Celebrate Diwali’s Festival of Lights at Trafalgar Square this Sunday

Diwali is a beautiful time of year in London.

Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world.

It is a festival that celebrates light over darkness and new beginnings as oil lamps light up windows, shops and homes with a hopeful glow for everyone to enjoy.

The capital is set to celebrate the Festival of Lights in the heart of London with some of the best dance, music and food.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said that the annual Diwali on the Square celebrations will take place in Trafalgar Square, on October 29, with a host of family-friendly entertainment.

Opening with 200 colourfully dressed dancers followed by a mix of performances from artists drawn from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

There will be a host of market stalls and activities to enjoy, including dance workshops, yoga and meditation, Ramayana Puppet shows, Soho Theatre comedy, and the Glimpse of Goddesses stall where visitors can find out more about Hindu goddesses, sari and turban tying.

There will also be the Diwali Queen and a series of dance performances presented by Kalasetu – a collaborative project between Subrang Arts and Kinetika commissioned on behalf of This is Croydon, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2023.

And better still, an array of South Asian food stalls will be serving up traditional and fusion, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Sanjay Gadhvi, Iskcon, chairman of Diwali in London Committee 2023, said: “On our 22nd year of Diwali on Trafalgar Square we pray for peace and harmony.”

Picture: Rang Dhvani: The Real Sound of Colours Picture: Vipul Sangoi