Diwali 2026 in Amstelveen

Fairy lights in the shop windows and the scent of cardamom in the air: Amstelveen is getting ready for Diwali. The Festival of Lights falls on Sunday 8 November this year, but here the celebrations start as early as Friday 23 October. Get your hands hennaed at de Bijenkorf, graze your way around the free Diwali Festival and laugh along with stand-up comedy at ANNA.

Delicate swirls of henna are as much a part of Diwali as the little clay lamps that glow in every window. At de Bijenkorf, you can try both. On two Friday afternoons, a henna artist decorates hands with festive designs – kids included. On the Sundays, paint your own diya or make a lantern to take home. That’s your first Diwali light sorted, well ahead of 8 November.

For one afternoon, Handelsplein in the Stadshart becomes a little slice of India. At the free Diwali Festival, music and dance performances fill the stage all day long. In between, tuck into dishes from several Indian restaurants and browse stalls selling traditional clothing, jewellery, handmade sweets and Diwali decorations. The festival is one of the highlights of Amstelveen’s year and draws visitors from across the region. A great day out for the whole family, grandparents included.

Tip: Come hungry, for many visitors, the food is the best part of the day.

Two days before Diwali itself, ANNA on the Amsterdamseweg throws open its doors for an evening of food, music and laughter. Dance group Fusion Beats performs Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance style, while a line-up of singers switches between retro classics and Bollywood favourites. Then four stand-up comedians take the stage, poking fun at expat life, culture clashes and themselves. Peckish? The food comes from The Indian Kitchen and Indian Street Food & Co.

Tip: Stick around for the afterparty: from 22:00, DJ Dee mixes Hindi film music with electronic beats.

No Diwali is complete without a feast, and Amstelveen has an impressive number of Indian restaurants to choose from. On the Karel Doormanweg, Indian Street Food & Co. serves pani puri and kathi rolls, while The Indian Kitchen next door is known for Punjabi curries and crispy garlic naan. Pakwaan on the Rembrandtweg mixes street food with classics, Diwali Palace has the festival in its name and Bits & Bites in Westwijk is the spot for a quick, affordable bite.