Diwali, the Festival of Lights, holds profound significance for the global South Asian diaspora, transcending geographic boundaries and serving as a powerful connection to cultural heritage, identity, and community. For millions of individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, and other South Asian descents around the world, Diwali is not just a festival; it is a celebration of values, traditions, and spiritual renewal that reinforces ties to their roots, regardless of where they live.
In the UK, as the vibrant lights of Diwali illuminate homes and communities, the festival has officially heralded the beginning of the much-anticipated festive season. This celebration coincides with Halloween this year, with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner. Given that the festival represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, it’s a perfect lead-in to a joyful season of festivities. The excitement surrounding Diwali is palpable across the country, igniting a sense of community and togetherness.
The UK’s South Asian diaspora has enthusiastically embraced this spirit, launching a variety of events and initiatives that not only celebrate their cultural heritage but also foster community bonds and raise funds for noble causes. From vibrant cultural performances and traditional feasts to charity fundraisers and community fairs, the celebrations have transcended mere festivities, becoming a powerful expression of unity and generosity. As families and friends come together to partake in these vibrant events, the excitement is building, promising a season rich in cultural significance, community spirit and charitable giving.
Here, we explore how Diwali has kick-started the festive season in the UK and highlight the impactful initiatives being undertaken by the diaspora to spread joy and support those in need during this special time.
Diwali celebrations in the UK
Over recent decades, Diwali has gained wide recognition across the UK, with many cities hosting festive Diwali light switch-on events, similar to Christmas celebrations. London’s Trafalgar Square now holds an annual Diwali festival, organised with support from the Mayor's office, drawing thousands of attendees from diverse backgrounds. The celebration each year features traditional dance performances, live music, food stalls, family activities, and presentations that highlight Diwali’s significance across various South Asian faiths and regions. (Refer to page 14 for full story)
Grant Thornton LLP inaugurated this year’s Diwali season in London with a reception on October 16 at the historic Long Room in Lord’s Cricket Ground. Meanwhile, as part of a cherished yearly tradition, Leicester’s streets were lit up with Diwali lights, accompanied by a lively Diwali festival. Leicester’s Diwali celebration includes a wide range of activities and entertainment along the city’s streets. Thousands of lamps illuminate the famous Golden Mile, while on Diwali day, parking is suspended on 14 streets and Belgrave Road is closed from 17:00 to 21:30 to accommodate the celebrations.
Volunteering Together for Service UK (VTSUK) also organised a Diwali Mela on October 19, bringing together about 1,500 local community members. The event not only fostered a sense of unity but also supported charities in both the UK and India. “One of the beneficiaries was the Hillingdon Brain Tumour and Injury Group in the UK. The second charity, Mahila Arogya Vikas in India, conducts free cancer screenings for women in rural areas. They have already reached over 2.8 million women, and our donations will help fund two additional camps,” shared Anu Sadasya, VTSUK’s President.
The non-profit is also running a food donation drive for Chilton Food Bank until Diwali. “Last year, we donated 350 kilograms of food, and this year, we aim to surpass that by donating 500 kilograms. Our mission is to spread joy and support those in need during Diwali,” Sadasya added.
Labour Indians’ first ever Diwali celebration, after the party won the 2024 general election with a thumping majority saw room was full of people from various walks of life, including Secretaries of State, new and current MPs, former MPs, Councillors, Assembly Members, members of the Labour Indians and various faith groups, 1928 Institute, businessmen and business organisations, community leaders and organisations, think tanks and members of the diaspora.
This year also marks the 15th year of Diwali celebrations at 10 Downing Street. The tradition began in 2009 when then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown hosted the first Diwali celebration, calling it a "historic event." Since then, each Prime Minister has upheld this tradition, and the country even saw a British-Hindu Prime Minister carrying out the traditional celebration at the residence. This year, Labour leader Keir Starmer carries on this legacy, celebrating Diwali’s enduring values of hope, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Diwali celebrations have also been held by corporate groups like PwC and charities such as Go Dharmic and Diwali Basket Brigade. Additionally, the festivities have been marked by the RAF in Buckinghamshire, at the Speaker’s House and in the UK Parliament by the Hindu Forum of Britain. Conservative Friends of India also marked the festival.
How the community can give back
The ongoing cost of living crisis has made it challenging for many people to donate or contribute to community causes as they once did. Rising costs across essentials like food, energy, housing, and transportation mean that individuals and families now have to prioritise their spending just to meet basic needs. For some, this shift has left little room for charitable giving or other forms of support for community initiatives.
Even small donations or contributions of time can feel financially or logistically challenging when faced with tighter budgets and competing priorities. People who previously donated monthly to charities or participated in community support programs may now find it difficult to commit financially or schedule volunteer time due to additional work or family responsibilities. This reduction in donations can have a ripple effect, impacting the many charities and organisations that rely on these contributions to provide services, from food banks to mental health support.
As the cost of living crisis deepens, many organisations are working to encourage alternative ways to give back, including small, recurring donations, volunteering time, or donating items rather than cash. Anu Sadasya recommends the same. She said, “Recognise the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, there are two ways you can help make a difference. First, if you're able, consider donating a minimum of £5 a month. Your contributions will go toward meaningful causes. Second, if you have time to spare and want to get involved, join the team as a volunteer. Our group consists of working professionals who juggle Monday to Friday, 9-to-5 jobs, yet still dedicate their weekends to volunteering.”
She also talked about how VTSUK is reaching out to the elderly as the festive season can be especially challenging and lonely for them. “We are reaching out to care homes, local community groups, and libraries to offer our assistance. Our goal is to host events like tea parties to engage the community and bring people together. We understand the importance of connection, so we plan to provide small hampers containing items like cakes, juices, and diyas to spread joy and happiness”, she said.
Kanti Nagda MBE the founder of Sangat Centre, establishing the importance of giving, said, “We believe that good deeds give self-satisfaction. Good deeds are done not to please God but repay what you have received and help and assist people who are less fortunate than yourself.
“We encourage people to give equal measures to what they receive from society.” Sangat Centre provides advice on welfare benefits, housing, immigration, matrimonial etc.
Without additional support or relief, individuals and communities will likely continue to feel the strain, making charitable giving and community involvement an ongoing challenge in the coming months and years. Yet, the spirit embedded in our culture, one that emphasises uplifting ourselves and those around us, remains strong—and we are certainly capable of rising to the occasion.
Setting an example of aiding the community, A married couple have beaten odds of 1 in 4,000,000 to both be called to donate stem cells, potentially saving two lives The couple, from India and living in London, are now calling on others of South Asian heritage to sign up to the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry. (Full story on page 6)
In conclusion, as the community revels in this festive season of light and love, the Asian Voice feature offers an insightful look at the various celebrations taking place among other elements of the celebration. Let's embrace the spirit of Diwali, celebrating together while prioritising safety and community well-being.
