Leicester Switches on Diwali

Diwali is synonymous with the popular phrase Festival of Lights. People all around the country are already planning colourful events. And many have already enjoyed the Diwali fewer in recent days with Diwali in Trafalgar Square event in central London last month. The festival is celebrated in many of the UK major cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leicester, Birmingham and Manchester.

The city of Leicester was the next big event with more than 35,000 people coming out in a cold night to mark the switching of the lights in Belgrave’s Golden Mile. The city’s local media covered the story well. The local newspaper, Leicester Mercury called is a ‘dazzling display’, and The Telegraph headlined it as ‘An Indian Adventure on British Soil’.’

The population of the Hindu community in Leicester is around 50,000 and the in the UK as a whole it is around a million. This is around 2% of the total population.

More Diwali events will be celebrated all around the UK and outside India. Diwali events are held both at Downing Street by the Prime Minister as well as at the House of Commons. In the USA, major events are held at Times Square and in the White House. Diwali has truly become a world event for all to participate.

The Dates

Diwali is on 11 November 2015

Diwali on Trafalgar Square on Sunday 11 October 2015

The Diwali in London organisation demonstrates the unity of Hindu and Jain communities working collectively with the Mayor of London to organise an inspirational and entertaining Diwali on Trafalgar Square free public event every year.

Bhaktivedanta Manor, Annakuta – Govardhan Puja & Fireworks

Sunday, 8th October 2015 (2:00pm-6:30pm)

At Dharam Marg, Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Herts, WD25 8EZ

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

11 November 2015

105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London, NW10 8LD

LEICESTER

Diwali Lights Switch on 1 November 2015

Diwali celebrations in Leicester are one of the biggest outsides of India, with up to 35,000 people attending the switch-on of the lights on Belgrave Road and even more attending Diwali day itself in the heart of the city’s Indian community. Enjoy a fireworks display and live cultural entertainment on stage as the festival of light marks the start of the Hindu New Year. This year the festival includes an exciting programme of activities and events around the city centre and outdoor spaces.

Cardiff: Millennium Square Spectacular

Watch a stunning display of fireworks at Cardiff’s Millennium Square. Let you and your family enjoy a night full of bands, Bollywood troupe, fire breathers, food and much more.

October 23, Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff;

Yorkshire Glass Lantern Workshop

Celebrate Diwali at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park a little differently. See the Ramayana through singing and magical dancing by Annapurna dance company. Finish the day by designing your own Diwali lantern.

25 Oct, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield;

The Glasgow Diwali Extravaganza

Enhance your Diwali the Scottish way with lots of live performances, dances, traditional meals and a chance to boogie.

25 Oct, Drummond Community High School, 41 Bellevue Place, Glasgow

Singapore UK Association – Dinner Night

On 01 November make your way up the upmarket district of Knightsbridge and indulge in a Diwali meal. Restaurant Shezan promises a night of food music and prizes.

1 Nov, Shezan Restaurant, 16-22 Cheval Place, Knightsbridge, London

Diwali dance at Bingley Hall

On 16 November visit the New Bingley Hall, now transformed into the arena. With lots of stalls and music to keep the kids entertained for hours. The Event will host DJ’s and Bollywood dancers, finishing your day with a display of fireworks.

16 Nov, The New Bingley Hall, Hockley, 1 Hockley Circus, Birmingham

Leicester Switches on Diwali

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