What is Diwali about:

Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is one of the most popular and significant festivals celebrated in India. The festival celebrates the win of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival is usually celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, over a span of 5 days, in late October, or early November depending on the Lunar calendar. 

This year it is being celebrated on October 31 and November 1.

Some of the festivities and rituals during this festival include lighting ‘Deeya’s’ also known as oil lamps, wearing new and colourful clothing, decorating houses, bursting firecrackers, and hosting prayer ceremonies to signify the victory of light over darkness. 

The festival’s origins are intertwined in multiple scriptures and texts, making it almost impossible to find a singular starting point.

In Hinduism, the festival celebrates the return of Rama, who was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the nirvana (spiritual liberation) of Lord Mahavira in 527 B.C.

Sikhism celebrates Diwali as the mark of the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in 1619, symbolising freedom and light. 

Diwali’s significance across south and east London: 

While the exact number of residents who celebrate Diwali in the ELL boroughs is hard to determine, it can be estimated that, based on religious breakdowns of each borough, at least 43,115 people, or 3.3 percent (as of the 2021 census) of the ELL boroughs’ total population, celebrate this festival. 

After the Second World War, an increase in the need of labour in the UK encouraged Commonwealth immigration, including from India. Over the years, communities have grown and integrated themselves into the UK, London, and the ELL boroughs.

Croydon has the highest amount of Hindu, Sikh and Jain residents out of the ELL boroughs. It is home to several temples and many businesses owned by British Indians.

Lewisham has experienced several migration waves, and has been home to many people from all over the world, including India. Indian culture is prominent here, and can be seen in various forms such as restaurants and cultural associations.

Tower Hamlets has a history of South Asian migrations, prominently from Bangladesh, but the Indian influence in the community is seen through contributions to local businesses, and the cultural landscape.

Hackney has been diverse for decades, hosting Indian and South Asian communities among others. The area is known for its multicultural fabric, which includes various British Indian-owned businesses, religious centres, and cultural organisations that enhance local diversity.

One Lewisham resident, Saanika Baandha, told Eastlondonlines: “I moved from India to the UK only recently, and I was scared that I would feel left out or out of place, especially around the holidays, but Lewisham has a very strong community for everyone, especially Indians. It is nice to see festivals that are mostly celebrated in South Asia, being so popular even in cities like London….it definitely makes you feel more at home, even when you are so far away!” 

All the ELL boroughs have several events taking place to celebrate this festival to its fullest. 

The cultural details about the day of Diwali: 

The day of Diwali looks different for everyone, but some key practices that most people follow include waking up early and dressing up in traditional attire, indulging in a typical Indian breakfast. The rest of the morning and afternoon are spent visiting relatives and wishing them a Happy Diwali. The evenings are usually reserved for prayer ceremonies that last about 30-45 minutes, followed by the bursting of firecrackers. 

Once this is done, people usually meet in larger groups, including both friends and family, to play card games, eat traditional Indian food – such as Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan Bread, Jalebi, Kheer etc, and exchange gifts and money, usually given to children by the elders of the family.

Some customs may vary, for example some people choose not to consume alcohol or non vegetarian food during this day, while others enjoy these practices even more on the day of Diwali.