Diwali Team Celebration 2026: Ideas for Office and Remote Teams
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The five days of celebration run from Friday, 6 November to Tuesday, 10 November, so most companies celebrate with their teams in the days just before or just after. For many international teams, Diwali is one of the happiest days of the year, and a team celebration is a lovely way to share it with colleagues who have never celebrated it before.
I am Nistha Trehun, founder of Kitty Party. Since 2019 I have hosted more than 300 events for over 50,000 people, including Diwali celebrations for teams in Berlin and for global teams online. Here are the ideas that work best, for teams in one office and for teams spread across countries.
Diwali ideas for virtual and global teams
1. Virtual Indian cooking with the Dancing Chef. Everyone cooks a festive Indian dish live from their own kitchen, with music and short dance breaks between the steps. After booking we send a shopping list, and each person buys their own ingredients. Most sessions last about 60 minutes.
2. Bollywood trivia. Questions about Bollywood films, Indian food and Diwali traditions, played in mixed teams. Nobody needs to know anything about India to enjoy it, and it works just as well for 20 people as for several hundred.
3. Festive drinks workshop. Teams make spiced mocktails or warm spiced drinks together. In online sessions each person can choose the mocktail or the cocktail version, using their own ingredients from our list.
4. Laughter yoga for large groups. Simple laughter and breathing exercises that need no special clothes and no experience. As a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, I run sessions from 15 to 45 minutes, for small teams and for groups of more than 1,000 people.
5. Spice workshop. A playful introduction to the spices that make Indian festive food so special. Participants smell, guess and learn, using the spices they have at home from the list we send.
Diwali ideas for teams in Berlin
1. Butter Masala cooking class. Our best-known format: Butter Masala with paneer or tofu, rice and sides, cooked together in a professional kitchen that I book for your team. When I arrange the kitchen, I also bring all the ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan and nut-free versions are possible. Duration: 120 to 180 minutes.
2. Indian block printing at your office. Teams print their own Diwali greeting cards or wrapping paper with traditional wooden stamps. I bring all the materials, and the session takes place at your office or venue.
3. Bollywood trivia or pub quiz at your office. A hosted quiz with Diwali and Bollywood rounds, perfect for an afternoon break or an evening celebration.
4. Mocktail workshop at your office. Teams mix colourful festive mocktails together. Your team provides the ingredients from the list I send after booking, and I bring the recipes, the hosting and the festive atmosphere.
5. Laughter yoga at your office or conference. A short, energising session for any group size, in everyday work clothes.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main day is Sunday, 8 November 2026. The five days of celebration run from 6 to 10 November.
Can colleagues join from different countries?
Yes. Our online Diwali events run live in English, and colleagues can join from anywhere.
Do you send ingredient kits?
No. For online events we send a shopping list after booking, and each person buys their own ingredients. For our Butter Masala and paratha classes in a kitchen we arrange in Berlin, we bring the ingredients.
How many people can join?
From small teams to very large groups. Trivia and laughter yoga work for hundreds of people at once, and we have affordable options for large groups.
In which language are the events?
Online events are in English. Events in Berlin are in English or German.
How early should we book?
We recommend getting in touch at least two to three weeks before your preferred date.
Plan your Diwali celebration
Tell me your preferred date, how many people will join and whether you want to celebrate online or in Berlin, and I will suggest the best format for your team. Check availability, or see all virtual team events and team events in Berlin.