When is Diwali this year?

The main day falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. Dates vary by region and calendar, so check yours.

Can I choose the clothes?

Yes. Say what each person wears, for example a silk saree, a kurta or a bright dupatta, or add a photo of the outfit.

Can I add a greeting in writing?

Rift does not add text over video yet. Write your greeting in the message you send with the video.

Can relatives in other cities be in the same video?

Yes. A photo of each person is enough.

Can we stand by our own doorway or rangoli?

Yes. Add a photo of your doorway or rangoli, say to keep it as it is, and describe the lamps.

How to make a Diwali greeting video from a family photo

Add a photo of your family and describe the scene, like everyone lighting lamps beside a rangoli at dusk. Spark builds a greeting video of up to 15 seconds with your own people in it.

What you need

An iPhone with Rift.
A clear photo of each person, face to camera.
The details you care about: diyas, rangoli, marigold garlands, string lights, sweets.
Optional: a photo of your own doorway or room.

Step by step

Describe the scene to Spark. Say where, at what time of day, and what is lit.
Add the photos. Pick each family member from your camera roll.
Say the clothes. One line per person is plenty, or one line for the group.
Check the Draft. Reply if the lamps, colours or arrangement need changing.
Make. Tap Make and let it run. The video lands in your Library, ready to share in family chats.

Lines to try with Spark

“My family at the front door in festive clothes, lighting rows of diyas at dusk.”
“Me and my sister making a rangoli on the floor, marigold petals around us.”
“Grandma and grandkids on the balcony with sparklers, string lights glowing.”
“The whole family around a table of sweets, golden light, smiling at the camera.”
“My shop’s front step with lamps and flowers, a sign for Diwali sales (add a photo of the shop).”

Tips for a warm Diwali video

Light is the star. Name lamps, string lights or sparklers, and ask for dusk.
Colours help. Say gold, orange or deep red to set the mood.
Say the clothes once. Group clothes in one line.
Keep it calm. A slow, glowing scene looks more refined than a crowd in motion.
Check the date. Send the greeting a day or two before the day.

Other festivals

The same approach works for Eid, Holi, Navratri or any celebration with a table and lights. See how to make a family scene video from photos for more on bringing separate photos into one room.