Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, the day of Lakshmi Puja. In The Netherlands, the public Diwali festivals are held on weekends and evenings around that date, from 25 October to 13 November 2026.
If you are new to The Netherlands, or celebrating here for the first time, this guide explains when Diwali is, why the date changes every year, and how the Indian community here marks it. For the list of this year's events, see all Diwali events in The Netherlands and our Diwali festival visitor guide.
What Diwali Is
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, and it is also observed by many Jains and Sikhs. The main day is Lakshmi Puja, and the festival season around it brings community gatherings, festive food and shopping in cities with larger Indian communities.
Why the Date Changes Every Year
Diwali follows the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, so its date moves from year to year. In 2026 the main day, Lakshmi Puja, falls on 8 November. The exact timing can also depend on location, which is why calendars such as Drik Panchang publish dates for a specific city, including Amsterdam.
Why the Public Festivals Are Not on Diwali Itself
The public Diwali festivals in The Netherlands rarely fall on the actual Lakshmi Puja day. Organisers pick a weekend close to the festival period so that families, restaurants and performers can all take part. That is why, in 2026, the Amstelveen festival is on 31 October while Diwali itself is on 8 November.
How the Community Celebrates in The Netherlands
The largest public celebration is the Diwali Festival in Amstelveen, a free, open-to-everyone event that combines food, shopping and performances. Its 2025 edition at Stadsplein brought together 11 restaurants, live music and dance, mehndi artists and festive stalls, and closed with fireworks. The festival is supported by Gemeente Amstelveen and a number of sponsors. Almere, Rotterdam and Zaandam also host public Diwali events; our visitor guide compares them.
Much of Diwali is also celebrated more privately, in temples, community centres and homes in cities with larger Indian communities, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven. These gatherings are usually organised close to the date and shared within community networks rather than advertised widely, so local Indian associations and cultural groups in your city are the best place to hear about them.
Diwali for Families and Businesses
For families new to The Netherlands, Diwali is often the first real introduction to how the local Indian community organises itself. For business owners, it is one of the few times of the year when demand for Indian sweets, decorations, festive wear and catering rises across the whole community at once.
Whether you are looking for where to shop for the occasion, or want your own business to be found before the festive season, the DesiBiz directory connects the Indian and South Asian community across The Netherlands around exactly these moments.
References
More in this series: Festivals and community
- Diwali Festivals in The Netherlands: A Visitor's GuideWhich Diwali festival in The Netherlands suits you? Compare free outdoor festivals and ticketed indoor evenings, with dates and practical tips.
- Garba and Dandiya in The Netherlands: A Beginner's GuideNew to Garba and Dandiya? Learn what the dances mean, who organises Garba nights in The Netherlands and how to join in as a beginner.
- Indian Temples and Holy Places in the Netherlands: A Community GuideHindu mandirs, Sikh gurudwaras, ISKCON temples and Kerala Christian parishes serving Indian communities across the Netherlands, with addresses and visitor tips.
- Why Community Matters More Than You Expect When You Move AbroadA widely cited survey found 52% of expats in the Netherlands struggle to make local friends. Here is why community becomes the real infrastructure of settling in.
- Indian Migration to the Netherlands: 8-Year Trends, Population & Where They LiveHow many Indians live in the Netherlands today, how fast the community has grown since 2016, and where most are settling, based on official CBS data.
- Best Cities for Indian Expats in the NetherlandsAmsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and The Hague each suit a different kind of expat life. Here is what actually sets them apart.
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