We would like to wish all our staff and students a very happy Diwali. Taking place on Monday 24 October, 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
Sunday 9 October – Monday 24 October
Belgrave Road, Golden Mile, Cossington Street Recreation, city centre and other locations.
Leicester's Diwali celebrations are believed to be the largest outside India and this year’s festivities will see the return of a full face-to-face programme of events since the pandemic.
The festival is set to kick off this year with the annual light switch-on and will be taking place on Sunday 9 October 5.30-8pm, on Belgrave Road also known as on the ‘Golden Mile’. The lights are due to be switched on at 7.30pm, followed by fireworks.
The Diwali village, open 3pm-9pm on Cossington Street Recreation Ground, boasts a full programme including dance, music, a large illuminated puppet, entertainment, funfair rides and food stalls.
After the light switch on, festivities will continue throughout the fortnight taking place around the city including a Diwali Mela Bazaar, Rangoli exhibition and waterside celebrations, and culminate in a spectacular firework display on Diwali Day on Monday 24 October.
The Leicester Wheel of Light will also return for Diwali, being located on Belgrave Road from Friday October 7 to Sunday November 6.
Further information and Diwali guide
For more information on Leicester’s Diwali celebrations, there’s a Diwali guide or please visit https://www.visitleicester.info/diwali.
Spiritual support 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, further details can be found here.
Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating from all of us at DMU.
Posted on Thursday 6 October 2022