Diwali Abroad with Family: A Guide for Indian Parents Visiting the UK, Canada and USA

Diwali 2026 kab hai? This year, Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. In millions of Indian homes, today means diyas on the balcony, mithai on the table and the whole family under one roof.

For many families, though, "the whole family" now lives in two countries. A son in London, a daughter in Toronto, grandchildren in New Jersey. If you are a parent in India celebrating on a video call today, this guide is for you: how Diwali feels in the UK, Canada and the USA, what you can carry, and how to plan the visa so that next time you are there in person.

Information checked in November 2026.

Does Diwali feel the same abroad?

In many ways, yes, and in some ways, it is even more of an occasion. Away from India, Diwali becomes the one evening when the whole community makes the effort to come together.

In the UK, London hosts one of the largest public celebrations outside India: a free festival in Trafalgar Square, which took place on 25 October this year. Leicester's Belgrave Road, known as the Golden Mile, is lit up for weeks, and areas like Southall, Wembley and Harrow fill with sweet-shop queues. Temples such as BAPS Neasden hold Lakshmi Puja and Annakut.

In Canada, the Greater Toronto Area celebrates on a large scale. Toronto hosted Diwali festivals at Nathan Phillips Square and Mel Lastman Square in late October, and Brampton holds its Diwali Mela today, 8 November. Mississauga, Markham and Vancouver have their own events.

In the USA, New York and New Jersey are the main hubs, with a Diwali festival in Times Square and large community celebrations along Oak Tree Road in Edison. Temples across Texas, California and Illinois hold puja and cultural programmes.

One thing to know: Diwali is not a national public holiday in any of these countries. Many children and grandchildren will be at work or school on the day. Families often celebrate on the nearest weekend instead.

What parents usually love about a Diwali abroad

• Doing puja with grandchildren. For children growing up abroad, a grandparent leading the aarti makes the festival real.
• Community events. Big public celebrations with food stalls, dance and fireworks, often free to attend.
• Temple visits. Large temples abroad organise Lakshmi Puja, Annakut and community meals.
• Cooler weather. November in London or Toronto is cold, so pack warm clothes, but evenings indoors with diyas feel special.

Carrying Diwali items abroad: what's allowed

This is where many families get caught out at the airport.

Item	Generally	What to keep in mind
Clay diyas, rangoli colours, decorations, idols	Usually fine	Pack carefully to avoid breakage
Packaged dry sweets, namkeen, dry fruits	Usually allowed	Declare all food on arrival
Milk-based mithai (barfi, peda), ghee, paneer	Often restricted	Dairy products face strict rules, especially in the UK
Homemade food, pickles	Depends	Declare; officers may inspect
Fresh fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds	Often restricted	Best bought locally
Firecrackers, sparklers	Not allowed	Never pack them in any bag on a flight
Puja ghee lamps, liquids	Cabin limits apply	Pack in checked luggage, sealed

The simple rule: if it's food, declare it. Declaring an item that is then refused is not a problem. Not declaring a restricted item can mean a fine.

Most Indian grocery stores in London, Toronto and New Jersey stock fresh mithai, flowers and puja items, so you don't need to carry everything.

Diwali par bachchon ke paas videsh jaana hai? Plan the visa first

The most common regret we hear is: "We decided too late." Processing times change, and the weeks before Diwali and the winter holidays are some of the busiest.

A simple planning timeline

When	What to do
4 months before	Decide dates with your children; check passport validity
3–4 months before	Prepare documents; your child prepares the invitation letter
3 months before	Submit the visa application
Next few weeks	Biometrics or interview, as required
After the visa	Book flights; avoid non-refundable tickets before approval

For Christmas and New Year trips, applications should already be in, or should go in now. Next Diwali is expected in late October 2027, so families planning to be together for it should start in June or July 2027.

Country by country

UK

Parents usually apply for a UK tourist visa, with their son or daughter's invitation and documents. A decision usually comes within about three weeks of the biometrics appointment. See UK visit visa for parents and UK visa processing time in India.

Canada

Parents apply for a Canada tourist visa. For long stays, the Canada super visa allows up to five years per entry. Processing times from India change often, so apply early. See our Canada visa for parents guide.

USA

Parents usually need a B1/B2 visa, which includes an interview at the US Embassy or a consulate in India. Interview wait times can be long, so this is the one to start earliest. See USA B1/B2 visa and USA visa processing time.

A few practical tips for parents

• Check passport validity first. Some visas can't be valid beyond your passport's expiry.
• Show your life in India, not just your child's. Pension, property and family responsibilities matter in every application.
• Carry a printed list of your child's address and phone number for arrival.
• Get travel medical insurance. Healthcare abroad is expensive for visitors.
• Keep medicines in original packaging with prescriptions.

Common questions

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Is Diwali a public holiday in the UK, Canada or USA?

No, not nationally, though it is widely celebrated and some cities and school districts mark it locally.

Can I carry mithai to London?

Packaged dry sweets are usually fine if declared. Milk-based sweets may count as dairy, which is strictly restricted in the UK.

Can I take firecrackers?

No. Firecrackers and sparklers are not allowed on flights.

Diwali par mummy-papa ko Canada bulana hai, kab apply karein?

Ideally three to four months before travel. For a long stay, consider the super visa.

विदेश में दिवाली मनाने के लिए वीज़ा कब अप्लाई करें?

यात्रा से कम से कम तीन से चार महीने पहले वीज़ा के लिए आवेदन करें। त्योहारों के मौसम में प्रोसेसिंग में ज़्यादा समय लग सकता है, इसलिए वीज़ा मिलने से पहले नॉन-रिफ़ंडेबल टिकट बुक न करें।

This Diwali on a video call? Next Diwali, together.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali. 🪔

If you are planning to visit your children abroad for the winter holidays or next Diwali, A Visa Experts can help you choose the right visa and prepare your documents in good time. Book a Consultation or Talk to a Consultant.