Festival of Light FAQs

The Festival of Light is one of the most important and joyful celebrations in South Asia. In India, it’s known as Diwali, while in Nepal, it’s called Tihar. 

Both festivals celebrate light over darkness and good over evil. Homes, streets and temples glow with oil lamps and fairy lights, colourful decorations appear everywhere, and fireworks light up the night sky. It’s a time for family, feasting and celebration.

Travelling during Diwali or Tihar is a real once-in-a-lifetime experience and can totally change the pace and atmosphere of your trip.  

You can expect to see… 

A vibrant, festive atmosphere in towns and cities  
Colourful markets filled with decorations, sweets and gifts  
Traditional rituals, music and celebrations  

For many travellers, experiencing the Festival of Light adds an unforgettable cultural layer to their journey.  

While the festival is a wonderful time to visit, it’s also helpful to know what to expect:  

Busier streets and transport: Trains, roads and public spaces can be more crowded than usual as people travel to celebrate with family.  
Traffic delays: Local travel may take longer, especially in cities.  
Noise from fireworks: Fireworks are widely used, particularly in the evenings.  
Health considerations: Smoke from fireworks can affect air quality. Travellers with asthma or respiratory conditions should take extra care and bring any necessary medication.  
Your tour leader will help manage plans on the ground, but flexibility and patience go a long way during festival periods.  

Opening hours can vary during the Festival of Light. Some shops, restaurants or attractions might close for short periods, while others stay open but are busier than usual. This can change from place to place and day to day.  

Your tour leader will be well informed and alter the itinerary as and when is needed, guaranteeing you a comfortable experience.  

Festival dates are based on the lunar calendar, so they can vary slightly each year.  

For 2026: 
Dussehra takes place on 20 October 2026  
Diwali (India) falls on 8 November 2026 (this may vary by a day or two)  
Tihar (Nepal) runs from 8 to 11 November 2026 

If your departure falls around these dates, your trip might coincide with the Festival of Light.  

If you enjoy lively celebrations, cultural experiences and seeing a destination at its most colourful, travelling during Diwali or Tihar deserves a spot on your bucket list.  

If you prefer quieter travel with fewer crowds and less noise, you might prefer to skip the festival and travel on other departure dates.  

If you’re unsure, our team will be happy to help you choose the right trip and timing for you.