FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Diwali 2024: Here are the Best Diwali Melas in Delhi You Have to Visit

Ragini Mehra

Last updated: Oct 23, 2024

Author Recommends

See

India Gate is dedicated to all the Indian soldiers of the British Army who died in World War I
The Humayun’s Tomb is an excellent example of Persian architecture
Shah Jahan’s last architectural extravagance, the Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque

Do

Delhi by Cycle Tours are a unique way of exploring Delhi while pedaling along at your own pace
Old Delhi Bazaar Walk helps you explore Delhi’s rich culture, heritage, history and cuisine

Click

Colourful souvenirs at the Diwali Mela you visit
Sunset shots of the Red Fort
Perspective photography at Qutub Minar

Filmy

Delhi has fast become a major hub for Bollywood films. Some of the popular movies shot here include "Rockstar", "Rang De Basanti", "Delhi 6", "Aisha", "Vicky Donor", "Raanjhanaa" and "Fukrey"

Safety

Police Control Room: 100
Women’s Helpline: 1091
Ambulance: 102
Tourist City Information Service: 1280

Want To Go ? 
   

Diwali, the biggest, the brightest and one of the most joyous celebrations in India is just round the corner and Delhi is gearing up for all the festivities. The best part about Diwali—the Diwali Mela fever is about to begin! Here's a handpicked list of melas to help you decide which one (or more!) to visit this year.

Buy Diwali Gift Card

1. Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela

diwali-mela-in-delhi
Floating candles from Delhi's most popular mela will make for perfect Diwali decorations | Photo Credit: Anubha Mehra
 

A favourite among Dilliwallahs for over 50 years, Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela has all it takes to be the most talked about mela in the city. The giant Ferris Wheel, magic shows, countless food stalls, shopping kiosks and a contagious festive air – these are some of the things to look forward to at the mela. I am particularly in love with the Dilli ki chaat served at the food stalls here. What’s more, handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, bags, colourful floating candles, diyas and other Diwali knick-knacks can be found in abundance. Don’t forget to take home some for yourself and your loved ones!

Where: Sunder Nagar Colony Park, Near Delhi Public School, Sunder Nagar

When: 19-20 October (4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

2. Blind School Diwali Mela

diwali-mela-delhisShop
Shop for hand-painted diyas at the Blind School Diwali Mela
 

I have forever been mesmerised by the huge collection of diyas and candles (made by blind school students) along with other Diwali decorations on offer here. This bazaar is organized as an annual event by the Blind School Relief Association in New Delhi. Last year, I bought handmade candles and beautifully painted pots for plants which were appreciated by everyone! The stalls here have a lot of unique home décor items on sale. This Diwali Mela is also a hit for its food stalls which offer cuisines from different states of India. My favourite is the spicy Rajasthani Thali and Matka Kulfi.

Where: Blind School Relief Association, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Near Oberoi Hotel

When: 18- 24 October (10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Read More: Top 7 Things You Must Do in Delhi

3. Select Citywalk Diwali Bazaar

diwali-mela-delhi-fabric
Colourful handicrafts on sale at Select Citywalk
 

If you are confused about what to gift your friends this Diwali, a visit to the Select CityWalk Mela will give you some great options to choose from. From apparel and accessories to curios for your home, you will be spoilt for choice as you explore the stalls here. Traditional imitation jewellery and hand-painted trays make for great Diwali gifts. Held in the Select Citywalk courtyard, the added advantage of visiting this mela is that you can extend your shopping trip and head to the mall afterwards.

Where: Select Citywalk Mall, District Centre Saket, Sector 6, Pushp Vihar

When: 16-20 October (12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

4. Epicentre Diwali Mela

diwali-mela-delhi-workshop
Art and craft workshop for kids at Epicentre Diwali Mela l Photo Credit: Epicentre Gurgaon
 

Welcome to the Epicentre Diwali Mela which will be the host to India’s first ever Transformers Cosplay Mania. Though the entry to the Diwali Mela is free, tickets for the play will have to be purchased separately. The fun doesn’t end here.There are a lot of other cultural and dance events to pick from as well. While you enjoy the cultural performances, you can drop your kids at the special painting workshop held here on the three days. Last but not the least, there’ll be lots of shopping, food and a stall for homemade chocolates and cakes too.

Where: Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon

When: 19-21 October (11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Read More: Know All About Delhi & What it Has to Offer

5. Defence Colony Diwali Bazaar

diwali-mela-delhi-thalip
Choose from a wide variety of decorative diyas for your home | Photo Credit: Rishi Gupta
 

Held in the posh locality of Defence Colony, this mela is known for its lively and fun-filled atmosphere. Innumerable food and shopping kiosks are setup inside colourful canopies which add a unique charm to the mela. What’s more, a DJ, dance performances and gaming stalls are other attractions for your entertainment.

Where: Gumbad Roundabout, Defence Colony Market

When:  Dates are yet to be announced

Each Diwali Mela in Delhi has so much to offer that I’m going to have a hard time picking one. As you think about which one to head to, here are some Diwali wishes for a prosperous year ahead! 

 

Buy Diwali Gift Card