Diwali, the festival of lights is one among the most revered festivals in India and nowhere do the festive spirits shine more brightly than in Delhi. This city lights up with decorations, sweets, and excitement; and for many, the Diwali season also means shopping! From traditional wear to home décor, gift items to sweets, Delhi offers a variety of markets to cater to every need in Diwali.
If you are looking to do your Diwali shopping in Delhi, read on. We will be telling you all that you should know-from the market timings and specialties to metro access and shopping tips-so that you can make the most of the festive season.
Whether you are looking for exquisite ethnic wear, Home decor items, or just want to immerse yourself in the festive fervor, Delhi markets have plenty for you. Let’s get going with some of the best places for Diwali shopping.
Chandni Chowk
Specialty: Traditional attire, Home décor, and jewellery
Open: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Market Location: Chandni Chowk Market
Nearest Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line)
Chandni Chowk, anyone? Well, it actually is synonymous with Diwali shopping. While the narrow lanes of the iconic market have been in existence for hundreds of years, they still manage to offer everything you need during the festival season. Among the biggest attractions during Diwali at Chandni Chowk are a vast array of ethnic wear, from sarees and lehengas to kurtas and sherwanis. If you are searching for handcrafted jewellery or embroidered fabrics, here’s where you ought to head to.
For home décor, especially items like lanterns, lights, and Diwali diya, lamps), you’ll find the best variety in small shops lining the streets. Don’t miss Dariba Kalan, the famous jewellery market, where you can pick up silver and gold items, perfect for the festive gifting season.
Shopping Tip: Bargain hard! Prices can vary drastically depending on your negotiation skills.
Dilli Haat
Specialty: Handicrafts, traditional items, and festive décor
Open: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Open all days)
Market Location: Dilli Haat INA
Nearest Metro: INA Metro Station (Yellow Line)
For those looking for handcrafted gifts and artisanal decor must-visit Dilli Haat. This open-air market showcases craftwork from across India, from handwoven textiles to ceramics, and painted diya. Dilli Haat also offers a wide range of ethnic wear made with traditional techniques, perfect for Diwali festivities.
Another highlight of Dilli Haat is its food stalls, where you can enjoy delicious snacks and regional foods from various Indian states. This combination of shopping and food makes it a fun, family-friendly destination during Diwali.
Shopping Tip: Look for unique Diwali gifts here, such as handmade candles and organic products.
Lajpat Nagar Market
Specialty: Indian attire, fabrics, and home décor
Open: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Market Location: Lajpat Nagar Market
Nearest Metro: Lajpat Nagar (Violet Line)
Lajpat Nagar is one of the popular affordable shopping markets. Should you want to look trending yet classy, Indian wear-the market offers great deals in terms of fabrics, suits, kurtas, and sarees, even ready-made or customized.
Lajpat Nagar sees the highest demand for the celebrations since it is selling mainly huge quantities of Diwali decorations: fairy lights, torans, door hangings, and festival-time tableware. Shops are selling furnishing such as curtains and cushion covers for the immediate festive look to your home.
Shopping Tip: The side streets often have the best bargains, and you can even get tailoring services on the spot for last-minute alterations.
Sarojini Nagar Market
Specialty: Fashion, accessories, and home décor
Open: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Market Location: Sarojini Market
Nearest Metro: Sarojini Nagar Metro Station (Pink Line)
Sarojini Nagar is the fashionista’s haven, from trend-setting western wear to ethnic outfits at prices that cannot be beaten. Budget-friendly with no prices in excess, the market has an incredibly wide variety of decorative items during Diwali-like lights, candles, and vibrant diyaa.
The range for this market is particularly popular among younger crowds for fashionable outfits to wear on Diwali party nights. It also offers a wide range of accessories-a fashion jewellery range, from bags to footwear-made in the fashion capital.
Shopping Tip: Always check for quality, as Sarojini Nagar is famous for its export surplus goods.
Karol Bagh Market
Specialty: Clothing, electronics, and Diwali décor
Open: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Market Location: Karol Bagh Market
Nearest Metro: Karol Bagh (Blue Line)
Karol Bagh is another colorful Delhi market that erupts during Diwali. In this marketplace, you would find any product conceivable-under the sun or moon. Be it sarees and sherwanis, jewellery or electronic items, everything is available here. On Diwali, market areas are also celebrated through decoration-like decorative lights, rangoli stencils, and diyas.
Even when you are looking for electronic items-from kitchen appliances to home speakers or mobile phones-Karol Bagh is known to hold the largest stock of these devices. During festivals, you can even get some at reduced prices.
Shopping Tip: For clothing, check out Ajmal Khan Road in Karol Bagh, where you’ll find an array of branded stores offering great Diwali discounts.
Khan Market
Specialty: High-end clothing, gourmet foods, and festive gifts
Open: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Market Location: Khan Market
Nearest Metro: Khan Market Metro Station (Violet Line)
If you are looking for some high-end shopping, then Khan Market is the one. It is an upmarket market that will stock anything, starting from designer clothes, gourmet food, and premium gifting options. For Diwali most shops stock limited collection festive items, which makes it ideal for unique and high class gifting ideas.
The market also has specialty stores offering organic candles, high-quality chocolates, and luxury hampers—ideal for Diwali gifting.
Shopping Tip: Visit one of the many cafes here after your shopping spree. Khan Market is famous for its delightful eateries, where you can unwind with a meal or a cup of coffee.
South Extension Market
Specialty: Designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories
Open: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Market Location: South Extension
Nearest Metro: South Extension Metro Station (Pink Line)
South Extension or South Ex is known for its designer stores and premium boutiques, making it one of the top places for high-end Diwali shopping. Here, you’ll find branded stores offering elegant ethnic wear, including sarees, lehengas, and jewellery, which are perfect for Diwali parties and functions.
The market also has several shops offering premium Diwali décor items, including handcrafted lamps and luxurious furnishings. If you’re looking to splurge on designer pieces, South Ex is a good place to visit.
Shopping Tip: Be prepared to spend a little extra here, but the quality and designs are worth the price.
Paharganj Market
Specialty: Affordable décor and quirky gifts
Open: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Open all days)
Market Location: Paharganj
Nearest Metro: Rk Ashram Marg Metro Station (Blue Line)
Paharganj is the right place for someone who wants quirky Diwali gifts or home decor, as it is a treasure trove for bargain shoppers. Every little thing from trendy bags, handmade candles, colourful tapestries, and funkily lit items available at throwaway prices will be found in the crowded marketplace. If you are searching for something little offbeat, then Paharganj is a perfect place to explore.
Shopping Tip: Paharganj is a crowded market, so it’s best to visit during the day when it’s easier to navigate the busy streets.