya for fourteen years. During their exile, Sita is kidnapped by the demon king Ravana and taken to his kingdom of Lanka.

With the help of Hanuman (the monkey god) and an army of devoted followers, Rama rescues Sita and defeats Ravana in an epic battle. When Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana finally return to Ayodhya, the people light thousands of oil lamps to guide them home and celebrate their return.

This story of exile, devotion, courage, and triumphant homecoming resonates across cultures and generations. Diwali is, at its core, a celebration of coming home.

The Five Days Explained

Day 1 — Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi) "Dhan" means wealth. This day is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Dhanvantari, the god of health (and the father of Ayurvedic medicine). Families clean their homes and buy new items — especially gold, silver, and kitchen utensils — as it's considered auspicious. Businesses open new account books. Lamps are lit outside homes to ward off illness and misfortune.

Day 2 — Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) "Little Diwali." This day commemorates Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned 16,000 women. It's a day of liberation and renewal. People wake before dawn, apply oil to their bodies, and take a ritual bath to cleanse themselves of sin and negativity. Lamps are lit at dusk.

Day 3 — Lakshmi Puja (The Main Night) The climax of Diwali. Families perform elaborate prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, inviting her into their homes. Doors and windows are left open so she can enter. The puja typically involves offerings of flowers, incense, sweets, and coins. After prayers, families light diyas throughout their homes and burst fireworks. This is the night when the darkness is most dramatically vanquished by light.

Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / Padwa / New Year In North India, this day celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan on his little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by the god Indra. Food — especially annakut (a mountain of food) — is offered to Krishna. This is also the first day of the new year in the Vikram Samvat calendar used in Gujarat and some other regions. Husbands and wives exchange gifts.

Day 5 — Bhai Dooj (Bhai Tika) A day celebrating the bond between siblings. Sisters apply a tilak (vermillion mark) on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life, while brothers give gifts to their sisters. It's a tender, family-centred conclusion to the festival.

Lakshmi — The Goddess at the Heart of Diwali

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, love, and beauty, is central to Diwali celebrations. She is depicted standing or seated on a lotus flower, wearing red and gold, with gold coins flowing from her hands. During Diwali, devotees believe Lakshmi visits the cleanest, brightest, and most welcoming homes — which is why the festival preparation involves such thorough cleaning and decoration.

Universal Themes

What makes Diwali endure across millennia and resonate across cultures is the simplicity of its core message:

• Light conquers darkness — both literal and metaphorical
• Good triumphs over evil — the Rama-Ravana story is one of the world's great hero narratives
• Knowledge dispels ignorance — Diwali encourages learning, reflection, and spiritual growth
• New beginnings — cleaning, settling debts, forgiving grievances, starting fresh
• Community and generosity — sharing food, visiting neighbours, giving to those in need

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Diwali Events Calendar 2026 — Where to Find Updates

As Diwali 2026 approaches, here are the best sources for confirmed event listings:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Diwali 2026 in Melbourne?

The main day of Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November. The five-day celebration runs from Thursday 5 November (Dhanteras) to Monday 9 November (Bhai Dooj). Most major Melbourne events will be held on the weekend of 7–8 November 2026.

Is Diwali a public holiday in Victoria?

No. Diwali is not a public holiday in Victoria or anywhere in Australia. However, many workplaces and schools with significant Indian-Australian communities acknowledge the festival and may offer flexibility around the celebration.

Where is the biggest Diwali celebration in Melbourne?

Federation Square hosts Melbourne's largest and most high-profile public Diwali event, typically attracting tens of thousands of people. The City of Greater Dandenong (particularly Dandenong and Springvale) hosts some of the most authentic community celebrations.

Can anyone attend Diwali celebrations and temple events?

Absolutely. All major public Diwali events are open to everyone. Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwaras, and Jain temples also welcome visitors of all backgrounds during Diwali. You don't need to be of any particular faith to attend, enjoy, and participate.

What should I wear to a Diwali event?

Wear something bright and colourful — Diwali is a celebration of light and colour. If you have Indian clothing (sari, kurta, lehenga), this is the perfect occasion to wear it. If not, any smart, colourful outfit is perfectly appropriate. Avoid dark, sombre colours.

Are there fireworks at Diwali in Melbourne?

Some organised Diwali events include professional fireworks displays. In Victoria, personal fireworks are restricted and require a licence. Do not purchase or set off fireworks privately. Attend an organised event if you want to enjoy the spectacle.

What food should I try at a Diwali event?

Must-tries include:

• Samosa — Crispy pastry filled with spiced potato
• Chaat — Tangy, crunchy street snacks
• Gulab jamun — Syrup-soaked dumplings (the quintessential Diwali sweet)
• Kaju katli — Cashew fudge with silver leaf
• Jalebi — Crispy, syrupy spiral sweets
• Pav bhaji — Spiced vegetable mash with buttery bread rolls
• Chai — Spiced Indian tea

How do I wish someone a Happy Diwali?

• "Happy Diwali!" — universally understood and always welcome
• "Shubh Deepavali" (Hindi/Sanskrit) — "Auspicious Festival of Lights"
• "Diwali ki shubhkamnayein" (Hindi) — "Diwali wishes/greetings"
• "Iniya Deepavali Nalvazhthukkal" (Tamil) — "Happy Deepavali wishes"

All are appreciated. A simple "Happy Diwali" with a smile is perfect.

Is Diwali only for Hindus?

No. While Diwali originated as a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Jains (marking Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana), Sikhs (as Bandi Chhor Divas), and some Buddhist communities. In Melbourne, Diwali has become a broadly multicultural celebration embraced by people of all backgrounds.

What is rangoli?

Rangoli are decorative patterns created on floors or the ground, typically at the entrance to a home or venue. They're made using coloured powders, sand, rice, flower petals, or chalk. Designs range from simple geometric patterns to elaborate depictions of flowers, peacocks, and deities. Creating rangoli is a meditative, communal activity and a beloved Diwali tradition.

Can I celebrate Diwali if I'm not Indian?

Yes! Diwali is celebrated by people of many backgrounds around the world. Light some candles, try Indian sweets, attend a public celebration, and share the joy. The spirit of Diwali — welcoming light, sharing with others, starting fresh — belongs to everyone.

Where can I buy Diwali sweets in Melbourne?

The best selection is in Dandenong (Foster Street and surrounding shops), particularly at Royal Sweets & Snacks and Maharaja Sweets. Indian grocery stores across Melbourne stock boxed sweets. Many bakeries and sweet shops offer Diwali gift boxes from late October.

What are diyas?

Diyas are small clay oil lamps, traditionally filled with ghee or mustard oil and lit with a cotton wick. They're the original "Festival of Lights" — thousands of diyas placed around homes, temples, and public spaces create the iconic warm glow of Diwali. You can buy them cheaply at Indian grocery stores.

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Getting Around Melbourne During Diwali

Public Transport

Major Diwali events at Fed Square and in the CBD are easily accessible by train (Flinders Street Station), tram, and bus. For Dandenong celebrations, take the Cranbourne or Pakenham line to Dandenong Station. Use the PTV Journey Planner for routes and times.

Parking

Parking around Fed Square and the CBD is limited and expensive on weekends. Use public transport where possible. In Dandenong, street parking and car parks are available but can be congested during major events.

Accessibility

Most major Diwali events at Fed Square and council-run venues are wheelchair accessible. Check individual event listings for specific accessibility information. Temple accessibility varies — some older temples may have limited wheelchair access.

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Make Diwali Part of Your Melbourne Experience

Melbourne is one of the world's great multicultural cities, and Diwali is one of its most luminous expressions of that diversity. Whether you're part of the Indian community celebrating cherished family traditions, or you're experiencing the Festival of Lights for the first time, Diwali in Melbourne offers something genuinely beautiful: a chance to gather, to feast, to light a flame against the darkness, and to start something new.

On Sunday 8 November 2026, when the diyas are lit across Melbourne — from the grand steps of Federation Square to the quiet verandahs of Dandenong — you're welcome to be part of it. All you need to bring is an open heart.

Happy Diwali. Shubh Deepavali. 🪔

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This guide will be updated as specific 2026 events are confirmed. Last updated: February 2026.

Looking for more Melbourne events? Browse our Melbourne Events 2026 guide for the latest festivals, celebrations, and things to do across the city.