Last updated: 3 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
Diwali in Jaipur falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with celebrations running from Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, 10 November.
The old city bazaars are lit up for days, the streets are busy until late, and the whole Pink City glows at night.
It is one of the most beautiful times to be here, and also one of the busiest.
As a Jaipur guide, I see how the city changes in Diwali week, so this guide covers the dates, the best places to see the lights and the practical things nobody tells you.
Diwali 2026 Dates in Jaipur
- Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November 2026. A popular day to buy gold, silver and new utensils, so jewellery markets are packed.
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Sunday, 8 November 2026. The main night, with prayers at home, lamps and fireworks.
- Bhai Dooj: Tuesday, 10 November 2026. A family day for brothers and sisters, and the end of the festival.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar, so they move every year. These are the dates listed in Hindu festival calendars for 2026.
Where to See the Diwali Lights in Jaipur
The real show is in the walled old city. In past years, traders have lit up the main bazaars for about a week around Diwali, and some streets turn it into a friendly competition.
- Johari Bazaar: the jewellery market, usually one of the brightest streets.
- Chandpole and Tripolia Bazaar: long, lit-up market roads in the old city.
- MI Road: the main road outside the walled city, decorated over a long stretch.
- Chaura Rasta and the smaller lanes: quieter, and good for photos.
Exact streets and timings change from year to year, so ask your hotel or guide what is lit when you arrive. For more on the markets themselves, read our guide to Jaipur's bazaars.
A Day-by-Day Plan for Diwali Week
Most guides talk only about the main night. Here is how I suggest using the whole week.
Before Dhanteras (3 to 5 November): the lights are going up and the crowds are smaller. A good time for sightseeing and an easy first look at the decorations.
Dhanteras (6 November): watch the jewellery and utensil markets buzz. Go in the early evening, and expect heavy traffic in the old city.
Choti Diwali (7 November): the decorations are complete. This is a good evening to walk the bazaars before the busiest night.
Diwali (8 November): families pray at home in the evening, and fireworks follow. Some shops close early for the prayers. Enjoy the lights from a rooftop or a lit street, and keep the evening relaxed.
After Diwali (9 and 10 November): the lights usually stay up for a few more days, and the city feels calmer. A good time for monuments and day trips.
What Each Part of the Day Feels Like
Morning: calm and pleasant. November mornings in Jaipur are cool, and forts and palaces are quieter before the shopping crowds arrive.
Afternoon: markets get busy with festival shopping. Good for buying sweets and gifts, but slow for driving.
Evening and night: the best time to see the lights, and the busiest. Walk where you can; cars move slowly in the old city. Our Jaipur night tour page shows how we cover the lit-up city after dark.
Practical Tips for Visiting Jaipur During Diwali
- Book early: hotels and drivers fill up fast for Diwali week.
- Expect crowds and traffic: especially in the old city in the evenings.
- Check monument timings: opening hours can change on festival days, so confirm before you go.
- Fireworks are loud: they continue late on Diwali night. Light sleepers may want earplugs.
- Air quality: it can get hazy after fireworks. If you have breathing problems, check the air quality before going out at night.
- Carry some cash: small market stalls are busy and quick, and change is handy.
Diwali falls in early November, when Jaipur days are pleasant and nights turn cool. Our guide to Jaipur weather in October and November explains what to pack.
Diwali Etiquette for Visitors
Jaipur is very welcoming at Diwali, and you may be invited to join a family celebration. A few simple habits go a long way.
- Wish people "Happy Diwali"; it is always welcome.
- If invited to a home, a box of sweets is a kind gift.
- Remove your shoes when entering homes and temples.
- Ask before photographing people during prayers.
- Keep a safe distance from fireworks in the street.
Visiting the Elephants During Diwali Week
If you want a quiet break from the festival crowds, spend a morning at our sanctuary. It is 10 to 15 km from Jaipur city centre, about 20 to 25 minutes away, and open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Diwali falls in November, so elephant bathing is not available, as it runs from March to October. Feeding, painting, walking and safari are all part of the experience, and the visit usually lasts 2 to 4 hours.
The full sanctuary experience costs between ₹2,500 and ₹5,500 per person. Check our guide on what to wear to an elephant sanctuary, then see the full experience on our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page.
Staying On After Diwali
If you have a few extra days, the Pushkar Camel Fair runs from 17 to 24 November 2026, according to Rajasthan Tourism's fairs and festivals calendar. Pushkar is a popular trip from Jaipur, and the two events fit well into one November visit.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Walk the lit-up bazaars, eat a few too many sweets, and if you need a quiet morning, our elephants will be waiting. Happy Diwali!
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur