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 and a food market, crafts, and henna stalls. For Hindu and other cultures, Diwali traditionally is a festival of joy, love, forgiveness, and light which symbolises the victory of light over darkness. The celebration usually falls on the new moon in October or November.
Diwali is also associated with Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, it is the start of the financial year in India.
Mumbai Gardens in Harrow hold a vibrant celebration featuring music from Bollywood to Bhangra and a traditional dinner. Fireworks over Byron Park are synchronised to music. Wembley Park also has a spectacular display at 7 p.m. and food stalls with Indian delights. The dates usually differ from those of Diwali festival at Trafalgar Square indicated above, so please check it while planning your trip.
