Diwali 2026 in Amsterdam: How to Celebrate with Family, Friends and Food

Published: 5 November 2026  |  Estimated reading time: 6 minutes  |  Written by Anand Rathi

Diwali is one of those celebrations that brings people together, whether that means lighting a diya at home, visiting family or gathering around a table full of food.

For some, it is a festival they have celebrated since childhood. For others, it might be their first opportunity to learn about the traditions, stories and flavours associated with it.

If you're spending Diwali in Amsterdam this year, you don't need an elaborate programme to make the occasion meaningful.

A little time with people you care about, an appreciation of the festival's traditions and a meal shared together can be a lovely way to celebrate.

Here's what to know about Diwali 2026 and a few ideas for enjoying the occasion in Amsterdam.

What Is Diwali and Why Is It Celebrated?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is often called the Festival of Lights.

It is celebrated by millions of people across India and around the world, with traditions that vary between regions, religions and families.

For many Hindus, the festival is associated with the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Some traditions celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, while others honour Goddess Lakshmi or tell different regional stories connected to the festival.

Diwali also holds significance in Jain and Sikh communities, although the traditions and historical events associated with the occasion are distinct.

Celebrations can include lighting oil lamps, decorating homes, preparing sweets, sharing gifts, visiting loved ones and taking part in prayers.

There isn't just one way to celebrate. What people do often depends on their family traditions and personal connection to the festival.

Celebrating Diwali Away from Home

Spending a festival in another country can feel different, especially when you're used to celebrating with a larger family.

You might miss the decorations at home, familiar sweets, family gatherings or simply the atmosphere of everyone preparing for the occasion.

But celebrating away from home can also be an opportunity to create new traditions.

You could invite a few friends over, call family members, prepare a favourite dish or arrange a dinner together.

Amsterdam is home to people from many backgrounds, including Indian and Surinamese-Hindustani communities, and Diwali is meaningful to many families across these communities.

Whether you celebrate every year or are joining friends for the first time, the occasion can be a chance to spend time together and learn about one another's traditions.

Five Simple Ways to Celebrate Diwali in Amsterdam

You don't need to fill the entire day with activities. A few thoughtful plans can make Sunday feel special.

1. Bring a Little Light into Your Home

Diyas, candles and decorative lights are closely associated with Diwali.

Even a small arrangement of lights can create a festive atmosphere at home. If you're decorating, remember to follow building rules and use candles safely, or choose LED alternatives.

2. Call or Visit Family and Friends

Not everyone can be in the same city for Diwali.

A video call, a message or a visit to friends nearby can help you stay connected to the people you usually celebrate with.

3. Share Something Sweet

Sweets are an important part of many Diwali traditions.

Depending on the family and region, celebrations might include laddoo, barfi, jalebi or other homemade favourites.

Sharing sweets with friends or colleagues is also a lovely way to introduce someone to the occasion.

4. Enjoy a Relaxed Day Around Amsterdam

If you're spending the day in the city, make time for a walk, meet friends for coffee or explore a neighbourhood you don't visit often.

De Pijp is a good place for an unhurried afternoon, with independent shops, cafés and the nearby Sarphatipark.

You can learn more about the area in our guide to Miri Mary in De Pijp.

5. Gather Around a Shared Meal

For many families, preparing and sharing food is one of the most memorable parts of Diwali.

If you don't feel like cooking, meeting at a restaurant can be an easy way to bring everyone together.

At Miri Mary, the dinner menu is built around regional Indian flavours and dishes intended for sharing, giving friends and family the chance to enjoy different plates together.

Why Food Is Such an Important Part of Diwali

Food has a way of making celebrations feel personal.

A particular sweet might remind you of childhood. A family recipe might bring back memories of preparing for a festival. Even sitting down to eat together can make an ordinary evening feel different.

Across India, the foods associated with Diwali vary widely.

Some households prepare traditional sweets and savoury snacks, while others organise a larger family meal. The dishes, ingredients and customs depend on regional and family traditions.

There is no single menu that represents every Diwali celebration.

What often matters most is the act of sharing: offering food to others, spending time together and making guests feel welcome.

An Indian Dinner in De Pijp for Diwali

If you're looking for somewhere to meet family or friends on 8 November, Miri Mary offers Diwali dinner reservations at its restaurant on Van der Helstplein.

The restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine inspired by different regions of the country.

Rather than choosing one dish per person and keeping everything separate, you can order several plates for the table and enjoy different flavours together.

The regular dinner menu includes dishes such as Butter Chicken, with tandoori chicken in a tomato-fenugreek sauce, and Smoked Black Lentils, a slow-cooked dal with deep, smoky flavours.

There are vegetarian choices too, including Grilled Oyster Mushrooms in Saffron Cream, inspired by Kashmiri flavours.

For something from India's coastal cooking traditions, the menu also features Kerala-style prawns.

You can add breads and other sharing plates to build a meal around the preferences of your table.

These dishes are examples from Miri Mary's regular dinner menu, not a special Diwali menu. Check the current menu before visiting, since availability may change.

Celebrating with Vegetarian Friends and Family

When planning a meal for Diwali, it's worth thinking about the dietary preferences of everyone joining you.

Some people prefer vegetarian food during the festival for religious or personal reasons, while others follow their usual diets.

Miri Mary's regular menu includes vegetarian dishes, and vegan-friendly choices may be available depending on the ingredients and preparation.

If your group has specific religious dietary practices, allergies or strict vegetarian requirements, contact the team beforehand.

That gives the restaurant an opportunity to explain the current options rather than leaving anyone uncertain when ordering.

Brunch or Dinner on Diwali Sunday?

Because Diwali falls on a Sunday in 2026, both daytime and evening meals can fit into your plans.

If you're meeting friends earlier in the day, Miri Mary serves brunch and lunch on Sundays from 10:30 to 15:00, with last food orders at 14:45.

The daytime menu has a different character from dinner, combining Indian-inspired flavours with familiar brunch favourites.

You might prefer an earlier meal if you're visiting relatives later, have children joining you or simply want to keep the evening free.

Dinner, served from 17:30, is another option if you'd rather gather around a table in the evening.

Both services use Miri Mary's regular menus. There is no separate Diwali brunch or festive set menu announced.

Planning a Diwali Meal for a Larger Group

For some people, Diwali is best enjoyed with a larger table of relatives, friends or colleagues.

If you're organising a group, it helps to know roughly how many guests will attend and whether anyone has dietary requirements before making the reservation.

At Miri Mary, dinner groups of six or more are served the Chef's Heritage Menu, a three-course family-style menu inspired by regional Indian cooking.

Groups of up to 16 guests can use the online reservation system to check available tables.

If you're planning for 17 or more people, use the events enquiry page to discuss the arrangements with the team.

Sharing your requirements in advance makes it easier to plan the meal around your group.

Before You Book for 8 November

Miri Mary is located at Van der Helstplein 15H, 1073 AR Amsterdam, in the heart of De Pijp.

For Sunday, 8 November, the regular service schedule is:

• Brunch and lunch: 10:30–15:00, with last food orders at 14:45.
• Dinner: 17:30–22:00, with last food orders at 21:45.
• Reservations: check available times through the online booking page.

No special Diwali discount or separate festival menu is advertised, so plan around the usual food and reservation arrangements.

You can visit the Diwali dinner page for the occasion-specific details or use the reservation page to check the latest availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali 2026 in Amsterdam?

Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, according to the Indian Embassy in the Netherlands. The festival is celebrated by families and communities in different ways, often through lights, prayers, sweets, visits and shared meals.

Can I celebrate Diwali with dinner at Miri Mary?

Yes. Miri Mary in De Pijp offers regular dinner reservations on Sunday, 8 November 2026, from 17:30. Guests can order from the usual Indian sharing-plates menu. There is no separate Diwali menu or special discount advertised. Check available tables before visiting.

Does Miri Mary have vegetarian options for Diwali?

Yes. Miri Mary's regular menu includes vegetarian dishes, and other dietary preferences can be discussed with the team in advance. If you have strict religious dietary requirements, allergies or vegan preferences, contact the restaurant before booking to confirm suitable options.