Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will be observed on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The date is listed as a gazetted public holiday in India, but not in Pakistan, where the festival will be celebrated on 9 November. Hindu employees in Pakistan may apply in advance for an optional holiday.
The Indian government’s holiday calendar lists Diwali, also known as Deepavali, as a gazetted holiday.
Government offices and many educational institutions and businesses are expected to remain closed, although arrangements may vary between states and organisations.
As the festival falls on a Sunday, many institutions will already be observing their weekly holiday.
The festival is celebrated by millions of Hindus in India and around the world, with homes decorated with lights, candles and colourful decorations.
Will there be a holiday in Pakistan on November 8?
In Pakistan, Diwali is recognised as an optional holiday rather than a nationwide public holiday.
The Cabinet Division’s holiday schedule for 2026 lists Diwali as an optional holiday on Monday, 9 November.
The date also coincides with Allama Iqbal Day, which is a nationwide public holiday in Pakistan.
Under the optional-holiday rules, non-Muslim government employees may request leave to observe religious festivals, subject to prior approval from the head of their organisation.
The rules allow non-Muslim employees up to three optional holidays in a calendar year.
Members of Pakistan’s Hindu community working in government departments, banks, private companies, multinational organisations and other institutions can therefore apply for leave in advance.
Approval depends on the organisation’s rules and arrangements to ensure that official work continues.
The optional-holiday arrangement does not mean that all offices and businesses close specifically for Diwali.
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is widely known as the festival of lights and symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
One popular story behind the festival comes from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
It tells how Lord Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana.
According to the story, people lit rows of oil lamps to welcome him home.
Today, people celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps, decorating their homes, sharing food and sweets, visiting family and friends, and offering prayers.
