A Diwali dinner in Amritsar is easy to enjoy but harder to book at the last minute. Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and the festive season runs straight through Lohri and New Year’s Eve. This guide gives you the key dates, a simple planning checklist and the questions to ask before you reserve a table.
When Are Diwali, Lohri and New Year’s Eve?
The dates below come from published festival calendars. Local timings can shift slightly, so confirm any plans with your family and the restaurant.
| Occasion | Date | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November 2026 | Early family dinners |
| Choti Diwali | Saturday, 7 November 2026 | Casual get-togethers |
| Diwali | Sunday, 8 November 2026 | Big family tables |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday, 10 November 2026 | Sibling and family meals |
| New Year’s Eve | Thursday, 31 December 2026 | Friends and group dinners |
| Lohri | Wednesday, 13 January 2027 | Warm, shared winter dinners |
The Diwali dates are listed by Travel India Smart, which also notes that Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day. Lohri is confirmed for 13 January 2027.
How Should You Plan a Diwali Dinner in Amritsar?
Start with the basics, then work outward. A short checklist keeps things simple:
- Pick your date. Diwali night is the busiest, so consider the days around it.
- Count your guests, including children and elders.
- Decide whether you want a normal table or a private dining room.
- Message the restaurant as early as you can.
- Confirm the time, the table and any special requests a day before.
Planning early matters because festive evenings tend to fill up. Booking ahead also gives the kitchen time to prepare for larger groups.
What Should You Order for a Festive Group Meal?
A good festive table mixes starters, mains and breads, so everyone finds something they like. For seafood lovers, share Amritsari fish as a starter and add a plate of fish tikka for contrast. The Machhiwala also serves a full multi-cuisine menu, so vegetarian guests have plenty of choices too.
For a mixed group, aim for three or four starters, two or three mains and a basket of breads. Order in rounds rather than all at once, because hot dishes taste better fresh.
What About a Lohri Dinner?
Lohri is a Punjabi harvest festival that marks the end of the winter solstice, according to Twinkl’s festival guide. It is about warmth, family and shared food. That makes it a natural fit for a long table of hot dishes, especially in January.
If you are booking for Lohri, ask about the closing time and whether a larger group can sit together. The winter fish guide also explains why hot, crisp dishes work so well in the cold months.
What About a New Year’s Eve Dinner?
New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday in 2026. Because The Machhiwala’s regular hours run from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM, check whether the timings change that night, especially if you hope to be seated at midnight. It is better to ask than to assume.
If your group plans to drink, remember that the legal drinking age in Punjab is 25, as listed in this summary of India’s alcohol laws. Please arrange a cab or a designated driver, too.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- What are your opening and closing times on the festival day?
- Is there a festive menu, or is it the regular menu?
- Can you seat a group of my size together?
- Is a private dining room available, and is there a minimum spend?
- How long can we keep the table?
- Can you accommodate vegetarian guests and children?
The answers help you avoid surprises. They also make it easier for the team to prepare.
Book Your Festive Table at The Machhiwala
The Machhiwala by Makhan Fish Co. is at 310-A, Circular Rd, Green Avenue, and it is open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Message +91-9800910011 on WhatsApp or use the reservation page to ask about festive tables and private dining. You can look through the food menu (PDF) first.
Planning a bigger celebration? The guide to seafood in Amritsar during wedding season explains how private dining works, and the list of top restaurants for family dining and celebrations offers more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Dhanteras is on 6 November, Choti Diwali is on 7 November and Bhai Dooj is on 10 November.
When is Lohri in 2027?
Lohri is on Wednesday, 13 January 2027. It is a Punjabi harvest festival that marks the end of the winter solstice.
How early should I book a Diwali dinner in Amritsar?
Book as early as you can, especially for Diwali night and the weekend around it. Early bookings also help the restaurant plan for larger groups.
Does The Machhiwala offer private dining for festive groups?
Yes. The Machhiwala offers private dining and banquet rooms. Message +91-9800910011 on WhatsApp to ask about availability for your date.
What are The Machhiwala's opening hours on New Year's Eve?
The regular hours are 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM daily. Confirm the timings for New Year’s Eve directly with the team before you book.
What is the legal drinking age in Punjab?
The legal drinking age in Punjab is 25. Please never drink and drive, and arrange a cab or a designated driver.