Deepavali (also spelled Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights) falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, and because it lands on a Sunday Penang gets Monday 9 November off as the replacement holiday. In Penang the celebrations centre on Little India in the heart of George Town, where the lanes around Lebuh Pasar, Lebuh Queen and Lebuh King fill up with festive stalls in the weeks before the big day.
Expect shophouses and pavement stalls selling saris and Punjabi suits, bangles and jewellery, brass oil lamps (vilakku), fresh flower garlands, kolam powder and boxes of murukku, laddu and other Deepavali sweets. Festive lights and music make the evenings especially atmospheric. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Little India, Penang's oldest Hindu temple, is decorated for the festival and worth a respectful visit.
On Deepavali morning itself, many Hindu families head to temple for prayers before hosting open houses (rumah terbuka) for friends of every background. Some Indian eateries may close on the day itself so staff can celebrate, so if you want banana-leaf rice, thosai or biryani in Little India, the days before are a safer bet.
Who is it for? Anyone who wants to soak up one of Penang's most colourful festive streetscapes, photographers, and families doing their festive shopping. Go in the late afternoon or evening for the lights, and be ready for big crowds on the final weekend (7–8 November).
Highlights
- Festive stalls on Lebuh Pasar, Lebuh Queen and Lebuh King
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple decorations
- Deepavali sweets, flower garlands, oil lamps and festive wear
- Replacement public holiday on Mon 9 Nov 2026
Tips
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove shoes before entering temples.
- Roads and car parks around Little India get congested on the eve of Deepavali; walk or take public transport.
- Book accommodation early: the long weekend is a busy travel period.
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: timeText, bazaar start date, stall operating hours. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
Little India, George Town, Lebuh Pasar, Lebuh Queen & Lebuh King, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang. Rapid Penang buses to Weld Quay / Lebuh Chulia; Little India is a short walk from the Swettenham Pier and Weld Quay stops. Ferry passengers from Butterworth (Penang Sentral) can walk in from the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda terminal. Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More festivals in Penang · What's on in George Town · What's on in Penang this month · Penang festive events from Deepavali to Chinese New Year
Information from Penang Global Tourism event listing – Deepavali 8 Nov 2026, The Star – pre-Deepavali places to visit (27 Oct 2026), OnPenang – Deepavali in Penang 2026 visitor guide, Malaysia 2027 public holiday list context (HR Online). Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
