Diwali

Diwali Shubhkamnaye
Happy Diwali from our families to yours

Diwali or Deepavali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and renewal of life. It is a time for friends and families to gather, share food and look forward to the year ahead.

Diwal 2020

Diwali Indian Festival of Lights is on Saturday 24 October from 2pm to 9.30pm at Hagley Park North.

The event will include performers from all over the country presenting Indian classical, cultural, folk, and Bollywood performances. It also brings together an array of traditional Indian cuisines made by local restaurants and chefs. Trade stalls promote, exhibit and experience Indian art, handicraft, henna and traditional clothing.

Diwali and Indian resources in our collection

Staff List

Indian Authors

Dive into the Indian imagination and find the familiar alongside the challenging.

Community List

Indian Recipes to Share

Share a yummy Indian dish with friends and family this Diwali!

Share your Diwali images

Want to share your own images of celebrating Diwali today and in the past? Share them in our Photo Hunt and they'll be added to the Discovery Wall.

Indian recipes

About Diwali

Originally a Hindu festival from India, Diwali is now celebrated by communities around the world by the symbolic lighting of lamps or diya and fireworks as a symbol of bringing positivity and light into our homes and communities.

The festival falls in either October of November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon, and coincides with the Hindu New Year.

Find resources about Diwali in our collection
Read about Diwali in the World Book Reference Centre

How to celebrate Diwali in your home and community

Diwali is about enjoying great food and sweets with family, friends and neighbours. Often people will invite friends to their home to share in celebrations or take a plate of sweets to their neighbours.

Light candles and lamps throughout your home to fill it with positive energy and the Diwali festive feeling. As a family or household this invites positive energy and hopes for the coming year into our home.

Get dressed up and dance. Hindu families will often wear their newest and best clothes on Diwali to celebrate the New Year. Diwali is like Christmas and New Year wrapped into one. Celebrate with your friends and family and come together to share your hopes and dreams for the coming year ahead.