We would like to wish all our staff and students a very happy Diwali. Taking place on Thursday 4 November, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.
Also known as Deepavali, which means ‘rows of lighted lamps’, or the Festival of Lights, the festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Diwali is traditionally celebrated with religious ceremonies; decoration of homes and temples with bunting and small oil lamps called diyas; time with family and friends; feasting on delicious food including samosas and traditional sweets called mithai; firework displays; dressing up in fancy clothes, and exchanging gifts.
Leicester’s Diwali celebrations
Leicester's Diwali celebrations are believed to be the largest outside India. The annual light switch-on returns to the ‘Golden Mile’ this year on Sunday 24 October, 5.30 - 8.30pm, on Belgrave Road.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, last year’s events were marked virtually. This year marks the return of face-to-face festivities, with a revised approach including three giant screens to prioritise public safety.
The cultural programme on the day boasts dance, music and religious ceremony, which will be shown on the giant screens every hour from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. It will also feature fire performers, giant puppets, funfair rides and food stalls. This year, the annual firework displays will be replaced with a warm and light Fire Garden on Cossington Street Recreation Ground.
Further information and Diwali guide
For more information on Leicester’s Diwali celebrations, see this Diwali guide or go to visitleicester.info.
Faith Advisers at DMU
At DMU, we highly value spiritual support on campus and recognise that it is a great tool for coping with many of life’s challenges.
If you have any queries, please contact one of DMU’s Faith Advisers; further details can be found on our Spiritual Support webpage.
Student workshops
Students are invited to come along and celebrate Diwali in the Zen Zone on Monday 25 October, 12 - 4pm and Monday 1 November, 2 - 4pm. You can sample Indian food, get interactive with the giant Rangoli design, learn about the festival of light, create a greetings card, learn how to wear a sari, listen to some traditional music and create a mini diya to take home.
Our volunteer faith advisers will be on hand from 2pm to 3pm, if you need any support with your faith or would simply like a chat. You can meet and greet student executives and student society representatives at the event too. These sessions are open to all students of faith and no faith.
Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating from all of us at DMU.
Posted on Friday 29 October 2021