Diwali Shopping In Pune 2026: Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Mandai And Other Markets To Visit This Festive Season
From Laxmi Road and Tulshibaug to Mahatma Phule Mandai, FC Road and Camp, here is where Punekars shop for Diwali clothes, lanterns, diyas and puja items.
Photo: DesiBoy101 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 29th October 2026: It’s that time of year when the old city is hard to walk through. Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug and the lanes around Mandai are full of akash kandils, diyas, rangoli colours, clothes and puja items, and the crowds get thicker every evening. If you’re heading out for Diwali shopping, here’s where Punekars usually go.
Laxmi Road
Still the first stop for most families buying festive clothes. Sarees, Paithanis, ethnic wear and jewellery shops line the street. Evenings and weekends are packed, so go early if you want any breathing room.
Tulshibaug
The lanes around the old Tulshibaug Ram temple are where you go for puja thalis, brass and copper items, kitchenware, decorations and small gifts. Prices are reasonable, and the variety is hard to beat.
Mandai
The area around Mahatma Phule Mandai is the place for marigold garlands, mango leaves, fruit and puja essentials. Demand peaks on Lakshmi Pujan day, so if you can, buy a day earlier.
FC Road and Hong Kong Lane
Popular with college students for budget clothes, accessories, footwear and phone gadgets. You’re expected to bargain.
MG Road and Camp
A mix of brand stores, old family shops and street stalls. Good for clothes, footwear, bakery hampers and gifts.
Handmade gifts
If you’d rather buy from artisans, the Karigar Bazaar at Dutch Palace is on until November 1, with over 250 stalls.
A few tips
Mornings are much calmer than evenings in the old city. Parking near Laxmi Road and Mandai is close to impossible this time of year, and the Metro now has stations at Mandai and Swargate, which helps. Keep your phone and wallet in a safe pocket in crowded lanes, and carry a cloth bag along with both cash and UPI.
Buying sweets or dry fruits? Check the labels. Here’s why the Pune FDA seized dry fruits this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best market in Pune for Diwali shopping?
Laxmi Road is the most popular for clothes and jewellery, while Tulshibaug is best for puja items, decorations and kitchenware.
Where can I buy akash kandils and diyas in Pune?
The old city markets around Tulshibaug, Laxmi Road and Mandai have many stalls selling lanterns, diyas and rangoli colours during Diwali.
How do I avoid crowds while shopping in Pune during Diwali?
Shop on weekday mornings, use public transport, and visit the busiest markets well before the main festival days.
