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Diwali 2026 in Kochi: Events, Shopping & Rules
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Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026 and is a public holiday in Kerala, with Dhanteras on Friday 6 November. It is a quieter festival here than in North India or Tamil Nadu: Onam and Vishu are the state's big household festivals, and for most Malayali families Deepavali means an early oil bath, new clothes, sweets and a temple visit. The fuller celebrations in Kochi belong to the communities that brought the festival with them. In Mattancherry, Gujarati, Marwari and Konkani families light rows of lamps, draw rangoli and exchange sweets around Gujarati Street and the neighbourhood's temples, and Tamil households across the city mark the day at dawn in their own tradition. The Chottanikkara temple lists Deepavali among its festivals. For shoppers, the jewellery and textile showrooms on MG Road run festival offers through the Dhanteras weekend, and Broadway sells lamps and sweets. Hotels, clubs and North Indian associations host Diwali dinners, card parties and melas, which are listed on this page. On firecrackers, Kerala has in recent years allowed only green crackers and limited bursting to 8 pm to 10 pm on Deepavali; check the 2026 order. Early November is also thunderstorm season, so keep an indoor plan.
Good to know
- Shop MG Road and Broadway on Friday 6 or Saturday 7 November in the morning; evenings are crowded and often wet.
- Check the Kerala government's 2026 order on firecrackers before buying. In recent years only green crackers were allowed, between 8 pm and 10 pm.
- Evening thunderstorms are common in early November. Choose events with a roof and keep an umbrella handy.
- For the community celebrations in Mattancherry, go on foot in the evening and ask before photographing homes and rangoli.
- The Kochi Metro normally runs on public holidays; check KMRL's notice for Sunday timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026 in Kochi?
Sunday 8 November 2026, which is listed as the Deepavali public holiday in Kerala. Dhanteras is on Friday 6 November.
Is Diwali widely celebrated in Kochi?
It is a public holiday but a modest festival for most Malayali households. The liveliest celebrations are among the Gujarati, Konkani, Marwari and Tamil communities, especially in Mattancherry.
Are firecrackers allowed in Kochi on Diwali?
In recent years Kerala has permitted only green crackers and restricted bursting to 8 pm to 10 pm on Deepavali. The order for 2026 should be checked nearer the date.
Where can I see Diwali lights in Kochi?
Around Gujarati Street and the temples of Mattancherry, at the showrooms on MG Road and at malls such as LuLu, which decorate for the festival.
Will it rain on Diwali?
It may. Early November falls in the north-east monsoon, when afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common in Kochi.
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