Where to Celebrate Diwali Events in USA 2026?

CelebratingDiwali in the United States is a vibrant, grand affair that brings together tradition, light, and community joy. Although the main day of Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, the festivities span five magnificent days from Friday, November 6 to Tuesday, November 10. Each day has its own meaning, from buying new items on Dhanteras to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Dooj. For Indian families across the USA, it is a special time to decorate homes with diyas and rangoli, attend local events, and spend time with loved ones. 

Whether you want to attend a big event in New York, Edison, San Francisco, or Atlanta, or celebrate with a puja at home, this guide can help you plan. Find places to celebrate each day, explore local events, and get simple ideas to enjoy the festival with family and friends. We make it simple to celebrate across the miles by offering curated gift hampers, traditional sweets, and festive decor to brighten every home.

Diwali 2026 Dates in the USA

Diwali is a five-day festival. Here are the dates for 2026.

Day 1: Dhanteras, Friday, November 6

Dhanteras starts the festival. The word Dhan means wealth, so many people see it as a good day to buy something new. Gold, silver coins and steel utensils are the most common buys. Families also clean the puja area and light a diya near the front door after sunset. Friday is a work day for most people, so the evening is the main time for it.

At home:

• Buy a small silver coin or a new kitchen item.

• Light a diya at the door after sunset.

• Clean the puja corner and add fresh flowers.

Event: Diwali Royale, 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Royal Albert's Palace, Edison, New Jersey. It is a family night of food, dance and shows. 

Day 2: Choti Diwali, Saturday, November 7

Choti Diwali means small Diwali. It is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi.Families remember the story of Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura, which represents the victory of good over evil. Families clean their homes, make rangoli, and light more diyas. Many families also take an early morning bath as part of the tradition.

Saturday is the busiest day for events, because most people are free.

• New York City: Diwali Lights Up Asia Society, 1 PM to 4 PM, 725 Park Avenue. Music, dance, storytelling and crafts. 

• New Jersey: Edison Diwali Festival, 5 PM to 9 PM, Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Boulevard. It is free, with 10,000+ people expected and a rain date of November 14. Also SANJ Kali Puja and Diwali, 4 PM to 11:30 PM, 375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township, with a Kali Puja, live performances and a bazaar.

• Atlanta: Kali Puja and Diwali Celebrations, 5 PM to 11 PM, George W. Whitlow Elementary School, Cumming. It is organized by the Bengali Association of Atlanta.

• Seattle: Diwali: Lights of India, Armory Food & Event Hall, Seattle Center. It is free, with flower mandala art, henna, a saree booth, food and music. Check the Seattle Center page for timings.

Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, Sunday, November 8

This is the main day of Diwali. Families pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and Lord Ganesh for a good beginning. Homes are full of diyas, rangoli, flowers and sweets. People wear new clothes, share sweets with neighbors and call family in India. Families usually perform the puja in the evening after sunset. 

Because Diwali falls on a Sunday this year, you can enjoy a daytime event and still be home for the puja.

At home:

• Set up the puja plate with a Lakshmi and Ganesh photo or idol, flowers, sweets and diyas.

• Light diyas in every room and at the entrance.

• Make a rangoli near the door.

• Video call family and friends after the puja.

Event: San Francisco Diwali Festival, 1 PM to 5 PM, Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens. It is free, and RSVP is encouraged. Performers include Alam Khan, Raaga School of Music, Rang De Bollywood Dance Company, DJ Mumbai Rani and The Dhol King, with local vendors and food. The BAPS temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is also listed with a Diwali night program. Check the temple page for timings.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja, Monday, November 9

Govardhan Puja remembers the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rain. Temples prepare Annakut, a large display of vegetarian food offered during prayers. It is also the start of the new year for many Gujarati families. Monday is a work day, so most people visit the temple in the evening.

Events listed for this day:

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, New Jersey: Grand Annakut.

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 460 Rockbridge Road, Lilburn, Georgia: Annakut program.

• Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale: listed with a Diwali night program.

Check each temple's page for exact timings.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj, Tuesday, November 10

Bhai Dooj is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their health. Brothers give a gift in return. If your brother or sister lives in another city, a video call and a gift sent in advance will make the day special. Most families keep this day at home.

Cities Where Indian Families Celebrate Diwali

Here are the six cities in this guide and their main events.

More Diwali Events Before and After the Five Days

Many cities celebrate earlier or later. These events help if you cannot join on the main days.

• October 17, Pleasanton, California: Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka, noon to 11 PM, Alameda County Fairgrounds. It expects 25,000+ people, with a Ravan Dehan ceremony, fireworks, Bollywood shows, 150+ vendors, rides and a kids zone. Tickets start around $15.

• October 22, New York City: Diwali on the Hudson, 7 PM to 11 PM, HK Hall, 605 West 48th Street. A Diwali party with food and live entertainment, run by the Desai Foundation. Tickets are needed, and the organizer says it sells out every year.

• October 24 to 25, Northern Virginia: Heritage India Festival, with hundreds of booths for clothes, jewelry, gifts and food. The festival site lists the Dulles Town Center Expo Center in Sterling, so confirm the venue on their website.

• October 25, Edison, New Jersey: Grand Diwali Mela, from noon, Parlor Banquet, 2863 Woodbridge Avenue. It is free, with 40+ vendors, food and cultural performances.

• November 13, San Francisco: Bhangra & Beats Night Market, 4 PM to 9 PM, Yerba Buena Gardens. It is free and is the official City of San Francisco Diwali celebration.

• November 14, Stone Ridge, Virginia: Festival of Lights, a Diwali and Tihar celebration, 3 PM, Arcola Elementary.

• November 20, Alpharetta, Georgia: Diwali Evening Concert, 7:30 PM, Phase Events, 12150 Morris Road. 

Gift Ideas for Each Day

Diwali is also a season of giving. Here is a simple way to match gifts with the days.

• Dhanteras: a silver coin, a small steel or brass utensil, or a diya set.

• Diwali night: Diwali gift hampers, sweets and dry fruits, or diyas and festive decor items for friends and neighbors.

• Govardhan Puja: a sweet box for family and guests.

• Bhai Dooj: a gift for your brother or sister, sent a few days early if they live in another city.

Final Words

Diwali in the USA brings together Indian traditions, family celebrations, and community events. From Dhanteras on November 6 to Lakshmi Puja on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10, each day gives families a chance to share joy and spend time together. By choosing a local event to attend and setting up your home with diyas and rangoli, you can bring the true spirit of Diwali to life wherever you are.

Making your loved ones feel special during the festive season is effortless with TheGiftPortal. and gifts designed for every day of the festival, ensuring your warmest wishes arrive right on time.Explore our collection of festive hampers, sweets, dry fruits, and gifts for every day of the festival, and send your wishes to loved ones on time. If you have questions about gifts, delivery, or custom orders, feel free to contact us today. Let’s make Diwali 2026 a grand celebration filled with prosperity, happiness, and memorable gifts