Your Ultimate Guide to London’s 2024 Diwali Celebration

If you’re looking to enjoy London's 2024 Diwali celebrations you’ve come to the right place. From the heart of Trafalgar Square to cultural pockets across the city, Diwali 2024 promises a whirlwind of colour, music, and plenty of opportunities to overindulge in delicious food.

Whether you’re a Diwali regular or just fancy soaking up the atmosphere, we’ve got you covered with all the top highlights, from dance performances to a puppet show that'll bring ancient tales to life.It’s the perfect excuse to get out, learn a few new moves, and maybe even leave with a free turban on your head.Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for this year’s festival of lights in London.

When & Where?

Date: Sunday, 27th October 2024
Time: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN
Cost: Free entry (Yes, free!)

Opening Dance: A Story from the Ramayana

The day kicks off in style with a 200-strong group of dancers putting on a spectacular performance that tells the story of Lord Rama. It's set to be a proper dance drama right in the middle of Trafalgar Square, re-enacting key moments from the Ramayana.

From Lord Rama's exile to his heroic battle with the demon Ravana, this 20-minute spectacle is bound to be one of the highlights of the day.

If you’ve ever wanted to see an eagle defend a goddess or a demon get his comeuppance, this is your chance. Expect vibrant costumes, energetic dance moves, and a whole lot of storytelling packed into a short, sharp burst of entertainment.

Explore The Different Diwali Zones

The Children's Zone: Where Kids Can Be Kids (and Learn Something, Too)

For families with kids, the Children’s Zone is a must-visit. It’s like a little adventure designed to keep the young ones entertained and learning. Kids can dive into Diwali-themed arts and crafts, from making their own rangoli patterns to decorating diyas (those lovely little lamps). There’s even a game where they can have a go at shooting a ten-headed demon—something they probably won’t find in their average Sunday school!

There are face-painting stations where kids can transform into their favourite Diwali characters, plus interactive storytelling sessions featuring tales from the Ramayana, like the adventures of Lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman.

It's fun, it’s creative, and it's educational without feeling like school—perfect for the little ones (and for parents looking to keep them busy for an hour or two).

Glimpse of Goddesses: Discover Your Inner Shakti

If you’re looking to tap into your spiritual side, then the Glimpse of Goddesses area could be worth a visit. You’ll have a chance to explore the virtues and qualities of Hindu goddesses like Lakshmi and Saraswati, and reflect on how you can channel a bit of that divine power into your daily life.

The Shakti Wheel is a fun little activity where you spin to discover which goddess’s powers you might want to work on (think of it like a spiritual spin-the-wheel).There’s also an opportunity to sit in front of live depictions of goddesses and feel empowered—or at the very least, have a think about the strengths we all have inside us.

Oh, and you can even get crowned and apply a tilak (a mark on your forehead), so if you’re in the mood to feel like royalty for a few minutes, this is your chance.

Dance Workshops: Time to Bust a Move

Love a bit of dancing? Then head over to the Dance Workshops where you can join in and learn a few steps.

It’s a great way to dip your toes into different Indian dance styles, from traditional classical forms to the ever-popular Bollywood routines.

It’s casual, fun, and open to all abilities, so whether you’ve got two left feet or fancy yourself as a bit of a mover, you’re welcome to join. You’ll get a workout, learn something new, and maybe even surprise yourself with a new dance skill or two.

Diwali Culture Zone: Immerse Yourself in the Traditions

If you’re curious about Diwali and want to dive deeper into its cultural significance, the Diwali Culture Zone is the place to be.

Expect interactive games, traditional ceremonies like Guru Puja (a ritual honouring spiritual teachers), and the chance to try your hand at Kho Kho—an ancient Indian game that’s sort of like tag, but with more running and strategy involved.

There’ll also be a bit of performance art thrown into the mix, like the Kathakali dance from Kerala, which combines dance, music, and elaborate costumes to tell ancient stories.

It’s a great opportunity to see something a little different, and if you're feeling bold, ask the performers a few questions or pose for a quick photo. You'll also be able to explore the Mahabharat through visual art, adding another layer to the cultural experience.

Bhajan Zone: Spiritual Music and Bhajans

If all the dancing, crafting, and running around has you feeling like you need a moment of calm, then the Bhajan Zone is the spot to recharge your spiritual batteries.

This peaceful area is all about devotional singing, with different groups performing throughout the day. The bhajans (religious songs) are meant to uplift and inspire, so it’s a great place to sit back and let the music wash over you.

Whether you’re religious or not, the calming atmosphere might be just what you need to balance out the excitement of the rest of the day.

Tie a Turban: A Unique Experience

One of the more unique offerings at this year’s event is the Tie a Turban stand. It’s exactly what it sounds like: you get to sit down, have a traditional turban expertly tied for you, and then walk away with it, all free of charge.

The turban is a symbol of strength and respect in many cultures, and this is a fun, hands-on way to experience that tradition. Plus, it makes for a great photo op, so make sure to snap a few pics once you’re all decked out.

Diwali Puppet Show: Bringing Ancient Stories to Life

For a bit of storytelling magic, head over to the Diwali Puppet Show, brought to you by StoryHour UK. This 20-minute show is perfect for both kids and adults, as it retells the epic tale of the Ramayana using handcrafted puppets.

It’s a lovely way to see the ancient stories of Diwali come to life, with puppeteers bringing the characters up close for a personal and entertaining show.

Yoga and Meditation Zone: Find Your Inner Calm

Looking to find a bit of peace amidst all the activity? The Yoga and Meditation Zone is the perfect place to relax, reflect, and unwind.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just fancy trying something new, the yoga sessions here are open to everyone. And if bending into downward dog isn't your thing, there are guided meditation sessions too, designed to help you reconnect with the present moment and leave a little more zen than when you arrived.

Harmony Zone: A Celebration of Unity

Rounding off the day is the Harmony Zone, which focuses on the community spirit of Diwali. With interactive activities, photo opportunities, and a ‘Giving from the Heart’ message wall, this area is all about celebrating togetherness.

You’ll also get to see community service in action and take part in spiritual reflection. It’s a lovely way to wrap up your Diwali experience by focusing on what the festival is all about—harmony and coming together.

How to Get To London's 2024 Diwali Celebration

The best way to get to Trafalgar Square is by public transport, as central London parking can be a bit of a nightmare, especially on a busy event day like Diwali.

Here are the most convenient travel options:

• Nearest Tube Stations: Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) are both a short walk from the square.
• By Bus: Plenty of buses stop near Trafalgar Square, including routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 29, 87, and 176.
• By Train: Charing Cross Station is just around the corner from the square.
• Cycling: There are cycle hire docking stations around Trafalgar Square if you’re on two wheels.

Accessibility

Trafalgar Square is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and facilities available for those with mobility issues. If you’re coming by car and require disabled parking, your best bet is to check for spaces at nearby car parks or arrange for drop-off access.

The History of Diwali in London

London’s Diwali celebrations have grown significantly over the past few decades, evolving from small community gatherings to large-scale public events that now attract thousands of people each year.

The first major Diwali event in Trafalgar Square kicked off in 2001, as a way to bring the city’s diverse communities together for a shared celebration of light, culture, and unity.

Initially, these festivities were much smaller and often focused around temple and community halls. However, with London being home to large Hindu, Sikh, and Jain populations, City Hall saw the opportunity to make Diwali a major cultural event on the London calendar. Trafalgar Square was chosen for its centrality, creating a public space for everyone—whether they celebrate Diwali or are just curious to learn more.

Over the years, the event has grown to include a mix of traditional and modern performances, workshops, and interactive activities. It’s not just about watching; it’s about getting involved, learning about different cultures, and of course, sampling some incredible food.

Today, Diwali on the Square is one of the biggest celebrations of its kind outside of India, symbolising the strength and diversity of London's communities.

Final Thoughts

Diwali on the Square 2024 is set to be a packed day of culture, fun, and festivity. Whether you're there to soak up the atmosphere, learn a new dance, or just grab some great food while enjoying the performances, there's something for everyone.

Not in London? Why not check out the Diwali celebrations in Edinburgh instead? Edinburgh’s was voted one of the seven best places in the world to celebrate the festival. Find out all about this year's celebration in our article: Your Guide to Edinburgh’s Diwali Celebration 2024