Diwali in Fiji falls on Monday 9 November 2026, a public holiday, which makes a long weekend from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 November. Nasinu, Nakasi and Nausori are among the best places to see it: homes lit with diyas and fairy lights, sweets shared between neighbours, and fireworks after dark.
This guide covers how Fiji celebrates Diwali, what to expect in the Suva–Nausori corridor, and where visiting family can stay for the festival.
Diwali in Fiji
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In Fiji it is a public holiday celebrated by people of all backgrounds, and Hindu families often open their homes to share sweets and food (Wikipedia).
The festival is closely tied to Fiji's girmit history. More than 60,000 Indian labourers arrived between 1879 and 1916 under the indenture system, and Diwali became a public holiday in 1974 (Fijivillage).
How families celebrate
Cleaning and decorating: homes are cleaned and decorated in the days before, with fairy lights on houses and fences.
Diyas: small clay oil lamps are lit on Diwali night (Fijivillage).
Lakshmi puja: many families hold prayers at home or at the mandir.
Sweets: homemade sweets are shared with relatives, neighbours and friends of every faith.
Fireworks: in recent years, police have allowed fireworks from 5 pm to 10 pm in the days before Diwali and from 5 pm to midnight on Diwali night (Fijivillage). Check this year's police notice.
Diyas lit for Diwali. Photo: "Diwali Diyas" by Praful Kharade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Diwali in Nasinu, Nakasi and Nausori
Nakasi has a substantial Indo-Fijian population (Wikipedia), and the streets around Nakasi and Nausori are a good place to see houses lit up on Diwali night. There are several mandirs within a few kilometres for puja.
For festival shopping, Nakasi has the 140-stall Nakasi Market, which opened in 2024 (Fijivillage), and supermarkets along Kings Road, including CJS Supermarket at the corner of Kings Road and Nakasi Road (Fiji Times). Suva Municipal Market is open Monday to Friday 6 am to 6 pm and Saturday 6 am to 4:30 pm (Fiji Traveller). Holiday hours vary.
Planning a Diwali trip
Shop early. Markets and supermarkets are busy in the days before Diwali, and many shops close or shorten hours on the day.
Expect busy roads on the evening of Diwali as families visit each other.
Weather: cyclone season starts on 1 November (Fijivillage). Follow the Fiji Meteorological Service.
Staying on for Christmas? See Christmas and New Year in Fiji with family.
The dining table, ready for a family meal. Photo: SPACES Fiji.
Stay for Diwali at the Garden Flat
The Garden Flat at SPACES Fiji is a self-contained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment at 11 Buli Road, off Valili Road, in Nakasi, Nausori, with its own private entrance on its own level.
Sleeps up to 6, so the family can stay together
Full kitchen with a gas stove for cooking and sweets
Dining table and living room for family visits
Air-conditioning in every room, free Wi-Fi and a 65" smart TV
Off-street parking for up to 5 vehicles
Self check-in from 3:00 pm, check-out by 10:00 am
The living room has space for visiting family. Photo: SPACES Fiji.
Book direct for our best rate, or book the Garden Flat on Airbnb. Email stay@spacesfiji.com or WhatsApp +679 970 9310.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in Fiji in 2026?
Monday 9 November 2026, a public holiday (Fijivillage).
Is Diwali a public holiday in Fiji?
Yes. Diwali has been a public holiday in Fiji since 1974.
What time can you let off fireworks for Diwali in Fiji?
In recent years, police have allowed fireworks from 5 pm to 10 pm in the days before Diwali and from 5 pm to midnight on Diwali night. Check the current police notice.
Where can family stay near Nasinu and Nausori for Diwali?
The Garden Flat in Nakasi, Nausori sleeps up to 6, with three bedrooms, a full kitchen and parking.
Photo credits
Diyas: "Diwali Diyas" by Praful Kharade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized.
Garden Flat photos: SPACES Fiji.
Holiday date, fireworks hours and opening times are from the sources linked. Checked November 2026.
