Diwali, the festival of lights, falls in early November this year. The main night is Sunday 8 November 2026, and the whole festival runs five days, from Friday 6 to Wednesday 11 November. Here are the dates, what each day means, Seattle's Diwali events, and an easy way to feed a full house.
We're an Indian-owned pizza place in Ballard, so this week means a lot to us.
The start of Diwali. Homes are cleaned and lit, and it's a lucky day to buy something new, traditionally gold, silver or kitchen pots.
"Little Diwali". It remembers Krishna's win over the demon Narakasura. The first lamps and rangoli go out.
The main night. Families pray to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and good fortune, light diyas (clay lamps) in every window, share sweets and set off fireworks.
Some calendars put it on Tuesday 10 November. It remembers Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to shelter villagers from a storm. Many temples make an annakut, a "mountain of food" offering. In Gujarat it's also the new year.
Some calendars put it on Tuesday 10 November. A day for brothers and sisters: sisters pray for their brothers' long life, and brothers bring gifts.
Dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar, so they move every year and can differ by a day between regions. Check with your family or temple. Jains mark Diwali as the day Mahavira attained nirvana, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time.
Diwali at Newcastle Library, Tuesday 3 November, 5 to 7pm. Free, from the Newcastle Arts Council.
Diwali: Lights of India, Saturday 7 November, 12 to 6pm, Armory at Seattle Center. Free. Part of Seattle Center Festál, with Northwest Share: classical music, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi dance, Kerala percussion, a kolam floor-art workshop and free vegetarian food.
Seattle Deepavali Kondattam, Saturday 7 November, Kirkland Performance Center. Ticketed.
Diwali Morning Concert, Sunday 15 November, 9:30am, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue. Ticketed.
Diwali and Theatrical Ramleela, Saturday 21 November, Kentridge High School, Kent. Ticketed, from Bhartiyam.
Most temples in the area hold Lakshmi Puja on Sunday evening and annakut on Govardhan Puja day. Check your temple's own page for times.
Diwali is a night for a full house, and the kitchen can't do everything. Order pizzas a day ahead, pick them up hot on the way home, and take 15% off to-go orders over $150.
Our two Indian pizzas:
Grand Masala: curry tikka masala, marinated paneer, garlic, red onion, cherry peppers and cilantro. The Infatuation singled it out, and it's vegetarian.
Desi Chicken Tandoori: curry tikka masala, mozzarella, tandoori chicken, red onion, garlic, Thai chili and cilantro. Ask for cherry peppers if you like it hotter.
Add a Margherita for the kids and a vegan Maui Wowie, and it covers most families. A rough guide is one pizza for every two people. More on both pizzas on our Indian pizza page, or see all our pizzas.
Coming in instead? We're at 2446 NW Market St in Ballard, next to the Nordic Museum. Walk in, no booking, all ages, and the dog is welcome inside. Pick a natural wine or a craft beer from the fridges to go with the pizza.
When is Diwali 2026? The main night, Lakshmi Puja, is Sunday 8 November 2026. The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Wednesday 11 November.
Where can I celebrate Diwali in Seattle? The biggest free event is Diwali: Lights of India at Seattle Center's Armory on Saturday 7 November, 12 to 6pm. There are also ticketed shows in Kirkland, Bellevue and Kent, and most area temples hold Lakshmi Puja on Sunday evening.
Is there Indian pizza in Seattle? Yes. Ballard Beer Box in Ballard makes the Grand Masala (curry tikka masala and paneer, vegetarian) and the Desi Chicken Tandoori, with 15% off to-go orders over $150 for Diwali parties.
Happy Diwali from our family to yours.
