Diwali 2025 - the Hindu festival of light

Rows of diyas

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali or Deepawali, meaning row of lights, is the Hindu festival of lights, which this year falls on 20th October. It is one of the most vibrant, colourful and celebrated of festivals for the Hindu faith. It symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma (light, good, knowledge) over Adharma (darkness, evil, ignorance) and occurs in the Hindu ‘lunisolar’ calendar month of Ashvin.

Diwali has many references to and connections with religious and historic events, deities and personalities making it incredibly visually rich and beautiful in symbology and colour.

Even across India’s regions and different religions Diwali is celebrated in different ways, but the main theme is renewal, hope and light.

  • In northern India it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon King Ravana. People lit lamps to welcome him home.

  • In southern India it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.

Rangoli with dyas

Although Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it has other variations celebrated in other Indian religions such as Jainism and Sikhism.

  • Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, or ‘Day of Liberation’ when the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guruo Hargobind and 52 Hindu kings were freed from imprisonment by Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

  • Jains celebrate the freedom of Mahavair, an Indian religious spiritual leader considered to be the 24th and final Supreme Preacher of his age and his attainment of Nirvana.

  • Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh celebrate Diwali by worshipping the goddess Kali, whilst the Newar Buddhists from Nepal, celebrate by worshipping Lakshmi.

So for all those cultures originating in the Indus Valley, Diwali is a widely celebrated festival, of great cultural importance.

The Five Days of Diwali

  1. Dhanteras:

    The first day, when people buy new items like pots, pans, and jewelry, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. 

  2. Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali):

    The second day, often marked by cleaning homes, making beautiful rangoli designs, and enjoying sweets. 

  3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali):

    The third and most important day, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, often involving dressing in new clothes and celebrating with fireworks. 

  4. Govardhan Puja (North) / Bali Pratipada (South):

    The fourth day celebrates the new year with gift-giving between families and friends. 

  5. Bhai Dooj:

    The final day honors the special bond between siblings, where sisters place a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, and brothers give them gifts. 

 
 

Diwali in and around Willesden Green

Shree Swaminaryayan Temple Willesden, 220-222 Willesden Lane, NW2 5RG

“Where Love Grows and Inspiration Flows”. Find out more about Diwali 2025 at Shree Swaminarayan Temple’s Facebook page and on their Website.

Brent Indian Community Centre, SWAGAT Hall, 19 Dudden Hill Lane, NW10 2ET

https://bi-cc.org.uk/ and find them on Facebook.

Read or download their Diwali 2025 Press Release here.
Founded in 1978 the Brent Indian Community Centre (BI-CC) is a real hub of well-being, friendship and cultural connection based in the heart of Willesden Green but which also serves all of Brent. BI-CC deliver a very impressive programme of diverse and vibrant activities (which includes yoga, singing, health seminars, technology classes for seniors, the much-loved afternoon ‘Chai & Socialising Club’, regular live music luncheons and inclusive ‘Tea Dance’ training sessions) - ensuring that the BI-CC has something for everyone!

Brent Indian Community Centre (BI-CC) event, Punab Garba on 6th October at SWAGAT Hall, Willesdeen

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden Temple, Pramukh Swami Road, Neasden, NW10 8HW

The Internationally-acclaimed ‘Neasen Temple’ (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir), one of the largest Hindu temples in Europe, is the headquarters of one of the largest and most active Hindu organisations within the Indian diaspora, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

The Mandir (temple) is highly renowned for it’s outstanding beauty. Find out about the history of BAPS in the UK & Europe. “BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a masterpiece of traditional Hindu design and exquisite workmanship that rises serenely amid London's iconic skyline. Using 5,000 tonnes of Italian Carrara and Indian Ambaji marble and the finest Bulgarian limestone, it was hand-carved in India before being assembled in London.”

Find out all about their Diwali celebrations on Monday 20th October and more at this link.