Diwali, also called Deepavali, the festival of lights, falls on Sunday 8 November this year, and Thailand is marking it with a month of free public celebrations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on 30 October that the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 will hold seven events in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket from 3 to 29 November, and that admission to all of them is free.
The festival is organised by the Indian Association of Thailand and the Thai-India Trade and Tourism Association, working with TAT, the Embassy of India in Bangkok and other public and private partners. TAT links it to the run-up to the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India in 2027.
Phuket: a Diwali Day food festival in Patong
Phuket gets one event. On Sunday 8 November, Diwali Day itself, Central Patong hosts "A Sunday of Flavour", which TAT describes as an Indian food festival with festive activities. TAT has not published start times for the Phuket event, so check with the venue closer to the day. Travel Trade Journal's schedule lists the venue as Central Festival Patong.
Pattaya: two events, one on the beach
Central Festival Pattaya Beach runs "Nine Nights of Candlelight" from 7 to 15 November, including Diwali Day activities on 8 November. From 13 to 15 November, "Lamps Along the Shore" moves the celebration onto Pattaya Beach Road, with a beachfront diya-lighting ceremony on Friday 13 November from 18.00 to 19.00.
Bangkok: four events across the month
The festival opens with "The First Light" at Central Bangrak on 3 and 4 November, with the first diya lighting on 3 November from 17.00 to 18.00 followed by live Bollywood music. ICONSIAM's Riverpark beside the Chao Phraya River hosts "Lotus by the River" from 6 to 8 November; on Diwali Day there is a diya-lighting ceremony from 17.00 to 18.00 and riverside fireworks at 18.00.
Bangkok's Little India in Phahurat follows with "Threads of Faith" from 20 to 24 November, building on the Diwali celebrations held along Khlong Ong Ang canal since 2022. TAT notes that the diya lighting on 24 November, from 17.00 to 18.00, falls on the same full-moon night as Dev Deepavali, Loi Krathong and Gurpurab. The programme closes with "Music on the Avenue" at Quartier Avenue, EMQUARTIER, from 26 to 29 November, with the final diya lighting on 29 November from 17.00 to 18.00.
What to expect
Across the seven venues, TAT lists Indian cultural performances, Bollywood music, festive markets and food. A diya is a small oil lamp, and lighting diyas is the central Diwali tradition; the five lighting ceremonies are the core of the programme. The participating shopping centres also plan seasonal promotions during the festival, according to TAT. Hindustan Times reports the same seven-event, three-province schedule.
For residents, this is an easy, free night out and a chance to join Thailand's Indian community for its festival of lights. If you plan to go to the ICONSIAM fireworks on 8 November or the Loi Krathong night in Phahurat on 24 November, expect crowds and allow extra travel time. For more information, TAT's contact centre is on 1672.