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Diwali 2026 in Markham: what it means, how it is celebrated, and where to shop

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is the festival of lights, and in 2026 the main day falls on Sunday, November 8. Over five days, from Friday, November 6 to Tuesday, November 10, families clean and decorate their homes, light rows of lamps, wear new clothes, share sweets and pray for a bright year ahead. In Markham, it is one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

This guide explains what Diwali means and how people celebrate it, answers the questions Markham residents ask most, including the rules for fireworks, and shows where to find what you need at Newtown Square North, at Markham Road and 14th Avenue.

What is Diwali?

The name comes from the Sanskrit word "deepavali", meaning "a row of lights". The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It falls around the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November, which is why the date changes from year to year.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and many friends and neighbours of other backgrounds join in for the lights, the food and the fireworks.

Why do people celebrate Diwali?

Different communities remember different stories, all about light winning over darkness:

• The return of Lord Rama. In much of North India, Diwali marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps to welcome him home.
• Lord Krishna and Narakasura. In South India and in many Sri Lankan Tamil homes, Deepavali remembers Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
• Goddess Lakshmi. On the main night, families welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, with a clean, brightly lit home and a Lakshmi Puja.
• Kali Puja. In Bengal and parts of eastern India, the same night honours the goddess Kali.
• Bandi Chhor Divas. Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort, together with 52 imprisoned kings.
• Lord Mahavira. For Jains, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira attained moksha (liberation).

The five days of Diwali 2026

1. Dhanteras, Friday, November 6. A day for prosperity and good health. Many families buy something new, often gold, silver or a steel or brass utensil, as a sign of good fortune.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Saturday, November 7. "Little Diwali": the first lamps are lit and homes are made ready. In many South Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil homes, this is Deepavali itself, starting with an early-morning oil bath.
3. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, Sunday, November 8. The main day: evening prayers to Lakshmi, diyas in every window, rangoli at the door, sweets, family visits and fireworks.
4. Govardhan Puja, Monday, November 9. Remembers Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Many temples and families prepare Annakut, a "mountain of food" offering. For many Gujarati families, this is also New Year's Day.
5. Bhai Dooj, Tuesday, November 10. Celebrates brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' well-being, and brothers give gifts in return.

Dates can differ by a day depending on the calendar your family or temple follows.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Lights and diyas

Small clay oil lamps called diyas are lit at doors, in windows and on balconies, alongside candles and string lights, to welcome light and good fortune into the home.

Rangoli

Colourful patterns made from coloured powder, rice or flower petals are drawn at the entrance. A rangoli welcomes guests and Goddess Lakshmi, and making one together is a favourite family activity.

New clothes

Many people wear new clothes for Diwali, often traditional outfits such as sarees, lehengas, salwar suits, kurtas and sherwanis.

Puja at home

Families gather for Lakshmi Puja in the evening, with a puja thali (a plate holding a diya, incense, flowers, kumkum and rice) and a small altar or home mandir.

Sweets and gifts

Boxes of mithai (Indian sweets such as kaju katli, ladoos and barfi), dry fruits and gifts are shared with family, friends and neighbours, along with savoury snacks called namkeen.

Fireworks

Sparklers and fireworks light up the night, but in Markham they come with rules.

Can I set off fireworks in Markham for Diwali?

Yes, but only with a permit. According to the City of Markham:

• Family fireworks may only be set off on private property, with the homeowner's consent, never on City property such as parks, fields or roads.
• A permit is not needed only on the day before and on Victoria Day, and on the day before and on Canada Day. On every other day, including Diwali, you need a Family Fireworks Permit.
• The permit costs $246 plus HST and must be applied for online at least seven days before the date. For Sunday, November 8, that means applying by Sunday, November 1.
• Family fireworks include sparklers, fountains, pinwheels and Roman candles. Firecrackers, cherry bombs, flash crackers and smoke bombs are not family fireworks.
• Breaking the rules can mean a fine of up to $5,000.

The City also asks you to keep a fire extinguisher ready, set fireworks firmly in a bucket of sand, never use fireworks or sparklers indoors, and soak used fireworks in water overnight before putting them in the household garbage (never the Blue Bin). Rules can change, so check the City's page before you celebrate.

How do you wish someone a happy Diwali?

• "Happy Diwali" or "Shubh Deepavali"
• "Diwali ki shubhkamnayein" (Hindi for "best wishes for Diwali")
• "Deepavali nalvazhthukkal" (Tamil)
• "Happy Bandi Chhor Divas" for Sikh friends

Your Diwali shopping list at Newtown Square North

Most of what you need is in one plaza at Markham Road and 14th Avenue:

• Mithai and snacks. Bikanervala, 160 New Delhi Drive (Units 28–30), serves North Indian dishes, street food and sweets, including mithai, chaats, curries and namkeens. For large gift orders, call ahead on (905) 605-9066.
• Outfits. The plaza has 13 South Asian clothing and bridal stores, including Rangoli Silks for sarees and salwar suits, Zegen Boutique and Karizma Collection for Pakistani clothing, and Mehek Fashions for Afghan clothing for women, men and children. See them all in our guide to Indian clothing stores on Markham Road.
• A fitting before the big day. There are three alteration and tailoring shops in the same plaza. The weeks before Diwali are busy, so bring outfits in early.
• Jewellery. Z Jewellery, 50 Karachi Drive (Unit 54), carries artificial jewellery featuring Kundan, Polki, Cubic Zirconia and American Diamond designs to match festive outfits.
• Puja supplies and decor. Puja Villa, 50 Karachi Drive (Unit 57), is a religious goods store. Ikonic Designs, in the same building (Unit 63), makes custom Corian and solid-surface mandirs, backlit wall panels and home decor; ask about timing if you want a custom piece ready for Diwali.
• Groceries for cooking. Panchvati Supermarket, 10 Karachi Drive (Units 84–96), is an Indian grocery store. Its Diwali Sale flyer is on its store page.
• Sending money or exchanging currency for family abroad. Thamor, 7595 Markham Road (Unit 5), offers foreign exchange and money transfer, as well as gold buying and gold pawning.

The weekend before Diwali is the busiest; weekdays are quieter. Store hours can change around holidays, so check each store's page or call before you go.

How do I get to Newtown Square North?

• Where: Markham Road at 14th Avenue in Markham, opposite Costco. Coming from Steeles Avenue, head north on Markham Road and turn onto Kirkham Drive for the plaza parking.
• Parking: ample free parking in the plaza.
• Transit: TTC 102D Markham Road, YRT 14 (14th Avenue) and YRT 2 (Milliken).
• Addresses: 10, 30 and 50 Karachi Drive; 150 and 160 New Delhi Drive; and 7595 Markham Road.

See Location & directions for a map.

FAQ

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, November 8. The five-day festival runs from Friday, November 6 (Dhanteras) to Tuesday, November 10 (Bhai Dooj).

Why is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindus remember Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, and honour Goddess Lakshmi; Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas; Jains mark Lord Mahavira's attainment of moksha.

Can I set off fireworks in Markham on Diwali?

Only with a City of Markham Family Fireworks Permit, which costs $246 plus HST and must be applied for online at least seven days before, and only on private property with the homeowner's consent. Without a permit, family fireworks are allowed only on Victoria Day, Canada Day and the day before each.

Is Diwali a statutory holiday in Ontario?

No. Diwali is not a statutory holiday in Ontario, so most businesses and schools stay open.

What do people buy for Diwali?

New clothes, mithai and dry fruits for gifts, diyas, rangoli colours and decorations, and puja items. On Dhanteras, many families buy gold, silver or a new utensil for good fortune.

Where can I buy Diwali sweets in Markham?

Bikanervala at Newtown Square North, 160 New Delhi Drive (Units 28–30), serves Indian sweets including mithai, along with chaats, curries and namkeens.