Diwali

What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated by Hindu Sikhs and Jains all over the world in the autumn season of every year, falling between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali is the biggest and brightest festival in India.

How is Diwali celebrated?
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up divas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their homes, and participate in family puja (prayers). After puja, fireworks follow, and then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and in exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.

Celebrating Diwali in Leicester
This year, Leicester’s world famous Diwali celebrations promise to be more spectacular and dazzling than ever, with new additions for 2016 including a Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground and an aerial firework display above Belgrave Road.
After last year’s success the 110-foot Ferris wheel is returning to the Diwali celebrations this year. Leicester’s Wheel of Light arrives at Belgrave Road from Friday 14 October - Sunday 6 November. The wheel will be lit at night to provide a glittering centrepiece to the festivities.
The Diwali Lights
The Diwali Lights Switch On event will take place along Belgrave Road, on Leicester's 'Golden Mile', on Sunday 16th October. Up to 40,000 people will watch the lights switch-on, which follows a vibrant programme of music and dance on the Belgrave Road stage presented by the Leicester Hindu Festival Council and Leicester City Council.
The stage programme for the switch-on will run from 5:30pm - 8pm on Belgrave Road with the lights turned on at 7:30pm, followed by fireworks which this year can be viewed from Belgrave Road. The Golden Mile will be bathed in light throughout the festive period until Diwali Day.