Thousands of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in the UK have been celebrating Diwali this week after the five-day Festival of Lights was cancelled last year due to Covid.
Crowds gathered in Leicester’s Golden Mile and Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Park last night to mark Diwali, which honours Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, and celebrates the triumph of light over dark – representing good over evil.
The name of the festival, which takes place from November 2 to November 6 this year, is derived from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’.
Traditional decorations for houses, shops, and public places include small oil lamps called dias. A firework display is usually held. However, this year authorities in Leicester replaced the annual firework show with a fire garden and laser light show to reduce crowds.
Large screens along Belgrave Road in Leicester, which is said to be hosting the biggest celebrations for the festival outside of India, showed a pre-recorded programme which replaced the usual stage show.
Yesterday, Belgrave Road council officials asked people to wear facemasks to take Covid test before arriving and to stay at their home if they feel unwell.
Dharmesh Lakani, the owner of Bobby’s restaurant at Belgrave Road, said to the BBC that he was ‘grateful” that the restaurant was once again crowded.
He said, “It’s been almost two years since this happened here, so it’s been really amazing.” It’s great to see so many people out again.
Ivan Browne, director of public health for Leicester, said: ‘Visiting friends and families in their homes is a traditional part of Diwali Day, but please remember that the virus thrives indoors. Invite people to your home and ask them to cover their faces, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Performer dressed up as an elephant at the start Diwali in Leicester, on the golden Mile
Last night, thousands gathered on Leicester’s Golden Mile to celebrate Diwali. This celebration honours Lakshmi (deity of wealth and prosperity) and celebrates the triumph over darkness – which is good over evil – and celebrates Lakshmi.
People walking along the Golden Mile in Leicester to celebrate Diwali, a five-day festival of lights, one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus and Jains, and one of the largest festivals of the Sikhs.
To reduce crowds, the Leicester authorities have replaced the annual firework show this year with a laser light show as well as a firegarden.
A performer at the Golden Mile in Leicester, the beginning of the five-day festival
A vendor selling lights along the Golden Mile in Leicester at Diwali’s start
A performer in Leicester during Diwali, a five-day festival of lights.
Performer on the Golden Mile in Leicester, at the beginning of Diwali
People cheer in Leicester as they celebrate Diwali, a five-day festival of lights. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus and Jains, and one of the largest festivals of the Sikhs.
A fire garden in Leicester featuring rainbow lights overhead at the start Diwali
Traditional decoration of shops, houses, and public spaces is with small oil lamps called diyas. Fireworks are usually displayed in these places.
A performer greets the family in Leicester at Diwali’s beginning
A performer meets a child at the Golden Mile in Leicester at Diwali’s start
Fairground rides for children in Leicester at the beginning of Diwali