Diwali 2025 in North York: Your Complete Guide
Make the most of Diwali week (October 17–20, 2025). This guide covers dates, local and nearby events, décor ideas, temple celebrations, shopping for diyas and rangoli, and answers to common questions — all focused on North York and the GTA.
When is Diwali 2025?
Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, with most community events happening from Friday, October 17 through Monday, October 20.
Featured Events (Oct 17–20)
North York & Scarborough Events
| Date | Event | Location | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 17 | Nandy Sisters Live – Celebrate Diwali | North York (Toronto Pavilion) | Concert by Antara & Ankita Nandy; multilingual Bollywood set. | $50–$107 |
| Sun, Oct 19 | Diya Decorating Workshop | North York (CF Fairview Mall) | Hands-on clay diya craft guided by artists; take home your lamp. | $28 |
| Mon, Oct 20 | Chopda Pujan & Fireworks – BAPS Mandir | Scarborough | Evening ritual & fireworks ~8:15 PM; open to all. | Free |
Downtown & GTA Events
| Date | Event | Location | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 17 | Diwali Bling Toronto – Gala & Dance Party | Vaughan (Le Banquet Hall) | Upscale gala; DJs, fusion dance, festive market & photo booths. | ~$25 (adv) |
| Fri, Oct 17 | Diwali ft. AJ Wavy | Downtown (Pearl Event Centre) | Live act + DJs, sparklers, Indian sweets, big crowd vibe. | From ~$25 |
| Fri, Oct 17 | TAMASHA Diwali | Downtown (Mister Wolf) | Bollywood/Desi club night; dress traditional or modern. | From ~$23 |
| Sat, Oct 18 | Diwali Mela – Gerrard India Bazaar | Downtown East (Gerrard St E) | Free street festival; live DJ, bazaar shopping, sweets, sparklers. | Free |
| Sat–Sun, Oct 18–19 | Diwali Festival – Toronto Premium Outlets | Halton Hills | Shopping weekend with performances; family-friendly. | Free |
| Mon, Oct 20 | Diwali Puja & Fireworks – Hindu Heritage Centre | Mississauga | Lakshmi Puja ~6 PM; fireworks 8 PM; community celebration. | Free |
Note: Times and details can change. Check organizer pages before you go.
Diwali Décor at Home
Across North York, homes glow with the soft light of diyas and candles, bright marigold garlands, colourful rangoli, and warm string lights. Décor is as much about feeling as aesthetics — welcoming friends, family, and prosperity into the home.
Traditional elements
- Diyas & candles: place along windows, balconies, and entrances to symbolize light over darkness.
- Rangoli: coloured powders or petals at the threshold to invite good fortune.
- Marigold garlands: vibrant orange/yellow chains for joy and celebration.
- Lanterns & string lights: modern and traditional lights for a gentle evening glow.
- Altars & offerings: Lakshmi & Ganesha with incense, flowers, and sweets.
Where to buy locally
💡 Quick Tip for North York Residents
Save yourself the drive downtown! While Gerrard India Bazaar (downtown on Gerrard St E) has the widest selection of traditional diyas, rangoli powders, torans, and textiles, you can find quality Diwali supplies much closer to home.
North York & Nearby Options:
- Guru Pooja & Decor – Specialty shop with diyas, rangoli supplies, and traditional décor
- The Gift Marche – Festive items and gift hampers
- Local Indian Grocers – Marigold garlands, LED lanterns, and sweets during Diwali week
- Florists in North York – Fresh marigold garlands and flower arrangements
For the most extensive traditional selection, Gerrard India Bazaar is worth the trip downtown, but North York residents have convenient local options for most Diwali essentials.
Food, Gifts & Shopping
- Gifts: curated hampers (sweets + candles), artisan diyas/torans, or modern LED light strings.
- Sweets: barfi, laddus, jalebi; order boxes ahead for Oct 19–20 pickup.
- DIY: home diya-painting; printable rangoli stencils for kids.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Diwali in 2025?
- Diwali is Monday, October 20, 2025. Many festivals and temple programs run Oct 17–20.
- Are Diwali melas and temple events free?
- Many are free and open to all ages (temples and street melas). Ticketed galas, club nights, and concerts list prices on their event pages.
- Where can I buy diyas, rangoli supplies, and décor locally?
- Head to Gerrard India Bazaar for traditional diyas, rangoli powders, torans, and textiles. Near North York, look for Guru Pooja & Decor and The Gift Marche, plus Indian grocers and florists stocking marigold garlands and LED lanterns during Diwali week.