Washington, Nov 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
From street fairs and Ramlila performances to fireworks, festive menus and traditional sweets, Indian communities across the United States and Canada are bringing Diwali celebrations into neighbourhoods, temples and shopping districts ahead of the festival on Sunday, November 8.
In New York’s Jackson Heights, the Indian Merchants’ Association organised a community mela on November 1 along 74th Street, featuring live music and an opportunity for families and friends to celebrate together.
New Jersey’s Oak Tree Road in Iselin has also witnessed festivities, including a Ramlila staged at the Raj Jewels parking lot. The performance, led by Pandit Satya Narayan Charka and involving 40 classically trained artists, brought the story of Lord Ram to life through elaborate costumes, dance and English narration.
Edison is scheduled to host its annual Diwali festival on Saturday at Papaianni Park. The programme includes diya lighting, cultural performances, food stalls, free chai and mehndi. More than 100,000 lights, a drone display and fireworks are planned for the evening. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Diwali in America 250”, connects the festival with the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Jersey City will also organise “Diwali Together 2026” at Exchange Place, with celebrations scheduled from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
In the Chicago region, restaurants are adding festive specials to their menus, while the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett has planned a fireworks and sound show for Saturday. Sunday’s observances will include Chopda Pujan, a ritual marking a fresh beginning through the blessing of account books.
In Southern California, the BAPS mandir in Chino Hills will hold a two-day community festival, followed by Annakut and Gujarati New Year celebrations on Monday. The programme includes carnival rides, a sweets shop, musical performances and a light-and-sound presentation.
San Francisco’s Indian Restaurant Week, running until November 14, has brought six restaurants together in partnership with the Indian Consulate. Participating establishments include ROOH, Copra and New Delhi Restaurant.
In Washington’s Columbia Heights neighbourhood, restaurant Tamashaa is marking the occasion with a special menu featuring gold-leaf butter chicken, rasgulla chaat and Daulat Ki Chaat.
The celebrations extend into Canada, where Toronto’s Gerrard India Bazaar will host its annual outdoor mela on Saturday evening. The event is expected to feature a DJ, dancing, sparklers and sidewalk sales along the district’s busy commercial stretch, home to more than 125 shops and restaurants.
In Montreal and neighbouring Brossard, India Rosa is hosting celebrations through Sunday, including a wish tree where visitors can leave messages and festive wishes. In Surrey, British Columbia, traditional mithai remains a prominent part of the season’s preparations.
The festival has also found a place in retail offerings. Costco’s US website lists a one-ounce, 24-carat PAMP gold bar in its 2026 Diwali collection, named after Lakshmi and the sacred cow.
Diwali, commonly known as the festival of lights, is observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhist communities, although its religious significance and customs vary. The lighting of lamps is widely associated with the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
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