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Diwali celebrations: how to plan a Diwali party

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyful and visually stunning celebrations of the year. Here is how to plan a gathering that does it justice.

Decorations

Diyas (small oil lamps) are the defining decoration of Diwali — line windowsills, paths and shelves with them. Add string lights and fairy lights for the glow effect. Marigold garlands and rangoli (intricate floor art made with coloured powders) are traditional and beautiful. Our free Diwali decor signs complete the welcome.

Food

Traditional Diwali food includes mithai (sweets) such as barfi, ladoo and gulab jamun, plus savoury snacks like samosas, chakli and chivda. A Diwali dinner often includes biryani, dal, paneer dishes and naan. The sweet spread is as important as the savoury — Diwali is firmly a celebration of abundance.

Gifts

Boxes of mithai, dried fruit and nut mixes, candles and diyas, and decorated sweet boxes are the most common Diwali gifts. Our free Diwali gift tags make any gift feel personal.

Our picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pick Diya candle set traditionalDiwali lighting Check price →
Mithai Indian sweets gift boxDiwali gifts Check price →
Rangoli Rangoli colour powder setRangoli art Check price →
Lights Diwali fairy lights stringDiwali atmosphere Check price →

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Frequently asked questions

When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Thursday 29th October. The festival spans five days, with Diwali itself on the third day (Lakshmi Puja).
Which religions celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, each with their own traditions and significance. It is the most widely celebrated South Asian festival globally.