Diwali/Deepavali in the United Kingdom

Overview: Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated globally, including in the United Kingdom. It is known as the Festival of Lights and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali usually falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the lunar calendar.

History: Originally a Hindu festival, Diwali has become a multicultural event in Britain with many people from different communities participating. The British Indian community, which is one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the UK, has been celebrating Diwali in Britain since their arrival in significant numbers following India's independence in 1947.

Traditions: The celebration of Diwali includes several traditional activities:

• Lighting Oil Lamps (Diyas): Homes and public spaces are decorated with small clay lamps called diyas that signify the triumph of light.
• Fireworks: Display of fireworks to represent the celebrations that occur throughout India.
• Rangoli: Colorful patterns created on floors using colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals.
• Prayers (Puja): Many observe Lakshmi Puja to invite prosperity and wealth into their homes.
• Food: Sharing sweets (mithai) and savory snacks is common among communities.

What People Do: On Diwali in the UK:

• Families gather for feasts and exchange gifts.
• Temples hold special prayer services.
• Public celebrations include street parties, cultural programs with music and dance performances often organized by local councils or Indian cultural organizations.

Major cities like London, Leicester, Manchester, Birmingham have large-scale celebrations with Leicester's being notably one of the biggest outside India.