Diwali in London 2024

The annual London Diwali festival held on Trafalgar Square gathers about 35,000 people who celebrate the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain festival of light. It features plenty of music, dance, a food market, crafts, and henna stalls. For Hindu and other cultures, Diwali is traditionally a festival of joy, love, forgiveness, and light, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The celebration usually falls on the new moon in October or November.

Diwali on Trafalgar Square Program

To witness one of the biggest cultural celebrations of the year in the heart of London, come to Trafalgar Square. Enveloped in bright colors, this historic landmark plays host to the vibrant Diwali celebration, bringing joy to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and other Londoners. The event features beautiful dance and music performances, showcasing the beauty of traditional Hindu dances, with artists dressed in gorgeous gowns and attire. Vibrant sarees in all sorts of colors are a sight to see at the annual Trafalgar Square celebration.

Among other attractions, you have a chance to participate in workshops, embrace some parts of the culture yourself, and enjoy delicious food. Traditional dishes, like mithai, barfi, curry, and numerous other delights, are annually served at the festival food court. The festivities often culminate in stunning firework displays, seen all over the centre of London.

Schedule

The festivities usually span from 1 pm until 7 pm. After the main program, visitors tend to stay longer to enjoy after-party festivities or hang out in the nearby restaurants.

Getting to Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is fairly easy to get to, situated in the heart of London with a towering Nelson's Colon. Public transportation systems, including buses and tubes, stop not far from the grounds of the festival. Some of the routes with direct stops at Trafalgar Square include routes 3, 6, 9, 11-13, 15, 23, 24, and many other routes. Westminster Station is the closest to Trafalgar Square for those wanting to travel by tube. Limited parking is available in approximately 1148 feet (350 m) from Trafalgar Square.

Diwali Origins & Customs

Associated with Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, Diwali marks the start of the financial year in India. During this festival, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs hang beautiful lights outside their homes and businesses and gather with their families for more intimate celebrations. Families share mithai sweets with each other and even send holiday cards with boxes of candy. The community celebrations include dancing, singing, and tons of merriment.

Other Diwali Celebrations in London

Besides the Diwali celebration on Trafalgar Square, London has many other events to offer during this cheerful period. On November 9th, visit Byron Park to witness a stunning display of fireworks over London. Tickets are required and cost £10 for adults and £8 for children over three years old. Children over three can enter for free. The fireworks usually take place at 7:30 pm. From November 1st to November 3rd, Wembley Park also has a spectacular Diwali celebration lasting three days. The dates usually differ from those of the Diwali festival at Trafalgar Square.