London's Diwali

Diwali celebrations take place in the heart of London at Trafalgar Square. With festivities, food and performances, floating candles in the fountains, lights and saris draping the square, the square is transformed for this important Hindu Festival of Light.

Every year, Trafalgar Square hosts Diwali on the Square, which attracts thousands of people to Central London. The joyful event sees the square transformed with magical light displays, floating lanterns, music, dance and storytelling. Diwali is on 23 October this year, but Diwali on the Square takes place on 12 October.

Diwali creates a magical world of joy and festivity, celebrating the victory of good over evil and the glory of light over darkness. Many gods preside over this festival, but the most important is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and material prosperity.

In London people celebrate by flocking to exchange presents with their friends and families. Homes are ritualistically cleaned and decorated and hundreds of lamps are lit. In essence, Diwali marks new beginnings and a renewal of commitment to family values and represents joy, love and reflection.