Lanes across the city buzz with an eclectic energy, and every balcony jutting out of buildings is adorned with string lights flashing yellow. Kids run around with sparklers and chakris in the vibrant lanes of Karol Bagh while elders busy themselves with a few drinks served best with a game of cards. Spending your Diwali in Delhi equals mouthwatering delicacies, a fresh range of new and traditional activities, and a chance to catch the city ornamented. We therefore bring you a carefully curated list of the best things to do this Diwali in Delhi!
Table Of Contents
Best activities this Diwali
1. Book tickets to Delhi’s Ekatva Festival
Find sustainable Diwali gifts from homegrown brands and flavourful dishes to snack on at India’s largest green festival! The Ekatva festival in Delhi brings a packed schedule filled with panel discussions, cooking workshops, live music performances and a string of lanes aka the bazaar topped with local eco-friendly brands.
📍Sunder Nursery, Delhi
📅October 27 from 10 am onwards
🎟️You can book your tickets here
2. Dance through the night at Imperfecto’s Pre-Diwali Bash
Dress up in your blingiest anarkalis and kurtas as Imperfecto, adorned with festive decor, is all set to throw a Diwali party to remember. Dance to the beats of dhol and the DJ playing Bollywood beats as you later indulge in gluttonous meals from their festive menu.
📍Imperfecto, 1A 1, 19, Hauz Khas Tank, Deer Park, New Delhi
📅October 26 from 8 pm onwards
🎟️You can book your tickets here
3. Book tickets to an enhancing candlelight concert
Seat yourself among the hues of a thousand candles while listening to spectacular renditions of your favourite music artists. From the tunes of R.D. Burman to the soundtracks of your favourite Bollywood movie, prepare to be enchanted!
You can book your tickets to upcoming candlelight concerts here
(Use coupon code DIWALI20 for 20% discounts on all candlelight concerts till November 4!)
4. Explore beautiful places near Delhi this Diwali weekend
Delhi does unpack a lot to explore and participate in this festival season. From crowded shopping districts to visit and parties to attend, we understand needing a smidge of break especially when the festival brings forth the gift of a long weekend! We therefore bring you places to visit near the city to spend Diwali your way:
🛣️Trithan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Explore the Great Himalayan National Park as the dense forest envelops you bringing the gift of utter tranquility. You can book a homestay here and enjoy a quiet night playing cards with your friends and family, all rejuvenated to explore the mountains the next morning.
🛣️Jaipur: With the whole city lighting up for Diwali, Jaipur is an ideal destination for a short trip to soak up the goodness of the festival. Visit the Nahagarh fort to witness the city lights imitating a sparkle of fireflies in a dark forest or plan a staycation at their royal palaces offering lavish meals, firework displays and live performances.
You can read the full list of beautiful towns near Delhi to visit this Diwali here
5. Enjoy a langar at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Though offered in Gurdwaras every single day of the year, the langar at Bangla Sahib during Diwali offers something special. With the Sikh community celebrating Bandi Chor Diwas, the Gurdwara lights up its premises with enchanting canticles playing on a loop. They feed hundreds of people to an authentic homecooked meal throughout the day as people come pouring in to join in on the festivities.
Delhi markets for Diwali shopping
6. Buy sweets at these best Delhi sweet shops
With shops operating overtime this season, you can find boxes of the best sweet treats to gift your loved ones or stock up for personal indulgence!
🍮Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectionaries: Supported by popular votes, this joint stands to serve one of the most delicious cham-chams, gulab jamuns and kalakands among more. Made in pure desi ghee, a box of mithai from here is the best gift for your loved ones with an extra sweet tooth!
🍮Om Sweets and Snacks: The dhoda barfis here are legendary for a reason! This melt-in-the-mouth sweet that leaves a delicious longing for more is the best gift this Diwali season. You can also opt for ras malai, jalebis and kaju katlis here.
🍮Annapurna Sweet Shop: One of the best Bengali sweet shops in Delhi, try their scrumptious sandesh, rasgullas and halwas among more.
7. Head to the Blind School Diwali Mela
A sought-after carnival organised by the Blind Relief Association, this Diwali Mela has been a city tradition for 43 years now. From pretty novelties like envelopes, gift bags, scented candles and clay diyas- they are all beautifully crafted and painted by visually impaired children.
📍Blind School grounds on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg
📅October 22 to October 28 from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
8. Browse through the Festival of Lights mela by Dastkar Delhi
Imagine stepping into a kaleidoscope because this is exactly what the lanes of Dastkar offers! A colourful Diwali mela brimming with handicrafts, you can find striking pieces of jewellery, hand-woven benches, and embroidered fabrics to textiles and precious antiquities in shades gold, silver and ivory. Hands down one of the best markets to snag beautiful and meaningful gifts this Diwali season, a walk past its 200-plus stalls will have you adding to your cart everything from scented candles and mosaic lamps to gorgeous paintings.
📍Nature Bazaar Venue, Kisan Haat, Andheria Modh, Anuvrat Marg, New Delhi
📅October 15 – October 27 from 11 am to 7 pm
🎟️Entry fees are capped at INR 40
9. Explore the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk
Open well past midnight, Chandni Chowk is a goldmine for all things Diwali. Whether you are looking for mouthwatering sweets, high-quality dry fruits, Diwali lights or rounds of ethnic clothing, these lanes have a shop for everything. Further, the market remains adorned with diyas, string lights, lamps and such that make the colourful and crowded lanes a sight to behold.
10. Shop from Meri Dilli Utsav Mela
Spanned across three days, this market hosts over 200 stalls, live performances and fun rides for families with kids. Take your pick from several food stalls serving regional delicacies and others selling homemade goods perfect for Diwali hampers.
📍Dilli Haat, Pitampura
📅October 25 to October 27
🎟️Entry fees are capped at INR 20
11. Prep for Diwali at these best shopping districts in Delhi
Check past your long list for Diwali at these 10 best shopping markets in Delhi for great deals on decor, sweets, clothes and more!
Best restaurants for Diwali
12. 6 Ballygunge Place
If you are looking to try authentic Bengali cuisine, this eatery is the one to stop at. From the timeless Mishti Doi and Nolengurer Icecream to Bhuna Chingri and Begun Bhaja, this restaurant will have you swabbing your plates clean.
📍Unit Nos. G7R3 and G8R, Ground Floor, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110017
13. Bukhara
This gorgeous restaurant nestled in ITC Maurya serves aromatic tandoori delicacies that call for several helpings. From Peshawari kebabs, tandoori jhinga to dal bukhara and tandoori pomfret, Bukhara provides a wholesome meal for the family.
📍ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Akhaura Block, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
14. Begam
Feast on Mediterranean platters from truffle risottos to mezze platters and croquettes. Serving refreshing and delicious drinks, you can call for spicy margaritas or choose from its arrays of mocktails.
📍Third Floor, D 5, Block D, Defence Colony, Defence Colony, New Delhi
15. Indian Accent
Starring in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List, Indian Accent has secured a number of awards under its belt. This Diwali you can opt for their four course menu or go a la carte with delicious dishes like ghee roast soya boti and besan ladoo tart.
📍The Lodhi, Lodhi Rd, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003