The Football Association (FA) partnered with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – to celebrate Diwali at Wembley Stadium, the home of English football, on Thursday 14 November 2024.
The first-ever Diwali celebration at Wembley marked a historic milestone for the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. It also highlighted The FA's commitment to working with faith communities to promote football participation. This event is part of The FA's award-winning ‘Faith and Football Series’.
The evening featured inspiring football talks and interactive panels with professional players and coaches, including John Barnes MBE, widely regarded as one of England's greatest footballers. These sessions aimed to promote community engagement in football and physical well-being.
FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE, joining from Athens where she was with the England men's senior team, shared a personal video message. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "A big thank you to Neasden Temple, our neighbours in Wembley, for being key partners in tonight’s Diwali celebration. I fondly remember my visit to your iconic temple and the strong sense of togetherness and hope I felt. I hope you all experience that same spirit tonight as we celebrate Diwali at Wembley."
Pooja Patel, a youth volunteer at Neasden Temple, spoke of her experiences from participating for a local football club. Youths from the Temple also enriched the celebrations through vibrant cultural performances, including a colourful pitch-side dance and the aarti ceremony.
John Barnes shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “I’ve played in this area – Vale Farm, Harlesden, Willesden, Neasden – so I know it well. It’s great to see Neasden Temple supporting this event at Wembley, the home of football. Happy Diwali to all!”
Anita Asante, former England footballer and current coach at Bristol City, said, “Football is meant to be diverse and inclusive, so it’s fantastic to see the partnership between Neasden Temple and The FA. This engagement has increased girls’ participation, especially in South-East Asian communities.”
Dal Darroch, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at The FA, added, “Today, we’ve brought together people from Hindu and Sikh heritage. It’s been wonderful to see two iconic organisations, both landmarks in the Wembley and Brent areas, come together for the first time at the home of English football.”
Deepan Lakhani, a leading BAPS volunteer at Neasden Temple, expressed gratitude to The Football Association for hosting the Diwali celebration at Wembley. He added, “It was an honour to partner with them and celebrate Diwali with the British Hindu community. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj teaches us to 'widen the circle of harmony,' and this event showcased how football can unite diverse communities, promote fitness, and teach valuable life lessons.”
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Moment of unity and spiritual renewal
Speaking to Asian Voice, about the experience of celebrating the first Diwali at Wembley Stadium, professional in the financial industry and an active volunteer within the Hindu community, Khushboo Miyani said, “Helping organise the first-ever Diwali celebration at Wembley Stadium, an iconic venue, in collaboration with The Football Association (FA) and Neasden Temple, was a truly privileged moment for me. As part of the Neasden Temple team, I was honoured to contribute to this historic event.
She continued, “Diwali is not just a festival of fireworks, food, and festivities; it is a moment of personal, social, and spiritual renewal. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, explains: “We need to illuminate the light within us... The ultimate goal is to cleanse one’s inner self, connect with God, and live in love, peace, and harmony.”
Khushboo reflected on how the deeper understanding of Diwali resonated with her throughout the event. She said, “The FA and Neasden Temple serve different purposes—sport and spirituality—they share core values of unity, inclusivity, and community. The FA unites millions through sport, transcending cultural barriers, while Neasden Temple, a beacon of spirituality, has welcomed over 10 million visitors.”
“Standing in Wembley Stadium, speaking about Diwali’s values, listening to Sanskrit Vedic shlokas for peace, and hearing the aarti accompanied by drums for the first time, I felt immense pride as a British Hindu,” she added.
Khushboo also highlighted the event's role in encouraging greater South Asian participation in sports, especially for women. By fostering mentorship and support, barriers can be broken, and glass ceilings shattered.
She also expressed deep gratitude to The FA for the invitation and to Neasden Temple (BAPS) for allowing her to contribute to such a historic occasion."
