Update: The Pokémon Go Festival of Lights, an event exclusive to India, has officially kicked off. It started today at 10:00 AM local time and will end on November 4 at 8:00 PM.

The event introduces Saree Pikachu, an adorable new varient of the most famous Pokémon, ans well as a Event Bonuses, Increased Encounters, and a physical event in Bengaluru.

The original story follows.


Original Post: Pokémon Go is bringing back the heartwarming Festival of Lights, which will debut a brand new version of Pikachu. As you can expect, they look absolutely adorable.

The Festival of Lights is only available to Trainers in India, and will feature a themed Pokémon, increased incense encounters for a selection of ‘mon, new dudes appearing in Raids, Field Research task encounters, and so much more.

It’s a packed event at a time when Pokémon Go is flooded with events. Magnetic Study kicked off earlier this week while Gigantamax, Yamask Research Day, and Pokémon Go’s Halloween event are all coming later this month.

When is the Festival of Lights?

The Pokémon Go Festival of Lights event will start on November 1 at 10:00 AM, running through to November 4 at 8:00 PM local time.

Festival of Lights Event Bonuses

A new Pokémon Go event means new event bonuses. Here’s what you can expect from Festival of lights:

  • Double Stardust and XP for catching Pokémon
  • Team GO Rocket balloons appear every two hours
  • Rocket Grunts appear more frequently at PokéStops
  • Incense will last three hours

Increased Incense Encounters

You have a higher chance at catching these Pokémon when you use Incense, as well as Shiny variants:

  • Alolan Geodude
  • Hisuian Voltorb
  • Slugma
  • Volbeat
  • Illumise
  • Litwick
  • Morelull
  • Tadbulb

New Raid Encounters

Yay! New Raid encounters! Here’s what to expect – you can also grab Shiny variants of these if you’re lucky:

  • Pikachu in a saree (awww)
  • Hisuian Voltorb
  • Dedenne
  • Morelull

Field Research Task Encounters

As ever, you can complete a bunch of Field Research Tasks to get encounters with rare Pokémon. This time, you can get these and Shiny variants:

  • Pikachu in a saree
  • Morelull
  • Tadbulb

Win a Trip to São Paulo!

Niantic will hold a sweepstakes event on Instagram, which will reward two winners with a trip to São Paulo to participate in the City Safari event.

Head to Bengaluru to Celebrate the Festival of Lights

If you’re near, or willing to travel to Bengaluru, you can participate in a special live event where saree Pikachu will make an appearance.

It takes place at Pheonix Marketcity between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM local time, and will grant you physical and in-game rewards. Head on down!

You can learn more about the Festival of Lights on Pokémon Go Live.

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