How to celebrate Diwali in Germany
Diwali in 2026 falls on November 8th, and you can celebrate the festival of lights with family gatherings, traditional food, prayers and Indian community events. Diwali is one of the celebrations that Indians value and love the most. But what if you're away from home? You can still celebrate Diwali like you're back in India. Read our guide to find out when the celebration takes place in 2026–2028 and where to enjoy it in Berlin, Bonn, Munich and Hamburg.
Diwali at a glance
Family reunion: online and offline
The power of community
Indian events in Germany: Diwali in Berlin, Bonn, Munich and Hamburg
FAQ: Diwali in Germany
Diwali at a glance
Diwali is a five-day festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families come together, decorate their homes with lights, exchange gifts and enjoy traditional food. The main day is often dedicated to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
There's no fixed date, as Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and normally falls in October or November.
Diwali dates in the upcoming years
The main Diwali celebrations fall on November 8th in 2026, October 29th in 2027 and October 17th in 2028.
2026: November 6th-10th (main day: November 8th)
2027: October 27th–31th (main day: October 29th)
2028: October 15th–19th (main day: October 17th)
These are the dates of the wider festive period. Exact dates for individual traditions may vary by region and community.
Now, since we have some common knowledge, we can move on to the tips for celebrating Diwali in Germany.
Family reunion: online and offline
You can celebrate Diwali with your family in Germany or join your loved ones online if they're back in India. Gather with your relatives and fill the house with laughter even when being far away. Here are some suggestions on what to do as part of the Diwali celebration in Germany:
Clean your home as it's a tradition before Diwali.
Decorate your rooms with diyas (traditional oil lamps), lights and colourful rangoli patterns.
Dress up in new clothes. Want to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune? It's possible if you read our guide on cheap shopping in Germany.
Tell some stories. There's nothing more fascinating for a child than listening to stories about their parents' past.
Create gifts together and share them.
Pray to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being, following your family's traditions.
Your close ones may live abroad, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying Diwali together.
Set up a video call and follow traditions together online.
Send a surprise gift – we live in the delivery era, so your family can receive presents even when you're far away.
Send money to support your loved ones. You can do it quickly and easily with Profee.
The power of community
You can find Indian community celebrations in Germany through expat groups, local cultural associations and Hindu temples.
Take Wedesi as an example. The platform brings Indians living in Germany together through cultural events and community activities. You can follow its announcements to discover Diwali celebrations and other Indian events.
Another option is to visit a local Indian cultural association or Hindu temple. Many organise Diwali gatherings with prayers, decorations, traditional food and music. Check their websites or social media pages for upcoming celebrations.
If you want to connect with the local community not only during Diwali but also in your free time, here's our guide on how Indians can play cricket in Germany
Indian events in Germany: Diwali in Berlin, Bonn, Munich and Hamburg
Cultural festivals, temple celebrations and Indian community gatherings are scheduled for November 2026 in various German cities. The events bring people together for traditional food, music, dancing and festive activities. Here are some places to celebrate Diwali in Germany this year.
Diwali in Berlin in 2026
You can visit Diwali events scheduled for November 7th and 8th, 2026, with Indian street food, Bollywood dancing, live music and traditional celebrations.
On November 7th, visit Diwali in Berlin at Jules B-Part am Gleisdreieck in Kreuzberg. Organised by Wedesi, the festival features Indian street food, Bollywood dancing, live music, stand-up comedy, karaoke and cultural performances. Children under 16 can enter for free with a paying adult.
Also on November 7th, head to the Diwali Indian Street Food Festival at Yaam in Friedrichshain. The event starts at 12:00, with tickets listed from around 5 EUR.
On November 8th, celebrate the main day of Diwali at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple. From 17:00 to 22:00, the temple is hosting Lakshmi Puja, the lighting of diyas and a programme of classical Indian music and dance.
Diwali in Bonn in 2026
You might enjoy Diwali events scheduled for November 14th, 21st and 28th, 2026, with Indian food, cultural performances, dancing and community gatherings.
On November 14th, attend the Diwali / Lichterfest organised by the German-Indian Society in Bonn. The celebration takes place at Toni-Mai-Halle in Bonn-Duisdorf, starting at 17:00.
On November 21st, join the Diwali Mela 2026 organised by the Indian Association Bonn at Johannes-Rau-Schule. From 16:00, you can enjoy Indian food, henna and cultural stalls. The programme also includes a Bollywood dance workshop and traditional performances.
On November 28th, celebrate with the Indian Students Association of Bonn Cologne (ISABC). The event is scheduled from 15:30 to 21:00 at Im Mühlenbach 14–18, Bonn, with cultural activities and a festive dinner. Check the organisers' website for registration details.
Diwali in Munich in 2026
Munich has two Diwali events confirmed for November 1st and 15th, 2026.
On November 1st, join the 4D (Diwali, Dandiya, DJ, Dhamaka) Party at Das Lihotzky. The celebration starts at 16:30 and includes music, dancing, Indian food and games. Tickets cost 10 EUR, and children under six can enter for free.
On November 15th, visit Bharat Diwali Mela 2026 at Bürgerhaus Garching, just outside Munich. From 14:00 to 21:00, you can enjoy Indian food, cultural performances and family activities.
Diwali in Hamburg in 2026
In Hamburg, you can celebrate Diwali on November 6th, 7th and 14th in 2026.
On November 6th, celebrate at Diwali 2026 – the Festival of Lights at Hamburg-Haus Eimsbüttel. The event starts at 17:30 and includes live music, Indian dancing and a traditional buffet. Tickets cost 25 EUR for adults.
On November 7th, join the Diwali celebration organised by Hanseatic India Forum. Head to Hamburg-Haus Eimsbüttel from 17:30 to 22:00 for Indian music, dance and cultural performances.
On November 14th, visit the Diwali Festival with Sufi Night at Luxus Events. Starting at 17:00, the festival features live music, a DJ, Indian food and dancing.
There are more Indian events in Germany to explore! You can make your celebration of Diwali in Berlin, Bonn or anywhere else, even when you're far from home. And remember, if you need to transfer money to India so your family can buy decorations, food and gifts, use Profee to send money home.
FAQ: Diwali in Germany
Which is the real date of Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali in 2026 is Sunday, November 8th. Celebrations last several days, with dates varying by region and community.
What are the dos and don'ts during Diwali in Germany?
You can celebrate Diwali in Germany much like you would in India, but keep a few local rules and things in mind:
Plan your shopping ahead. Indian grocery stores can get busy before Diwali, so buy sweets, decorations and puja essentials early.
Invite your German friends and neighbours. Sharing homemade sweets or inviting them for dinner is a great way to introduce them to your traditions.
Check quiet hours. Keep music and celebrations quieter after 10 PM, especially if you live in an apartment building.
Ask for a day off if needed. Diwali isn’t a public holiday in Germany. It’s a regular working day, so arrange time off in advance if you want to celebrate with family.
Don't set off fireworks without permission. Most consumer fireworks are restricted to New Year's Eve in Germany.
Book community events early. Popular Diwali parties and cultural celebrations may sell out.
Which colour should I wear on Diwali?
Red, yellow, orange, green and gold are popular Diwali colours, as they're associated with joy, prosperity, new beginnings and good fortune.
Do I bring a gift to a Diwali party?
Yes, bringing a small gift is a nice gesture, especially if you're visiting someone's home. Indian sweets, chocolates, dried fruits or a decorative candle are good options.
Which countries celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is widely celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as in countries with large Indian communities, including the UK, Germany, Canada, the US and South Africa. In some countries, including India, Singapore and Mauritius, Diwali is a public holiday.
