Diwali is just around the corner, bringing a kaleidoscope of colours, delicious food, and the magic of fireworks and lights.
In 2026, the five days of festivities begin on 6th November. If you’re down under and can’t make it home for the holiday, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Diwali in Australia. You might partake in popular Diwali pastimes, attend a local event, or even send money or gifts to family or friends back home in India.
Read on to learn some of the best ways to celebrate Diwali in Australia and enjoy the festivities with family worldwide.
Key Dates for Diwali 2026
| Festival Day | Occasion | Date (2026) |
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Friday, 6th November |
| Day 2 | Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Saturday, 7th November |
| Day 3 | Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8th November |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Padwa | Monday, 9th November |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Tuesday, 10th November |
4 major cities with Diwali celebrations in Australia
More than 700,000 people in Australia have Indian ancestry, and immigration rates continue to rise. More people than ever are moving from India to Australia, and Victoria is the largest haven of Indian culture in the nation. Because of this growing diaspora, finding vibrant ways to celebrate Diwali in Australia from community gatherings to major Melbourne Diwali events is easier than ever.
Here are some of the best celebrations for Diwali in Sydney and across Australia.
Melbourne
- Join the fun at the city’s main event, the Victorian Festival of Diwali. Federation Square will come alive with Melbourne Diwali festivities on Saturday, 7th November.
- Celebrate Diwali in Australia on the water in Docklands with a Diwali Cruise Party on Saturday, 31st October.
- The Diwali Family Ball in Epping promises an evening packed with Diwali magic on Saturday, 7th November.
Sydney
- Sydney residents can join the country’s biggest Diwali celebration, the Deepavali festival at Blacktown Showgrounds on Saturday, 24th October.
- Join the Council of Indian Australians for their Diwali Festival on Saturday, 31st October at the Castle Hill Showground.
- On Saturday 7th November, join HCA for their last Deepavali event of the season at Ed Square Town Centre.
- Indian Aussie residents can also celebrate Diwali at the Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Queensland
- Join in the celebrations of Diwali in Australia at Rocklea Showground for Brisbane’s Diwali Festival on Friday, 6th November.
- Aussie World is hosting its third Festival of Lights on Saturday, 31st October, organised by the Sunshine Coast Indian Association.
Adelaide
- Don’t miss one of the biggest celebrations of Diwali in Australia, the Deepavali Festival in Adelaide on Saturday, 7th November. Adelaide Showground plays host to dancing competitions, stage performances, and a mighty fireworks display. Visit the Western Union stall to grab some goodies!
Don’t forget to connect with your local community. You might find more exciting Diwali festivities planned at your local temples and in your neighbourhood. You can even organise your own celebration!
Celebrate Diwali with family and friends outside Australia
Distance doesn’t have to keep you apart from loved ones during the festivities. Whether you are sending thoughtful diwali gifts overseas or organizing a virtual get-together, here are fun ways to share the festive spirit with family and friends outside Australia:
1. Get cooking
Cooking competitions can be fun Diwali activities for adults and children. Set up a video group chat and cook your favourite Diwali dishes together, like laddu, jalebi, and gulab jamun.
Need both hands? Place your phone on a tripod or someplace secure that shows you and your cooking station. Turn up the heat (pun intended) of competition by giving out prizes for the fastest cook, the best presentation, and the best cooking hacks.
Want to know how to cook these delicious Indian dishes? Why not sign up for an online cooking class with loved ones?
2. Light diyas together
Video call your friends and family as you light your diyas this year. You can also stay connected virtually as you get creative by making your own diya decorations—perfect for getting little ones involved in the Diwali celebrations.
3. A rangoli and cleaning contest
If you’re cleaning your home to welcome Lakshmi—the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity—to enter this Diwali, why not make it a family competition? If your family has children who need an extra nudge to tidy up, this is the perfect way to encourage them. You can share your spotless home with family worldwide via video chat or take before and after photos to showcase your cleaning skills. May the cleanest home win!
You can also compete to create the best rangoli to welcome Lakshmi into your home. Get creative with colours, rice flour, or flower petals to decorate your doorstep for the celebrations.
Diwali decoration ideas for an Australian home
Whether you are hosting guests in Melbourne or celebrating in Sydney, here is a breakdown of simple, elegant diwali decoration ideas for an Australian home that blends tradition with everyday Aussie living:
| Area | Decor Idea | Why It Works for Aussie Homes |
| Backyard & Patio | Brass Urli bowls filled with floating native flowers and tea lights. | Blends outdoor entertainment spaces with traditional festive water decor. |
| Living Room | Eucalyptus & marigold wall garlands hung across open-plan living spaces. | Blends traditional toran styling with fresh, local Aussie greenery. |
| Balcony / Porch | Hanging paper kandhils (lanterns) combined with bamboo or rattan elements. | Complements coastal and contemporary Australian home architecture. |
Transfer money from Australia to loved ones this Diwali
Diwali is a wonderful time for friends and family to come together. There’s nothing like celebrating with those you love most, but celebrating Diwali in Australia can make you miss faraway family members more than usual. Here are some ideas to help you stay connected to your loved ones, no matter how far apart you are:
- You might exchange traditional Diwali gifts with loved ones during the celebratory season, like Ganesh and Lakshmi coins, jewellery, dried fruits, and idols.
- Sending money to India (or anywhere else) is a fast and thoughtful way to help make your loved ones’ celebrations extra special. If you know someone who particularly honours Lakshmi at this time of year, a financial gift may be appropriate.
Western Union makes transferring money internationally simple, and convenient. Choose the best money transfer option for you, whether online, using our app, or in-person at an agent location. If your loved ones would prefer to collect their Diwali gift in cash, you can send money to one of our more than 500,000 agent locations worldwide for easy pickup.
We’ve been trusted for over 170 years to deliver funds to loved ones worldwide so you can transfer this Diwali with peace of mind.
Happy Diwali! Transfer money from Australia this Diwali easily and securely with Western Union.
Commonly Asked Questions About Celebrating Diwali in Australia
Celebrating Diwali in Australia can be different in every home. Festivities may vary and might include decorating, cleaning, feasting, cultural performances, and gift-giving.
The dates of Diwali change every year due to the lunar calendar. In 2026, the celebration will be from 6th November to 10th November.
Various cities and organisations throughout Australia are organising their own events to celebrate Diwali. Some of the more popular ones include:
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- Diwali Mela Festival
- Victorian Festival of Diwali
- Diwali celebration at the Rouse Hill Town Centre
- Brisbane’s Diwali Festival
- Festival of Lights
- Adelaide’s Deepavali Festival
Diwali in Australia involves many of the same traditions as celebrations in India. Families engage in cultural activities like cooking traditional Indian cuisine, Bollywood dancing, henna painting, gift-giving, cleaning, and more. Many cities throughout Australia host large Diwali gatherings that showcase Indian tradition, firework displays, and family togetherness.
Australia does not recognise Diwali as a public holiday throughout the country. Currently, areas within Australia with large Indian populations celebrate the holiday, but it’s not widespread. Most areas within Australia still have normal business hours. Still, some businesses in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide may honour the holiday by allowing employees who celebrate to leave work early or provide a venue for an in-office celebration.
Make your first Diwali in Australia special by blending cherished traditions with local community events. Decorate your home with diyas and rangoli, prepare traditional food, perform Lakshmi Puja, and connect with family through video calls.
Invite Australian friends to experience Diwali through simple traditions such as decorating diyas, sharing Indian sweets, enjoying a festive meal, or learning about Lakshmi Puja. Explaining the meaning behind these customs can make the celebration more engaging while helping your friends appreciate the cultural significance of Diwali.
Australian workplaces can celebrate Diwali by hosting inclusive cultural activities that bring colleagues together. Organize an office potluck featuring Indian dishes and sweets, set up a collaborative rangoli station in a common area, and encourage staff to wear traditional or festive attire. A short, interactive trivia session can also introduce colleagues to the history, significance, and traditions of Diwali.
When planning Diwali in Australia, focus on the traditions that are most meaningful to your family while considering your local setting. Plan your puja, food, decorations, and family gatherings in advance, and check local requirements for activities involving candles, outdoor events, or community spaces.
