Diwali 2026 in Redmond: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate
TL;DR
- 🛕 SVETA LV Temple (Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple) in Redmond is the spiritual anchor for the Eastside's Indian and Desi community
- 🙏 Recent observances include Narasimha Abhishekam, Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam, and Pradosham Shiva Rudrabhishekam
- 🎉 Krishna Janmashtami 2026 (September 4) and Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 (September 14) are the next major milestones
- 🪷 Navratri 2026 and Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 in October lead straight into Diwali 2026
- 📍 The temple is at 18109 NE 76th St STE#105, Redmond WA 98052 — centrally placed for the Eastside South Asian tech corridor
Redmond's South Asian Community: Why the Temple at the Center Matters
Redmond, Washington sits at the heart of one of the most concentrated South Asian technology corridors in the United States. Thousands of Indian and Desi families live within a short drive of Redmond's residential areas, drawn by major tech employers across the Eastside. For these families — many of them far from their ancestral hometowns and home temples — maintaining a living connection to Hindu ritual, seasonal worship, and South Indian devotional tradition is both a spiritual need and a cultural imperative.
The Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple — commonly known as SVETA LV Temple — at 18109 NE 76th St STE#105, Redmond WA 98052, serves as the primary anchor for this community's religious life. Whether you are a devoted worshipper of Lord Venkateswara, a family seeking to observe traditional abhishekams and vratams in the correct ritual manner, or a newer Eastside resident looking to connect with a welcoming South Asian religious community, SVETA LV Temple offers a rich and carefully maintained annual calendar. That calendar, running from August through the full Diwali season, is what this guide is built around.
August at SVETA LV Temple: A Sacred Month in Detail
The month of Shravana is one of the most auspicious in the Hindu calendar, and SVETA LV Temple honored it with a sequence of significant observances.
On August 18, the temple conducted a Narasimha Abhishekam — a sacred ritual dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fierce lion-man avatar of Vishnu who embodies divine protection. An abhishekam involves the ceremonial bathing of the deity's form with milk, honey, rose water, coconut water, and sacred water from holy rivers, all conducted with the chanting of Vedic hymns. Narasimha is particularly revered by devotees seeking protection and the removal of fear. The Narasimha Abhishekam at SVETA LV Temple draws worshippers from across the greater Seattle Eastside who hold a special veneration for this form.
On August 21, SVETA LV Temple observed the Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam — one of the most beloved festivals in South Indian Hindu tradition, particularly among Telugu and Kannada-speaking families. The Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam is observed on a Friday (Sukravara) of the auspicious month of Shravana and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her form as Vara Lakshmi — the giver of boons. Married women observe this vratam for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their families. The ritual involves elaborate decoration of the Goddess's image (kalasham) with flowers, jewels, and sarees; a special puja sequence; the tying of protective sacred threads; and the sharing of prasad. At SVETA LV Temple, the Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam consistently draws a large and warmly communal gathering, with many families arriving in full traditional dress.
On August 24, the temple held a Pradosham Shiva Rudrabhishekam. Pradosham (also spelled Pradosh) falls on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of each fortnight and is the most auspicious period for worshipping Lord Shiva — specifically the twilight interval when Shiva is believed to dance on Mount Kailash. The Rudrabhishekam performed during this interval involves continuous chanting of the Sri Rudram (from the Krishna Yajurveda) while bathing the Shivalinga with sacred substances. It is considered one of the most powerful and spiritually meritorious rituals in the Shaiva tradition, and SVETA LV Temple's Pradosham programs draw devotees from across the region.
Insider Tip: If you are new to the Redmond Eastside and want to connect with the South Asian community at SVETA LV Temple, attending a major upcoming observance — like Krishna Janmashtami 2026 or the next Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam — is among the best entry points. These events draw large, diverse, and welcoming congregations. Introduce yourself to temple volunteers, who are typically happy to explain the rituals and help newcomers feel at home.
September: Krishna Janmashtami 2026 and Ganesh Chaturthi 2026
Krishna Janmashtami 2026 on September 4 is one of the most joyous and high-energy festivals on the Indian and Desi community's calendar in Redmond. Janmashtami marks the midnight birth of Lord Krishna, and celebrations build all day toward the midnight puja that marks the exact moment. Temples and community halls come alive with bhajan sessions, readings from the Bhagavata Purana, cultural performances, and elaborate decorations centered on Baby Krishna (Bal Gopal). Families with children enjoy the tradition of dressing little ones in Krishna or Radha costumes. Many community organizations in Redmond and the Eastside organize dedicated Janmashtami programs — check with SVETA LV Temple for their specific schedule and registration details ahead of September 4.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 on September 14 begins ten days of celebration for Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and patron of new beginnings. For the Indian and Desi community in Redmond, Ganesh Chaturthi operates on two levels simultaneously: intimate home celebrations with clay Ganesha idols, daily puja, and the preparation of modaks (sweet rice dumplings considered Ganesha's favorite offering); and larger community celebrations organized by South Asian cultural associations and temple communities. The visarjan (immersion or dissolution of the idol) on the final day is a joyful and emotionally resonant ceremony. SVETA LV Temple and Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple's community networks are a good resource for information on group visarjan arrangements in the Eastside area.
Navratri 2026, Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026, and the Diwali Countdown
Navratri 2026 begins October 11, ushering in nine nights dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. For Redmond's Indian and Desi community — which includes a substantial Gujarati population alongside Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Marathi families — Navratri garba evenings are among the most anticipated social events of the year. Local organizers secure large community halls for multi-night events, featuring live music, traditional garba and dandiya rounds, and a sea of colorful chaniya cholis and kurtas. These evenings are welcoming to all members of the South Asian community regardless of regional origin.
Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 on October 20 closes Navratri and celebrates the victory of the divine over darkness. It is a significant day for Ayudha Puja — the worship of tools, instruments, and books — and is also considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures, children's education, or any important undertaking. Many Redmond-area families observe Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 with home pujas and shared meals.
Diwali 2026 arrives in late October or early November, completing the year's festive arc. For Redmond's Indian and Desi families, Diwali means Lakshmi puja on the main night, home decoration with diyas and rangoli, exchange of sweets, and community events hosted by South Asian professional associations, cultural organizations, and corporate diversity groups. The Eastside has a well-developed South Asian event infrastructure — Diwali celebrations are typically well-organized and heavily attended. Plan your puja supplies well in advance; demand at South Asian grocery stores and online retailers peaks sharply in October.
Visiting SVETA LV Temple: Practical Notes
SVETA LV Temple (Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple) is at 18109 NE 76th St STE#105, Redmond WA 98052. Because it is a suite-based temple rather than a standalone building, allow extra time to locate the correct unit, especially on your first visit. Parking availability can be limited during high-attendance events like Krishna Janmashtami 2026 and Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 — carpooling with other families is strongly recommended.
Standard temple etiquette applies: arrive in modest or traditional attire, remove footwear before entering the worship space, and refrain from photography during active puja unless the temple specifically permits it. Dana (devotional offerings) support the temple's operations and the ongoing presence of priests who maintain the ritual calendar.
FAQ
What is SVETA LV Temple in Redmond? SVETA LV Temple, also known as Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple, is a Hindu temple at 18109 NE 76th St STE#105, Redmond WA 98052. It serves Redmond's Indian and Desi community with regular abhishekams, vratams, and festival observances throughout the year.
What is Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam? It is a South Indian Hindu festival observed on a Friday of the Shravana month, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi as Vara Lakshmi — the bestower of boons. Married women observe this vratam for their family's prosperity and well-being. SVETA LV Temple observes it annually.
When is Krishna Janmashtami 2026 in Redmond? Krishna Janmashtami 2026 is September 4. Celebrations typically involve daytime programs and a midnight puja. Check with SVETA LV Temple for their specific event schedule.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026? Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 begins September 14 and runs for ten days, culminating in visarjan. Both home and community-level observances are common in Redmond.
How do I get involved with SVETA LV Temple events? Attend an upcoming major observance and connect with volunteers in person. The temple's community networks and social channels are also a good source of event schedules and registration details. The address is 18109 NE 76th St STE#105, Redmond WA 98052.
Bottom Line
For Redmond's Indian and Desi community, SVETA LV Temple — the Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple at 18109 NE 76th St STE#105 — is not just a place of worship but the beating heart of the Eastside South Asian festive calendar. From the Shravana Sukravara Vara Lakshmi Vratam and Narasimha Abhishekam in August, through Krishna Janmashtami 2026 and Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in September, into Navratri 2026 and Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 in October, and finally to Diwali 2026, this season offers something meaningful at every turn. Mark your calendar, make your arrangements early, and show up at the temple — the community is there, and the season is extraordinary.