Quick answer
In many Indian households, full-time household staff receive a Diwali bonus, often around one month's pay, given in cash a week or two before Diwali so they can shop for their own family. Part-time helpers usually get a smaller cash gift in proportion to their work, plus a box of sweets. For drivers, security guards, gardeners and delivery workers, ₹200 to ₹1,000 or a sweets box is common. These are customs, not rules: give what you can afford, give it respectfully, and treat everyone fairly.
Diwali is one of the most important times of year for the people who help run a home: house helpers, cooks, nannies, drivers, gardeners, security guards and the people who deliver milk, newspapers and parcels. For many of them, the Diwali bonus is the main extra money of the year, used for new clothes, sweets, travel home and gifts for their own children.
Because there's no fixed rule, households often wonder how much is right. This guide explains the common customs, gives typical amounts for different roles, and covers the small things that make the gift respectful.
Key takeaways
- Full-time staff often receive about one month's pay as a Diwali bonus.
- Part-time helpers usually get an amount in proportion to their hours.
- Give it early, so they can celebrate with their own families.
- Cash is most useful; sweets or clothes are a kind addition.
- Treat staff in similar roles fairly and give with respect.
How much Diwali bonus to give
Amounts vary a lot by city, income and how long someone has worked for you. These are common starting points, not rules:
- Full-time live-in or daily staff (house helper, cook, nanny, driver): often about one month's salary.
- Part-time helpers who come for one or two tasks a day: often about half to one month of what they earn from you.
- Someone who has worked for you for many years: some families give a little more, or add a gift like new clothes or a household item.
- A new helper who joined recently: a smaller, pro-rated amount is common.
Diwali gifts for other helpers and service workers
- Building security guards and watchmen: ₹200 to ₹1,000 each, or a shared amount from residents, plus sweets.
- Gardeners, car cleaners and part-time drivers: a cash gift in proportion to their work.
- Newspaper, milk and laundry delivery workers: ₹100 to ₹500 or a small sweets box.
- Building cleaners and lift operators: many housing societies collect from residents and share it out fairly.
- Abroad: for cleaners, nannies or regular helpers, a card with a cash gift around one week's pay is a common holiday thank-you.
When to give the Diwali bonus
One to two weeks before Diwali is ideal. Staff need the money to buy clothes, sweets and gifts, and to travel home if they're going. Giving it after the festival is much less useful. Diwali is Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Cash, gifts or both?
Cash is usually the most useful, because it lets each person spend on what their family needs. Many households add something festive:
- A box of sweets or dry fruits, of the same quality as the ones you give family.
- New clothes, like a saree, kurta or shawl, if you know their size and taste, or a clothing voucher.
- A household item, like a steel utensil set, which also suits Dhanteras. See Dhanteras gift ideas.
- Toys, sweets or school supplies for their children.
- Paid leave around Diwali, so they can spend the festival at home.
How to give a Diwali bonus with respect
- Give it in person, in an envelope, with a warm "Happy Diwali" and thanks for their work.
- Give new things, not old ones. Used clothes or leftover sweets can be offered separately, if they want them, but never as the Diwali gift.
- Be fair. Staff in similar roles should get similar amounts.
- Keep it separate from salary. A bonus is an extra, not a replacement for pay that's due.
- Don't attach conditions, like extra work over the festival, to the gift.
Diwali bonus for employees of a business
For staff of a shop, office or company, a Diwali bonus is common and may be covered by employment rules. In India, many businesses fall under the Payment of Bonus Act. Check the rules that apply to you, or ask an accountant. For gifts to colleagues and clients, see Diwali gifts for coworkers, employees and clients.
Put this advice into practice
Gift guides where this advice applies.
Frequently asked questions
How much Diwali bonus should I give my maid?
For a full-time helper, about one month's pay is common. For part-time help, many families give an amount in proportion to what they earn from you. It's a custom, not a rule.
When should I give the Diwali bonus?
One to two weeks before Diwali, so they have time to shop and travel home.
Is it better to give cash or a gift?
Cash is usually most useful. A box of sweets, new clothes or a gift for their children is a kind addition.
How much should I give the building security guard for Diwali?
Many residents give ₹200 to ₹1,000, or contribute to a shared collection, plus a box of sweets.
Is the Diwali bonus compulsory?
For household staff, it's a strong custom rather than a legal rule. For employees of many businesses in India, bonus rules may apply. Check what covers your situation.
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