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Discover 12 sacred temples to visit during Diwali 2026, from Mahalakshmi Temple and Ram Mandir to Golden Temple and Kashi Vishwanath. Explore festive traditions, darshan tips and comfortable accommodation with Sarovar Hotels.
Diwali is the festival of Goddess Lakshmi, and for millions of families, a temple visit is as much a part of the celebration as diyas, rangoli and sweets. A darshan during the festive week is believed to invite prosperity, good health and fresh beginnings for the year ahead.
India has temples that celebrate Diwali in truly extraordinary ways. One Lakshmi temple is decorated with cash and gold offered by devotees. Another is covered in around 1,500 kg of gold. In Kolhapur, the setting sun lights up the goddess's idol on the very days that follow Diwali this year.
Whether you want to seek Lakshmi's blessings, join a grand Annakut on Govardhan Puja, or watch an aarti by the Ganga, here are the 12 best temples to visit on Diwali 2026 in India.
For travellers planning a festive pilgrimage across different cities, Sarovar Hotels offers accommodation options in several destinations featured in this guide, making it convenient to plan temple visits alongside comfortable hotel stays.
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. Temples see their biggest crowds on these days:
Day | Date (2026) | What happens at temples |
|---|---|---|
Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November | Special Lakshmi and Kuber pujas; Lakshmi temples begin their festive decoration |
Ayodhya Deepotsav | 5 to 7 November | Ram Ki Paidi and temples lit with lakhs of diyas; main evening on 7 November |
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November | Evening Lakshmi Puja; Kali Puja in Bengal at night |
Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Monday, 9 November | Mountains of food offered to Krishna in Braj and Nathdwara |
Kiranotsav, Kolhapur | 9 to 11 November | Setting sun's rays fall on Goddess Ambabai's idol |
Bhai Dooj | Tuesday, 10 November | Family visits; temples stay busy through the long weekend |
Some panchangs list Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj a day later, so check your local calendar before you travel.
The Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, lovingly called Ambabai by locals, is one of the most powerful Lakshmi shrines in India and one of the Shakti Peethas. The temple complex also honours Mahakali and Mahasaraswati.
What makes Kolhapur extra special this year is Kiranotsav, the festival of sun rays. On three evenings each November, the rays of the setting sun enter the west-facing temple and fall on the goddess, moving from her feet to her chest and finally her face. These days are usually 9 to 11 November, which in 2026 line up with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Diwali highlight: Festive Lakshmi worship followed by Kiranotsav right after Diwali.
Good to know: Kiranotsav draws huge crowds. Reach the temple well before sunset if you want to see the rays inside the sanctum.
This temple in the heart of Ratlam has one of the most unusual Diwali traditions in the country. Instead of flowers alone, the temple is decorated with currency notes, gold and silver jewellery offered by devotees.
The decoration begins around Dhanteras, and devotees believe offering their wealth to the goddess brings it back multiplied. Part of the offering is later returned to devotees as prasad, which most families keep safely at home as a blessing rather than spending it. The temple stays open round the clock during Diwali.
Diwali highlight: The temple's spectacular money-and-jewellery decoration from Dhanteras to Diwali.
Good to know: Expect long queues on Dhanteras and Diwali night. Ratlam is well connected by rail on the Delhi–Mumbai route.
Perched by the Arabian Sea on Bhulabhai Desai Road, the Mahalakshmi Temple is one of Mumbai's best-loved shrines. Built in 1831, it houses the goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, all adorned with gold jewellery and pearls.
On Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja day, queues often stretch well outside the gates as Mumbaikars come to seek blessings for their homes and businesses. The lane leading to the temple is lined with stalls selling flowers, coconuts and offerings.
Diwali highlight: A traditional Lakshmi darshan in the heart of the city, followed by a sunset walk by the sea.
Good to know: Visit early in the morning to avoid the evening rush. Mahalaxmi station on the Western line is the closest stop.
Hotel Marine Plaza by Sarovar, right on Marine Drive, is a short drive from the Mahalakshmi Temple and puts the sea-facing Queen's Necklace outside your door for Diwali evenings. In the western suburbs, Residency Sarovar Portico in Goregaon West is another good base.
The Sripuram Golden Temple near Vellore is a sight unlike any other. The temple of Sri Lakshmi Narayani is covered in roughly 1,500 kg of gold, applied by hand as gold foil over etched copper.
The temple sits in the middle of a large landscaped spiritual park, and visitors reach it by walking along a star-shaped path. After sunset, when the temple is lit, the whole structure glows, making it a beautiful place to visit during the festival of lights.
Diwali highlight: Seeking Lakshmi's blessings in a temple that literally shines with gold.
Good to know: The temple is about 8 km from Vellore city. Mobile phones and cameras are usually not allowed inside, so plan to deposit them.
If you are driving from Chennai to Sripuram, Sarovar Portico, Sriperumbudur on the Chennai–Bangalore highway is a convenient stop along the way, letting you break the journey and reach the temple fresh.
Right by Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar, the Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to all eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, from Dhana Lakshmi (wealth) and Dhanya Lakshmi (food) to Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge) and Veera Lakshmi (courage).
The shrines are spread over four levels, and devotees climb from one form of the goddess to the next. Its seaside setting and colourful tiers make it one of Chennai's most loved temples during Deepavali.
Diwali highlight: Praying to every form of Lakshmi in one visit.
Good to know: The staircases are steep and narrow. Older visitors may want to go early, when crowds are thinner.
Radha Regent, Chennai, a Sarovar hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai in Arumbakkam, is a central base for visiting the Ashtalakshmi Temple and Chennai's other festive temples.
Delhi's Laxminarayan Temple, popularly known as Birla Mandir, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939 and remains one of the capital's most visited temples.
During Diwali, the temple is lit up beautifully, and families visit through the festive week for darshan. Its central location makes it easy to combine with Diwali shopping in nearby Connaught Place.
Diwali highlight: An illuminated temple and a festive darshan right in the heart of Delhi.
Good to know: The nearest metro stations are RK Ashram Marg and Rajiv Chowk. Evenings around Diwali are very busy.
Deventure Sarovar Portico in West Patel Nagar is on the Blue Line metro, which runs straight to Rajiv Chowk near Birla Mandir. Sarovar Portico Naraina and The Ashtan Sarovar Portico in Green Park are other well-located hotels in Delhi for a festive city break.
Diwali celebrates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, so there is no more meaningful place for a Diwali darshan than the Ram Mandir. The temple and the whole city glow during Deepotsav, held from 5 to 7 November 2026.
On the main evening, 7 November, organisers aim to light around 33 lakh diyas along Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu ghats. Many pilgrims pair the Ram Mandir darshan with visits to Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan.
Diwali highlight: Darshan at the Ram Mandir during Deepotsav, followed by the sea of diyas on the Saryu.
Good to know: Security and crowd controls are tight during Deepotsav week. Arrive early and keep ID handy.
If you are going to Ayodhya for Deepotsav and Ram Mandir darshan, Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya, managed by Sarovar Hotels, is the hotel to stay in. It is on Fatehganj–Civil Line Road, an easy base for the temple and the Saryu ghats.
About an hour from Udaipur, Nathdwara is home to Shrinathji, the child form of Lord Krishna shown lifting Govardhan Hill. The temple is the main seat of the Pushtimarg (Vallabh) tradition, and Diwali week is its biggest celebration.
The highlight is Annakut on Govardhan Puja, the day after Diwali (9 November 2026). A huge mountain of cooked food and sweets is offered to Shrinathji to recall how Krishna protected the people of Braj from Indra's storm.
Diwali highlight: The Annakut darshan on Govardhan Puja.
Good to know: Darshan happens in short, fixed time slots through the day. Check the day's schedule on arrival and expect very large crowds for Annakut.
Most visitors stay in Udaipur and drive to Nathdwara for darshan. Golden Tulip Udaipur, near Sukhadia Circle, is a comfortable base for the Annakut day trip, with Lake Pichola and the City Palace close by for the rest of your Diwali break.
In Krishna's land, the entire month of Kartik is a festival of lamps, and Diwali week is the peak. The Banke Bihari Temple, one of Vrindavan's most beloved shrines, draws devotees from across India during the festive days.
The celebrations continue on Govardhan Puja with Annakut offerings across Braj. Many pilgrims also walk the 21 km Govardhan parikrama and offer diyas on the Yamuna ghats in the evening.
Diwali highlight: Diwali darshan at Banke Bihari, followed by Annakut and the Govardhan parikrama.
Good to know: The temple is extremely crowded during the festive week. Go early, avoid carrying bags, and keep children close.
If you are going from Delhi to Vrindavan for Diwali, Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Vrindavan is the hotel to stay in. It is within a 15-minute drive of Banke Bihari Temple and Prem Mandir. In Mathura, Skywings Sarovar Portico on Sonkh Road is a newer option for families.
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kashi Vishwanath is among the holiest temples in India. On Diwali night, the temple and the ghats of Varanasi are lit with lamps, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat takes on an extra glow.
If your dates are flexible, consider returning for Dev Deepawali on 24 November 2026, when every ghat along the river is lit with diyas.
Diwali highlight: Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath followed by the Ganga Aarti on Diwali evening.
Good to know: The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has made access easier, but phones and bags may need to be deposited before entry.
In Bengal, the Diwali new moon belongs to Goddess Kali. Kali Puja falls on 8 November 2026, with the main worship around midnight.
Kalighat, one of the Shakti Peethas, and Dakshineswar, on the banks of the Hooghly, are the two most important Kali temples in the city. Both see massive crowds on Kali Puja night, while the rest of Kolkata fills with themed pandals and fireworks.
Diwali highlight: Kali Puja darshan, followed by pandal hopping late into the night.
Good to know: Go in the early evening for a calmer darshan, then head out for pandals after dark.
Sarovar Portico, Kolkata Rajarhat, in New Town opposite Eco Park, is a comfortable base close to the airport. Kalighat, Dakshineswar and the city's pandals are a cab ride away.
Though it is a gurdwara rather than a temple, the Golden Temple is one of the most beautiful places in India to be on Diwali. For Sikhs, the day is Bandi Chhor Divas, which marks Guru Hargobind Sahib's release from Gwalior Fort along with 52 imprisoned princes.
On 8 November 2026, the Golden Temple will be lit with thousands of lamps that shimmer in the sacred sarovar, and fireworks light up the sky after dark. Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith.
Diwali highlight: The illuminated Golden Temple and its reflection in the sarovar.
Good to know: Cover your head, remove your shoes, and don't miss the langar, the free community kitchen.
Sarovar Premiere Amritsar, near Rialto Chowk, is close to the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. Golden Sarovar Portico, Amritsar, on Ranjit Avenue, is about 10 minutes from the Golden Temple and has a rooftop poolside restaurant for watching the Diwali fireworks.
Region | Temple | City | Best day to visit in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
North | Ram Mandir | Ayodhya | 7 November (Deepotsav) |
North | Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir) | Delhi | 6 to 8 November |
North | Banke Bihari Temple | Vrindavan | 8 and 9 November |
North | Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Varanasi | 8 November |
North | Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) | Amritsar | 8 November (Bandi Chhor Divas) |
West | Shri Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) Temple | Kolhapur | 9 to 11 November (Kiranotsav) |
West | Mahalakshmi Temple | Mumbai | 6 and 8 November |
West | Shrinathji Temple | Nathdwara | 9 November (Annakut) |
Central | Mahalakshmi Temple | Ratlam | 6 to 8 November |
East | Kalighat and Dakshineswar | Kolkata | 8 November (Kali Puja) |
South | Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple | Vellore | 6 to 8 November |
South | Ashtalakshmi Temple | Chennai | 6 to 8 November |
Sarovar Hotels has properties close to most of the temples on this list, so you can plan your darshan and your stay together.
Whether you are travelling for Lakshmi Puja, Ram Mandir darshan, Kali Puja or Govardhan Puja, Sarovar Hotels offers accommodation options across several cities featured in this guide. Explore the properties below and choose a stay based on your preferred temple, travel route and festive schedule.
Temple | Sarovar hotel to stay in |
|---|---|
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya | Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya |
Laxminarayan Temple, Delhi | Deventure Sarovar Portico (Patel Nagar), Sarovar Portico Naraina, The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (Green Park) |
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan | Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Vrindavan; Skywings Sarovar Portico, Mathura |
Golden Temple, Amritsar | Sarovar Premiere Amritsar, Golden Sarovar Portico |
Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara | Golden Tulip Udaipur |
Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai | Hotel Marine Plaza, Residency Sarovar Portico |
Kalighat and Dakshineswar, Kolkata | Sarovar Portico, Kolkata Rajarhat |
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai | Radha Regent, Chennai |
Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore | Sarovar Portico, Sriperumbudur (en route from Chennai) |
1. Go early. Dhanteras and Diwali evenings are the busiest times at Lakshmi temples. Early-morning darshan is calmer and quicker.
2. Check festive timings. Many temples change darshan hours or add special pujas during Diwali week. Confirm timings a day before you go.
3. Travel light. Several temples, including Sripuram and Kashi Vishwanath, restrict phones, cameras and bags. Carry only essentials.
4. Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees. Carry a scarf or head covering for gurdwaras and some temples.
5. Book stays in advance. Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan and Amritsar fill up quickly during the festive week.
6. Respect local customs. Follow queue systems, photography rules and offering guidelines at each temple.
7. Stay safe in crowds. Keep children and elderly family members close, and agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
8. Celebrate responsibly. Offer earthen diyas instead of plastic decorations, and follow local firecracker rules.
Celebrate the festival of lights with a memorable spiritual journey and a comfortable stay at Sarovar Hotels. Whether you are seeking blessings at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, exploring Lakshmi temples in Mumbai and Chennai, or experiencing festive celebrations in Vrindavan, Kolkata and Amritsar, find accommodation options suited to your travel plans.
From family pilgrimages to festive weekend getaways, explore Sarovar Hotels properties across India and plan your temple visits with comfort and convenience.
For hotel availability, room reservations, group bookings and festive accommodation enquiries, contact the central reservations team.
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