Diwali 2026 in Canada: date, meaning and what is open

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, with the five-day celebration running from about Nov. 6 to Nov. 10. It is not a statutory holiday in any Canadian province or territory, so banks, schools, government offices and most stores stay open as usual.

Because Nov. 8 is a Sunday this year, most families will mark the main evening of Lakshmi Puja at home or at a temple without taking time off work. Exact day-by-day dates can differ by a day between temples, depending on the lunar calendar they follow, so check with your local temple or community association.

Diwali, also called Deepavali, marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Many Hindus link it to the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after exile, and the evening is devoted to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Families light clay lamps called diyas, decorate doorways with rangoli, share sweets and exchange gifts.

The festival is also observed by Sikhs, who mark Bandi Chhor Divas, and by Jains, for whom it commemorates the spiritual awakening of Mahavira. Observances and traditions vary by community and region of origin.

In Canada, the celebration stretches well beyond the home. Cities with large South Asian communities, including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Surrey, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, typically host temple events, community festivals, markets and fireworks displays in the days around Diwali. Event dates and times are set locally and are often announced only a week or two ahead.

Anyone planning to use fireworks should check municipal bylaws first. Many Canadian cities restrict or require permits for consumer fireworks, and rules differ by municipality.

For workers, Diwali is not a guaranteed day off. Some employers offer a floating holiday or religious accommodation, and employees can ask under their provincial human rights rules. Students may also request accommodation for religious observance, depending on the school board.

Stores that sell sweets, clothing, jewellery and decorations usually extend hours in the days before Diwali, but hours vary by business, so confirm with the specific shop.

Diwali comes days before Remembrance Day. See our guides on who gets Nov. 11 off by province and statutory holidays by province, and the Halloween 2026 trick-or-treat guide.

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Dates based on published Hindu festival calendars; confirm with local temples.