Diwali in the UK
What is Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and across the world.
This celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil and is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and prayers for many.
Traditions and Rituals
The tradition of Diwali is the lighting of oil lamps called diyas or simply candles which are placed around homes.
Families clean and decorate their homes in preparation for the festival, often with vibrant rangoli designs made from coloured powders or flower petals which is believed to attract good wealth and prosperity.
Diwali is a time for celebration and sharing so people have large celebrations, gatherings and feasts including fireworks, traditional food/ sweets and sharing of gifts and much more.
Above all, Diwali is a time for family and community with people travel long distances to be with loved ones, and the festival fosters a sense of unity and joy.
In cities around the world, Diwali is celebrated with large public events, cultural performances, and fairs, where people come together to enjoy music, dance, and food.
Celebrations in the UK
Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm in cities across the UK, especially in areas with larger South Asian communities such as London, Leicester, Birmingham, and Manchester.
London: Trafalgar Square hosts the Diwali on the Square festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year which has a number of cultural performances, traditional music and dance, food stalls, and the lighting of the large Diwali diya / lamp.
Leicester: Known for one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India, Leicester’s ‘Golden Mile’ is transformed into a dazzling spectacle during the festival, lit up with lights, vibrant street markets, food stalls, and cultural performances.
The Diwali light switch-on in Leicester is one of the most significant events, attracting crowds from across the country.
Birmingham: Hockley Hill becomes the focal point for Diwali festivities, where markets and cultural events take place.
In addition to public celebrations, many local temples and community centers hold Diwali pujas (prayer ceremonies), as well as cultural performances and charity events.
Diwali celebrations in the UK are only becoming more prominent and exciting and helps show everyone the great festivals and traditions to be continued on.
