Festival of lights
Diwali events in Nairobi 2026
Diwali 2026: Sunday, 8 November 2026
On Diwali, Sunday, 8 November 2026, the sun sets at 6:21 pm (GMT+3) in Nairobi. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening after sunset, in the pradosh period β roughly the first two and a half hours after it; the lamps are lit as it gets dark. Sunset in other cities in Kenya
The biggest night of the Indian year: lamps, sweets, new clothes and fireworks. Abroad it is celebrated over the surrounding weekends, with one large public event in most big cities. Every Diwali event posted in and around Nairobi is below.
Diwali events in Nairobi0 listed
Hindu temples and gurdwaras near Nairobi for Diwali
Most mandirs hold Lakshmi Puja on Diwali evening and many hold Annakut the day after; gurdwaras keep Bandi Chhor Divas the same night. Each temple sets its own times, so check its page before you go.
Bhakti Marga Centre
Temples & gurdwaras Β· Nairobi
Oshwal Religious Centre
Temples & gurdwaras Β· Nairobi
Oshwall Community Centre
Temples & gurdwaras Β· Nairobi
East Africa Satsang Swaminarayan Temple
Temples & gurdwaras Β· Nairobi
Hindu Council Of Kenya
Temples & gurdwaras Β· Nairobi
Shree Swaminarayan Sidhant Sajivan Mandal
Temples & gurdwaras Β· Nairobi
Where to celebrate Diwali in Nairobi
Nairobiβs Diwali is kept in the cityβs temples, community halls and homes. The Hindu Council of Kenya, the umbrella body, has its office in Nairobi and lists its programmes on hck.or.ke, where none was scheduled on 30 October 2026; President Ruto hosted Hindus at State House in October 2024. Diwali itself is Sunday 8 November, a weekend day, with the Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
New Indian events near Nairobi, by email
Once a week, and only when something new is on within 10 km of where you live β garba nights, Diwali melas, meetups, concerts. Free, and one click switches it off.
Diwali in Nairobi is better with people near you
The Namaste Community app finds what is on around you in Nairobi and everywhere else β free.
- Groups near youJoin the Indian community groups in your city β chat, plans and people who get it.
- Events near youEvery Diwali mela, festival and meetup, ranked by distance, with RSVP and reminders.
- Buy and sellSarees, kurtas, furniture, kitchen things β from people a few streets away.
- Rent near youRooms and flats from the community, with the person behind the listing one tap away.
What Diwali is
The biggest night of the Indian year: lamps, sweets, new clothes and fireworks. Abroad it is celebrated over the surrounding weekends, with one large public event in most big cities.
If it is your first one
- Book restaurant tables two weeks ahead β the Diwali weekend fills every Indian restaurant in town.
- Check local fireworks rules before buying any; most European towns restrict them to New Year.
- Sweets (mithai) can be ordered from Indian grocers a week ahead; many deliver nationwide.
- The big city events sell tickets in advance and sell out; children under a certain age are usually free.
Questions people ask
- When is Diwali 2026 in Nairobi?
- Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Community celebrations in Nairobi are held on the weekends around it.
- What time does the sun set in Nairobi on Diwali 2026?
- On Sunday, 8 November 2026, the sun sets at 6:21 pm (GMT+3) in Nairobi. That is for the city centre with a flat horizon, as every published table gives it; behind buildings or hills it appears a few minutes later. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening after sunset, in the pradosh period β roughly the first two and a half hours after it; the lamps are lit as it gets dark.
- Where can I go to a temple for Diwali in Nairobi?
- 14 temples and gurdwaras are listed within 20 km of Nairobi, among them Bhakti Marga Centre, Oshwal Religious Centre and East Africa Satsang Swaminarayan Temple. Most mandirs hold Lakshmi Puja on Diwali evening and many hold Annakut the day after; gurdwaras keep Bandi Chhor Divas the same night. Each temple sets its own times, so check its page before you go.
- What Diwali events are there in Nairobi?
- Organisers usually post Diwali events four to six weeks ahead; they appear on this page as soon as they do.
Organising something?
Post it from the app under Events, wherever you are. It is free, a moderator checks it, and it appears here and to every member nearby. Running several a year? Email [email protected] for a listing invite.