Diwali in Rishikesh 2026 at Simply Heaven
A quiet riverside Diwali with Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, clay diyas, a festive buffet and a bonfire, 13 km from Triveni Ghat on Neelkanth Temple Road.
Diwali in Rishikesh: the short answer
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November. At Simply Heaven Rishikesh you can celebrate it beside River Heul on Neelkanth Temple Road with a Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, clay diya lighting, a festive buffet dinner and a quiet bonfire, then see the Ganga Aarti in town. Stays are in AC cottages with attached bathrooms. Call or WhatsApp +91 93689 99410 for the Diwali rate.
| Diwali date | Sunday, 8 November 2026 (suggested stay 7 to 9 November) |
|---|---|
| Location | Simply Heaven, Neelkanth Temple Road, P.O. Maral, Rishikesh 249304 |
| Stay | AC cottages and interconnected family rooms, all with attached western bathrooms |
| Meals | 3 buffet meals a day, morning and evening tea with snacks, festive Diwali dinner |
| Diwali evening | Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, diya lighting, acoustic music and bonfire |
| Add-ons | River rafting, waterfall trek, Ganga Aarti visit |
| Check-in / out | 12:00 PM / 10:00 AM, government photo ID for every guest |
| Booking | Token advance from ₹500 up to 25% of the package; balance at check-in |
How is Diwali celebrated in Rishikesh?
Diwali in Rishikesh is celebrated with temple visits, clay diyas on homes and ghats, the evening Ganga Aarti and family meals, and it is far quieter than a city Diwali. The town sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills, so the festival feels spiritual rather than loud.
At Simply Heaven Rishikesh, the evening starts with a Lakshmi-Ganesh puja on the lawn. Guests then light clay diyas along the pathways towards River Heul, sit down to a festive buffet, and end the night around the bonfire with acoustic music. Families who want the town's atmosphere can visit the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat before dinner.
Lakshmi-Ganesh puja
On Diwali evening
Clay diyas
Eco-friendly lighting
Festive buffet
Sweets and Garhwali dishes
What does the Diwali package include?
The Diwali package covers your room, all meals and the festival evening, so the only extras are optional activities and travel.
- AC cottage with an attached western bathroom and hot water
- Three buffet meals a day plus morning and evening tea with snacks
- Lakshmi-Ganesh puja and diya lighting on Diwali evening, 8 November
- Festive Diwali dinner with traditional sweets
- Bonfire with acoustic music, volleyball and badminton
- Optional: rafting in Rishikesh, waterfall trek, cab to the Ganga Aarti
Prefer more comfort? Choose a luxury camping cottage with a king-size bed and room service.
Who is it for?
- Families: multi-bed cottages, safe diya area and mild meals for children. See the family package.
- Couples: a private cottage and a quiet evening by the river. See the couple package.
- Friends and small groups: bonfire, music and a rafting morning.
- Elders: ground-floor cottages, level paths and a short drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Suggested Diwali weekend plan: 7 to 9 November 2026
A two-night stay gives you one relaxed day, the full Diwali evening and an unhurried morning before check-out. Other dates are available on request.
Saturday 7 Nov: arrive and settle in
Check in from 12:00 PM, lunch, a walk to River Heul and the riverbank, evening tea and a bonfire dinner.
Sunday 8 Nov: Diwali day
Breakfast, an optional morning rafting trip or waterfall trek, rest after lunch, then the Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, diya lighting, festive dinner and music by the fire.
Monday 9 Nov: slow morning
Breakfast by the river and check-out at 10:00 AM. Many guests stop at Bajrang Setu glass bridge and Lakshman Jhula on the way home.
Diwali highlights at our riverside resort
Four things guests remember most about a Diwali at Simply Heaven.
Ganga Aarti in town
Triveni Ghat is about 13 km away; the evening aarti is a short cab ride before dinner.
Festive buffet
Garhwali and North Indian dishes with traditional Diwali sweets.
Lakshmi-Ganesh puja
A traditional evening puja on the lawn, followed by prasad.
Lights across the valley
Town lights glow across the valley while you sit by the bonfire with acoustic music.
What is the weather in Rishikesh at Diwali?
Early November is dry and clear in Rishikesh: days are warm, usually in the mid-20s °C, and nights cool to around 10 to 13 °C. Rain is rare, so outdoor puja, rafting and bonfires all run comfortably.
What to pack
- Festive clothes for the puja and a light jacket or shawl for the evening
- Comfortable shoes with grip for the riverbank and trek
- Quick-dry clothes if you plan to raft
- Government photo ID for every guest
How to reach Simply Heaven for Diwali
Simply Heaven is on Neelkanth Temple Road in Maral, about 13 km from Triveni Ghat. Leave Delhi early, because roads into Rishikesh are busy on festival weekends.
- By road from Delhi: about 240 km, roughly 5 to 6 hours via the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Free parking on site.
- By train: Yog Nagari Rishikesh or Haridwar Junction, then a cab to Neelkanth Temple Road.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 30 to 35 km away, around an hour by cab.
Full directions and a map are on the contact and booking page.
Things to do in Rishikesh over the Diwali weekend
With a free morning or afternoon, these are the easiest outings from the resort.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: the well-known Shiva temple further up the same Neelkanth Temple Road.
- Bajrang Setu glass bridge and Lakshman Jhula: walk across the Ganga on the glass-floor bridge.
- Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan: evening Ganga Aarti, about 13 and 15 km away.
- White water rafting: the 16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach stretch takes a morning.
Staying on for the winter season? The Christmas party in Rishikesh and the New Year party 2027 are open for booking, and every stay option is compared in our guide to camping in Rishikesh.
Book your Diwali 2026 stay by the river
Riverside cottages for 7 to 9 November fill first. Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp and the team will reply with the Diwali rate.
WhatsApp for Diwali bookingDiwali Celebration: frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Lakshmi Puja is performed on Diwali evening, so most guests check in on Saturday 7 November and check out on Monday 9 November.
Is Rishikesh a good place to celebrate Diwali?
Yes. Rishikesh is a quiet Himalayan town on the Ganga where Diwali is celebrated with temple visits, clay diyas and the evening Ganga Aarti rather than heavy firecrackers. November also brings clear skies and pleasant days, which suits a short family holiday.
What is included in the Simply Heaven Diwali package?
The Diwali stay includes an AC cottage with an attached bathroom, three buffet meals a day with morning and evening tea, a Lakshmi-Ganesh puja and diya lighting on Diwali evening, and a bonfire with acoustic music. River rafting and a waterfall trek can be added.
How much does a Diwali package in Rishikesh cost?
The price depends on the number of nights and your group size, and festival dates are priced separately from regular weekends. Call or WhatsApp +91 93689 99410 for the current Diwali rate; a token advance confirms the booking.
Is the Diwali celebration at Simply Heaven family friendly?
Yes. The property is enclosed, the puja and diya lighting are held in a safe open area, meals include mild kid-friendly dishes, and multi-bed AC cottages are available. See the family package in Rishikesh for room options.
Can I go river rafting during the Diwali weekend?
Yes. October and November are part of the main rafting season in Rishikesh, with clear water and comfortable weather. The resort arranges the 16 km Shivpuri to NIM Beach stretch and others on request.
What is the weather in Rishikesh during Diwali?
Early November in Rishikesh is usually dry and clear, with warm days in the mid-20s °C and cool nights around 10 to 13 °C. Pack a light jacket or sweater for the evening puja and bonfire.
Where can I see the Ganga Aarti on Diwali in Rishikesh?
The best-known evening Ganga Aartis are at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan. Triveni Ghat is about 13 km and Parmarth Niketan about 15 km from Simply Heaven, so plan to leave around 4:30 PM by cab.
How far in advance should I book for Diwali?
Book two to four weeks ahead. The Diwali weekend is popular with Delhi NCR families and riverside cottages fill first. Booking needs a token advance of ₹500 up to 25% of the package value, with the balance paid at check-in.
What are the check-in and check-out times for the Diwali stay?
Standard check-in is 12:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM. Every guest must carry a valid government photo ID.
Need exact dates or rates? Call or WhatsApp +91 93689 99410.
Plan the rest of your Rishikesh trip
- Family package in Rishikesh →Multi-bed AC cottages, kid-friendly food and gentle activities.
- Christmas party in Rishikesh →Christmas Eve dinner, cake cutting and bonfire.
- New Year party in Rishikesh 2026-27 →31 December DJ night, fireworks, gala dinner and stay from ₹2,999.
- Luxury camping in Rishikesh →AC cottages with private bathrooms, room heaters in winter and room service.
- Camping in Rishikesh: complete guide →Stay types, packages, best time, how to reach and booking.
- Bajrang Setu glass bridge →Visitor guide to the glass-floor bridge by Lakshman Jhula.