Diwali 2026 in Cyprus: Dates, Puja Time and How to Celebrate

Last updated: 2 November 2026. We update this guide every year.

Back home, Diwali arrives weeks early: the markets glitter, the sweet shops never close and every balcony is lit. In Cyprus, November is just another working month, so Diwali happens only if we make it happen. Here's how to plan the festival of lights on the island this year.

Diwali 2026: the five days

• Dhanteras: Friday 6 November. A lucky day to buy something new, traditionally gold, silver or a new utensil.
• Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi): Saturday 7 November.
• Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Sunday 8 November, the main day.
• Govardhan Puja: Tuesday 10 November, also celebrated as the Gujarati New Year by many families.
• Bhai Dooj: Wednesday 11 November, when sisters pray for their brothers' long life.

The good news: the main day falls on a Sunday, so most of us can celebrate without taking leave.

Lakshmi Puja time in Cyprus

Puja timings depend on where you are, so times published for Delhi or Mumbai don't apply here. For Larnaca, Drik Panchang gives the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on Sunday 8 November as about 5:06 PM to 6:58 PM Cyprus time. Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos will be within a few minutes of this, but check a panchang set to your town, or ask your family priest, if exact timing matters to you.

Where to celebrate

This year, the Help2Live Charity Foundation and Indian diaspora organisations in Cyprus are holding Limassol Diwali 2026 at the Parklane Resort on Saturday 14 November, from 6 PM (entry by invitation only). Other community events are often announced only a few weeks ahead, so keep an eye on our What's On page, and on announcements from Shiv Mandir in Athienou and community groups. Organising a celebration? Send us the details and we'll list it.

Getting ready

• Diyas, rangoli colours and puja items: Indian grocers such as Vama and Little Asia in Nicosia and Limassol are good places to ask. Popular items sell out before festivals, so shop a week or two early.
• Sweets: Indian sweet shops are hard to find on the island, so many families make their own or order from home cooks through community groups. Order early.
• Lights: strings of fairy lights from local shops work just as well as at home, and are safer than lots of open flames.
• Rangoli: chalk or flower-petal rangoli at your doorstep is a lovely way to share the festival with neighbours.

Safety: the fireworks rule

This is where Cyprus is very different from India. Using fireworks without a licence is illegal in Cyprus, and penalties were tightened recently, with fines that can reach tens of thousands of euros. Firecrackers in the street or on a balcony could land you in serious trouble, and dry autumn weather adds a real fire risk. Celebrate with diyas, candles in safe holders and electric lights instead, and never leave open flames unattended, especially in flats and near curtains.

For your Cypriot friends

Share this with neighbours and colleagues: Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India's biggest celebrations. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families clean and decorate their homes, light oil lamps, pray to the Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, wear new clothes and share sweets with friends and neighbours. If an Indian colleague brings you a box of sweets this November, that's Diwali, and a warm "Happy Diwali!" is the perfect reply.

What this means for you

• Mark the dates: 6 to 11 November, with the main day on Sunday 8 November.
• Shop early: diyas, puja items and sweets run short in the last week.
• Keep it safe and legal: no unlicensed fireworks; use lamps and lights.
• Share the light: invite a Cypriot neighbour or colleague to your puja or for sweets. It's the best way to share our culture.

Read also: Diwali Lights Up Limassol's Parklane Resort and Navratri 2026 in Cyprus: Dates, Colours and Where to Celebrate

Sources: Drik Panchang – Lakshmi Puja, Larnaca, Hindu Festival Hub – Diwali 2026 dates, Samvat – Govardhan Puja 2026, Wikipedia, Cyprus Mail – fireworks fines, Cyprus Mail – fireworks law

Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in our guides is accurate and up to date, but rules, fees and procedures can change without notice. Please verify the details with the relevant official authority before acting on them. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial or immigration advice.