Diwali Celebrations In UK

Diwali Celebrations In Britain

The meaning and significance of the Diwali celebrations remains the same even for the Indians living in Britain. The festival of lights is revered with full vigor and exuberance. In Britain, the Autumn brings the festivities of Diwali that falls around the month of October-November according to the Gregorian calendar. Catch a glimpse of Diwali celebrations in Britain as we take you to the roads of Britain where jubilations are on their highest point:

Leicester

Being an area densely populated with the people of Indian origin, the festival of Diwali is quite a big event in the city. Big and small buildings, roads, temples etc are decorated with lights and flower strings. One can find the traditional celebrations of Diwali in local Temples and Gurudwaraas. Decorating houses, wearing new clothes, performing puja rituals and bursting firecrackers, be it any ceremony of Diwali, the enthusiasm of the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains of Leicester is worth witnessing.

Trafalgar Square

This place is famous for the celebrations of Diwali and most importantly they are arranged by the Mayor of the city. Situated at the heart of London, Trafalgar displays the Indian culture, traditions, heritage and customs to their best. The decorations on the occasion are enriched with auspicious and religious symbols typical to India such as lotus, om, swastika, dancing peacock and others. The beginning of the jubilation are marked by releasing colorful balloons high in the sky. Lanterns floating in the ponds look magnificent too.

Indian music and Indian settings give a warm feeling to the aura. Cultural events are the highlight of the day. Plays enacting the religious and mythical stories are performed and Indian regional dances are certainly a cherry on the cake. Prayers are offered to idols of a gigantic size of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

So, with all these vivacious celebrations, it is clear how much significant the festival of Diwali is for the Anglo-Indians.