Happy Diwali from ShaadiNews: Lights, Love and the Start of Wedding Season

From all of us at ShaadiNews, Happy Diwali! This weekend, homes around the world glow with diyas, rangoli brightens doorsteps and the smell of fresh mithai fills the kitchen. Whether you're celebrating with family in New Jersey, London, Toronto, Dubai or Delhi, we're sending you light, love and joy.

The five days of Diwali 2026

Diwali is a five-day celebration, and this year it falls in the first half of November.

Dhanteras, Friday, November 6: a day for new beginnings, traditionally marked by buying gold, silver or something new for the home.

Choti Diwali, Saturday, November 7: homes are cleaned and decorated and the first diyas are lit.

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Sunday, November 8: the main day, with prayers for prosperity, family gatherings, sweets and fireworks.

Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, November 9 to 11: the final days honour gratitude and the bond between brothers and sisters. Exact dates vary slightly by region.

For the Sikh community, the same day is Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating freedom and light. For Jains, Diwali marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. Across faiths and cultures, the message is the same: light wins over darkness.

Why Diwali kicks off wedding season

For many families, Diwali is also the unofficial start of shaadi season. In the weeks that follow, calendars fill with roka ceremonies, engagements, sangeets, mehndi nights and baraats. If you're planning a wedding this winter or next year, Diwali is the perfect moment to start dreaming big.

Festive ideas for couples

Diwali-inspired decor: marigold garlands, brass diyas, lanterns and rangoli entrances bring warmth to engagement parties and sangeets.

A festive colour palette: deep reds, golds, marigold orange and royal purple look stunning in photos.

Mithai boxes as favours: custom sweet boxes are a delicious way to thank guests.

A Diwali photoshoot: a pre-wedding shoot surrounded by candles and fairy lights makes for unforgettable portraits.

When you're ready to plan, ShaadiPros.com connects couples with trusted wedding vendors across the U.S., from photographers and decorators to caterers, mehndi artists and DJs.

Celebrate safely

Keep candles and diyas away from curtains and dupattas, keep water nearby when using sparklers, and look after pets and elderly relatives during fireworks.

From our family to yours

Thank you for reading, sharing and celebrating with ShaadiNews. May this Diwali bring your family health, happiness and prosperity, and may the year ahead be filled with beautiful celebrations.

Shubh Deepavali!