In short: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated in 2026 over five days, from 6 to 10 November, with the main day on Sunday 8 November. It marks the victory of light over darkness and is shared with family over lamps, sweets and big meals. In Geneva, Copperleaf (Pâquis) welcomes you that weekend for a shared Indian meal, 100% halal.
What is Diwali?
Diwali (or Deepavali, “row of lamps”) is one of India’s most important festivals, celebrated by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps (diyas), garlands and colourful floor designs (rangoli), and people visit family and friends.
Diwali 2026 dates
| Date | Festival day |
|---|---|
| Friday 6 November | Dhanteras, start of the festivities |
| Saturday 7 November | Choti Diwali (“little Diwali”) |
| Sunday 8 November | Diwali — Lakshmi Puja, main day |
| Monday 9 November | Govardhan Puja |
| Tuesday 10 November | Bhai Dooj |
The dates follow the Indian lunar calendar and change every year.
What people eat at Diwali
Diwali is above all a festival of sharing. Every region has its own traditions, but you will often find:
- Sweets (mithai) — given to neighbours and loved ones: gulab jamun, barfi, laddoo…
- Fried snacks — samosas and pakoras, nibbled between visits.
- Big family dishes — curries, biryanis and breads placed in the middle of the table.
- Vegetarian dishes — many families eat vegetarian during the festival: dal, paneer, vegetables.
Celebrating Diwali at Copperleaf
No need to cook all day: bring your family or friends together around a table to share. A few ideas from our menu:
- To start: vegetarian samosas (CHF 12) and onion pakoras (CHF 11)
- To share: the Copperleaf Barbecue mixed grill (CHF 33) and a biryani (CHF 32–37)
- For vegetarians: paneer tikka, palak paneer, dal tadka — see our 17 vegetarian dishes
- To mop up the sauce: garlic or cheese naan from our tandoor
On Sunday 8 November we are open from 11:30 to 23:00. Festivals draw a crowd: for a group, please book or call 022 335 08 93. To work out how much to order for a group, read what to order at an Indian restaurant.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali is Sunday 8 November 2026. The festivities run from 6 to 10 November.
Where can I celebrate Diwali in Geneva?
Geneva’s Indian communities often organise celebrations; for a meal, Copperleaf at Rue du Docteur-Alfred-Vincent 13 in Pâquis serves 100% halal Indian, Goan and African food and is open on Sundays.
Is Diwali a religious festival?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, each with their own traditions. It has also become a major cultural festival shared well beyond religious communities.
Happy festival of lights! Book your table or see the menu.