Opening
Lighting the Lamps
The story of Diwali, told as the festival opens.
Programme · 24 and 25 October 2026 · Atomium Esplanade
Two days. All of India.
Music, dance, magic, food and fireworks. India's biggest celebration, open to everyone. Choose your day, or come for both.
Choose your day
Whichever day you choose, the night ends with fireworks and Ticket2Bollywood.
Saturday 24 Oct · From noon
The Welcome
स्वागतम्
Lamps, music and the pooja for world peace and harmony.
Procession
The Procession
To the festival temple, in music and colour.
Only on Saturday
Ceremony
Pooja for World Peace and Harmony
The heart of the festival. Everyone is welcome.
Classical dance
An Offering in Dance
Classical dance, offered as the day begins.
Saturday 24 Oct · Afternoon
The Heritage
विरासत
Masters, epics and flavours.
Exclusive concertOnly on Saturday
Dr. Suryaprakash
Vidwan of the Festival विद्वान
The festival's guest maestro gives one concert only: the classical music of South India, live at the foot of the Atomium.
Classical dance
Vandana: the Classical Invocation
A dance of salutation opens the stage.
Only on Saturday
Dance
Deva Shree Ganesha
A tribute to the remover of obstacles.
Film and talk
The Spice Route: a Culinary Journey
India's food story, told in film and talk.
Only on Saturday
Children
Little India: the Next Generation
The festival's youngest performers.
Only on Saturday
Dance drama
Ramayana: the Epic behind Diwali
The story of Rama's return, in dance drama.
Magic
Jadoo: the Indian Magic Show
Wonder for children of every age.
Only on Saturday
Saree showcase
Six Yards of Grace
The saree in all its regional styles.
Live music
The Conservatory Concert
Art India Music Conservatory, live.
Saturday 24 Oct · Evening
The Colours of India
रंग
Culture and diversity on one stage.
Telugu cinema
Tollywood Fire
The pulse of Telugu cinema.
Rajasthan
Ghoomar: the Royal Swirl of Rajasthan
The dance of the desert palaces.
Urban
Desi Beats: Hip Hop
India's new generation, in its own language.
North India
Kathak: Three Gharanas, One Stage
Jaipur, Lucknow and Banaras side by side.
South India
Dakshin: a Journey through South India
The dances of the South in one sweep.
Gujarat
Devi: a Celebration of Motherhood
Gujarat's tribute to the Mother Goddess.
Guests of honour
The Diwali Address
Greetings from the guests of honour.
Only on Saturday
Punjab
Pind: a Journey to the Punjabi Village
The beat and the joy of rural Punjab.
Saturday and Sunday · Night
The return of
Ticket2Bollywood
Art India's Bollywood night is back, on both nights of the festival. Two different days. The same big night.
1 · On stage
Bollywood
The stage show
The festival's dancers open the night on stage.
2 · Introducing
DJ Nitro
First time on the Diwali stage
The esplanade turns dance floor.
3 · Fireworks
Diwali in the Sky
Fireworks at the Atomium
Both nights, weather permitting.
4 · Headline set
DJ Param
The best Indian DJ in Europe
The main set. Dance until the lights go down.
That was Saturday. Sunday has its own programme.
See Sunday: EncountersDon't miss
One ticket. Come Saturday or Sunday, or both.
No booking fees. One ticket, come Saturday or Sunday, or both.
Between the acts
See
Colourful stalls with costumes and crafts.
Hear
A dhol you feel before you hear it.
Taste
Chaat, dosa and jalebi, region by region.
Drink
Masala chai, sweet lassi and the festival bars.
Feel
A hand-decorated temple at the foot of the Atomium.
This programme is subject to change and modification.