Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights’ and is a joyful celebration that takes place across the world.
Houses, shops and community spaces will be decorated with candles and lamps called ‘diyas’ to mark the occasion.
It’s a five-day-long festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.
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When is Diwali 2026?
The exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based upon the moon.
But it always comes in autumn, usually sometime between October and November when the evenings are getting darker earlier in the UK.
This year, the main Diwali celebration falls on Sunday November 8.
This will be the third day of Diwali, the darkest day of the month, and it normally concurs with the new moon.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is all about new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The rituals vary by region as a fusion of harvest festivals.
Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, prosperity and wealth, is the primary deity worshipped during Diwali, together with Ganesh, the god representing good fortune and wisdom.
What happens at Diwali?
On Diwali night, many people offer prayers to Lakshmi and Ganesh for the coming year.
As the religious ceremony comes to a close, sweetmeat offerings are placed in front of the deities, and small clay lamps known as diyas are arranged inside and outside homes.
It is hoped the twinkling lights will attract Lakshmi’s attention and guide her to bestow blessings and prosperity for the year ahead.
Other rituals include cleaning and decorating homes, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, firework displays and sharing festive meals.
Diwali events in and around Birmingham
Birmingham Diwali Mela
The tenth annual Birmingham Diwali Mela is set to take place on Soho Road on Sunday October 25 from 12 noon to 7.30pm
Festival of Light at the Black Country Living Museum
An immersive outdoor evening event celebrating the festival of lights with vibrant sights, sounds, and cultural family activities on Saturday November 7 from 6pm at the Dudley museum.
Diwali Gala
This family-friendly indoor gala features an unlimited vegetarian buffet, live Bollywood/bhangra DJ, cultural performances, a Mehendi artist, and a kids’ zone with a bouncy castle on Saturday October 31 from 4pm to 9pm at The Conference Suit in West Bromwich.
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