As 2017’s Diwali approaches, those of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faith are preparing for the widely celebrated festival of light. This year’s Diwali takes place on October 19th.

As Hinduism is the second largest non-Christian religion in the UK, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Diwali away from home, with hundreds of temples across the country. If this is your first Diwali in the UK, rest assured there will be a number of activities and celebrations for you to get involved in.

What is Diwali?

If you’re new to Diwali, the celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a celebration that spans over five days, and is celebrated with fireworks, divas/diyas, and sparklers. Participants will often clean their homes in preparation for the goddess Lakshmi, decorate their doorways and courtyards, purchase gold and new kitchen utensils, dress in their finest clothing, and many women also get henna tattoos.

Where to Celebrate Diwali

As well as local events at your nearest Temple, there are opportunities to celebrate Diwali on a much larger scale across the UK.

Trafalgar Square

Name: Diwali Festival 2017

Location Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Date: 15th October

Diwali Festival in Trafalgar Square is sure to have an amazing atmosphere with a variety of music, dance performances, and a number of activities perfect for families. You can get henna tattooed, or treat yourself to some of the delicious delicacies available. Thousands of people attended last year’s celebrations and an amazing turn-out is predicted once again.

Birmingham

Name: Birmingham Diwali Festival 2017

Location: Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham

Date: 1st October 12:00am – 7:30pm

This enormous and highly anticipated event has often be described as the biggest Diwali event in the entire West Midlands. With millions of lights, candles, and lamps around the area, the beauty and magic of Diwali shines through the city of Birmingham. Attend this event for traditional dance performances, Bollywood songs and Bhangra, and much more entertainment.

Leicester

Name: Diwali in Leicester 2017

Location: The Golden Mile, Leicester

Date: 19th October

Although Diwali in Leicester are yet to confirm their official entertainment, if last year is anything to go by it will another occasion for enjoying theatrical performances, arts and crafts, and cultural and educational talks and exhibits. The annual light ‘switch-on’ is also a highly popularised event with thousand of people coming together to watch the area cover itself in over 6,000 twinkling lights.

London Wembley

Name: Diwali Dinner & Dance

Location: Hotel Novotel London Wembley, 5 Olympic Way, London, HA9 0NP

Date: 14th October, 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Sponsored by Tottenham Hotspur FC and Punjabi Spurs Ambassadors, this event will include a mouthwatering three course meal, a live band, and some special guests from Tottenham Hotspur FC. There will also be a cultural day in Wembley with Diwali celebrations around the Bournemouth fixture. This event is the perfect occasion for combining a love of football with the annual Diwali celebrations.

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