Celebrating Diwali in London? The capital is going all out for the Festival of Light – these are the events not to miss.
From Diwali discos to adorable crafting sessions, London loves a Diwali-themed event.
Whether you traditionally celebrate the religious holiday or not, there are so many things to get involved with.
Though the date changes annually, Diwali falls on Sunday 12th November this year. Read on to discover the best of Diwali in London 2023.
What Is Diwali?
Known as the Festival of Light, Diwali (or Dipawali) is a religious festival celebrated in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, among plenty of other Asian religions.
In fact, it’s the most important holiday of the year in India. Huge clay lamps are lit outside homes (which is actually where the festival gets its name from) – this is said to symbolise the inner light that protects us all from the darkness within the spiritual world.
So it’s no wonder that Diwali celebrations are some of the most beautiful – think huge light displays, delicious Indian food, and fun dance performances. Sign us up.
Diwali in London: Top Picks
The Mayor of London’s Diwali Celebration
Trafalgar Square
29th October
The Mayor of London’s free Diwali event is back for 2023, and we think it’s one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in London. No tickets are required, just turn up and enjoy the festivities.
Sadiq Khan has teamed up with the Diwali in London committee to create an epic day – and more than 200 colourful dancers will kick things off in Trafalgar Square around 1pm. This will then be followed by more performances from the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities on stage.
Aside from brilliant performances, expect plenty of tasty vegan and vegetarian South Asian cuisine, a craft market, and plenty of yoga and meditation workshops throughout the day. Whether you traditionally celebrate Diwali or not, this is the best place in London to immerse yourself in the culture – you can even learn how to tie your own saree.
Wembley Diwali Festival
Wembley
29th October
Wembley is hosting the ultimate Diwali celebration (albeit a couple of weeks early) and you do not want to miss out.
The free event will see performances, a parade, food stalls, and even a Diwali disco light up the streets. Highlights of the day include dazzling performances by the classical Odissi Dancers and energetic Bollywood Dancers.
The best part? It’s free to attend and you’re more than welcome to just turn up to the junction of Coronet Parade and Ealing Road.
More information can be found here
Skyline’s Diwali Boat Party
Crown Pier
11th November
Fancy celebrating the Festival of Light from the water? Of course, you do.
Climb aboard this Diwali boat party and sail along the Thames while the best of Bollywood and Bhangra beats blare. You’ll be able to spot the pretty lights of London as you float along on this fun booze cruise.
Throughout the evening, Skyline’s resident DJ will be pumping tunes and artists will be playing traditional drums to ramp things
Go Out for Fancy Dinner
Citywide
Throughout the Diwali period
London’s restaurants never miss a trick. Whenever there’s an opportunity to pack in the punters with a good holiday-inspired menu they get their chefs to work cooking up a storm. This year is no different.
The high-end Indian restaurant Kanishka in Mayfair is running a tasting menu of Atul Kochhar’s elevated Indian cooking. Trishna, Gymkhana and Brigadiers are doing their annual feast menus on the 12th of November and offering some special cocktails to go with it.
Another great spot, Yaatra, will be doing two events that sound like fun. The first is a traditional Diwali feast on the day, and the second is a supper club on Thursday the 9th of November, hosted by the restaurant’s executive chef Amit Bagyal.
Tuck in folks!
Celebrate at an Indian Restaurant Institution
Forest Hill
12th November
Another great Diwali food event to keep in mind is the traditional feast at Babur. This spot is a London restaurant institution. They’ve been running since 1985 and have become loved in the community for their Diwali feasts.
They put up a marquee out back of the restaurant and fill it with candles, then lay on more food than you could possibly eat and invite everyone to take part. It’s a really nice experience and one we think deserves a special mention.
They’re also running a special menu in the restaurant throughout November.
A Festival of Light at Greenwich National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
11th November
Greenwich National Maritime Museum is hosting their annual Festival of Light for the second year running. Last year was a great success and a really nice coming together of the communities in southeast London for a bit of Southeast Asian celebration.
They don’t hold back. Expect to see Rajasthani dance performances and traditional Ramayana puppet shows as well as a very impressive lantern parade. Alongside all the visuals they’ve got loads of workshops in everything from lantern making to dance workshops and rangoli art classes.
More information about the event can be found here
Combine Two National Holidays
Wembley and Harrow
4th November
What are national holidays all about if not coming together? In that respect this event in Harrow and Wembley is totally fitting. It’s blending two great public celebrations into one, and using a common theme to do so.
One is Diwali, and the other is Bonfire Night. On the 4th of November the two will be joined at Byron Park in Harrow for a true festival of light, both on the ground and in the sky. The event promises to bigger and more extravagant than ever before, hosting food vendors from a variety of cuisines and entertainment in a variety of styles.
Oh and that fireworks display (you know, the highlight of the evening and all), it’s been choreographed to music to add the extra wow factor.
Diwali in London 2023: Practical Information
When?
Diwali falls on Sunday 12th November 2023 – the date changes each year.
