Diwali is no longer celebrated only in India. With a large and growing Indian-American community, cities across the United States now light up with diyas, rangoli, mithai shops, temple celebrations and public Diwali festivals every fall.
If you are an NRI, a student far from home or simply curious about the festival of lights, here are the top 10 places to celebrate Diwali in the USA. Event names, dates and locations change each year, so check local temple and community websites for the latest schedules.
Quick List: Top 10 Places to Celebrate Diwali in the USA
- Edison and Iselin, New Jersey
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- New York City, New York
- Houston, Texas
- Dallas and Irving, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- San Francisco Bay Area, California
- Artesia, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Washington DC Area
1. Edison and Iselin, New Jersey
Oak Tree Road in Edison and Iselin is one of the most famous Indian shopping districts in the US. Around Diwali, sweet shops, jewellers and saree stores are packed with families.
Local community organisations often host Diwali melas with food stalls, cultural performances and fireworks shows where permitted.
It is the closest feeling to a Diwali market in India.
2. Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City’s India Square on Newark Avenue is another hub of Indian food, groceries and festive shopping.
You will find mithai, diyas, rangoli colours and puja supplies all in one place.
Great for a quick evening of festive shopping.
3. New York City, New York
New York has hosted large public Diwali celebrations, including events in Times Square and at the South Street Seaport in some years.
Diwali is also a public school holiday in New York City, a sign of how important the festival has become.
Queens neighbourhoods like Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill have lively celebrations too.
4. Houston, Texas
Houston has a large Indian community, the Hillcroft area (Mahatma Gandhi District) and several big temples including BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford.
Temples hold Annakut and Diwali programs that welcome visitors.
The Mahatma Gandhi District is great for mithai and street food.
5. Dallas and Irving, Texas
The Dallas-Fort Worth area, especially Irving and Frisco, hosts some of the largest Diwali fairs in the country.
Expect cultural stage shows, dance competitions, food stalls and fireworks at community events.
Perfect for families.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Devon Avenue in Chicago has been the heart of South Asian culture in the Midwest for decades.
Around Diwali, the street buzzes with shoppers buying sweets and festive clothes.
Suburbs like Naperville and Schaumburg also host big community celebrations.
7. San Francisco Bay Area, California
Fremont, Sunnyvale and San Jose have large Indian communities, many working in tech.
Community groups host Diwali festivals with dance, music and food, and Fremont’s temples host elaborate pujas.
Diwali has also been recognised as a state holiday in California.
8. Artesia, California
Little India in Artesia near Los Angeles is filled with Indian restaurants, sweet shops and jewellery stores.
It is the go-to spot for Southern California families celebrating Diwali.
Try the chaat and fresh jalebi.
9. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s Indian community celebrates at temples like the BAPS Mandir in Lilburn, which is beautifully lit for Diwali.
Community melas offer food, dance and family activities.
The mandir’s architecture is worth seeing anytime.
10. Washington DC Area
The DC metro area, including Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs, has many temples and Diwali events.
The White House has also marked Diwali in various years with official celebrations.
Temples in Chantilly and Lanham are popular gathering spots.
Bonus Tip
Many US cities restrict personal fireworks. Instead, light diyas and LED lights at home, host a potluck with Indian sweets, and attend community fireworks shows where they are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diwali a holiday in the USA?
Diwali is not a federal holiday, but New York City public schools observe it, and some states such as California and Pennsylvania have taken steps to recognise it.
Where is the biggest Diwali celebration in the USA?
Large Diwali celebrations take place in New Jersey, New York, Houston and Dallas, which have big Indian-American communities.
Can non-Indians attend Diwali celebrations in the USA?
Yes. Most temple programs and community Diwali festivals welcome everyone.
Final Thoughts
Diwali in the USA has grown into a vibrant celebration that brings together families, friends and neighbours of every background. Whether you shop on Oak Tree Road, visit a mandir in Houston or join a mela in the Bay Area, you can feel the warmth of the festival of lights far from home.