Non-vegIndian
Living in Germany
Diwali 2026 in Germany: Date and a Festive Rice Menu
The main day of Diwali 2026 — Lakshmi Puja — is Sunday, 8 November. Here is a festive rice menu you can cook in a German kitchen, and where to shop for it.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
When is Diwali 2026?
Sunday, 8 November 2026 is Lakshmi Puja, the main day of Diwali. The festival runs for about five days around it. Calendars can differ by a day between regions, so check with your family, temple or community group for local puja timings.
Diwali is not a public holiday in Germany — but it is searched for: "diwali" averages about 18,100 Google searches a month in Germany and reached around 135,000 in October 2025.
A festive rice menu for about 10 guests
Two biryanis (one with chicken, one vegetarian) and two classic sides. Our festive biryani menu has a make-ahead timeline that spreads the work over two days.
Every recipe has a servings scaler and a Metric button for grams and milliliters. For more ideas, browse all our Diwali recipes.
Shopping in Germany
- Buy basmati, whole spices and ghee a week ahead — see Indian grocery stores in Germany for well-reviewed shops in Berlin and Munich and online options.
- No Indian shop nearby? Butterschmalz replaces ghee, Naturjoghurt 3,5 % replaces dahi, and Paprika edelsüß with a pinch of cayenne stands in for Kashmiri chili powder.
- Cooking for a crowd: keep hot food hot, cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate them within 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026?
The main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Diwali is a festival of about five days around that date; exact dates and puja timings depend on the calendar your family or temple follows and can differ by a day between regions.
Is Diwali a public holiday in Germany?
No. Diwali is not a public holiday in Germany, so many families celebrate in the evening or on the nearest weekend. In 2026 the main day falls on a Sunday.
What should I cook for a Diwali dinner?
A biryani makes an easy centerpiece for a crowd. Our festive menu pairs chicken biryani and vegetable biryani with raita and mirchi ka salan, and spreads the work over two days.
Where can I buy Indian ingredients for Diwali in Germany?
Indian grocery stores in larger cities and online Indian grocers carry everything you need; many staples also have German supermarket swaps. See our guide to Indian grocery stores in Germany.