The spirit of Diwali has truly gone global this year. In a historic move, three US states, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and California, have officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, marking a growing recognition of the festival’s cultural significance beyond South Asia.
Even Disneyland joined the celebrations, hosting a vibrant Diwali Dance Fest where Mickey and Minnie Mouse donned traditional Indian attire, delighting visitors with music, colour, and joy.
Here in the UK, Diwali has long been an integral part of the nation’s multicultural calendar. More than 120 volunteers gathered at the Darji Community Centre in Leicester to prepare hundreds of food hampers for families in need, part of a nationwide initiative that distributed 5,500 hampers across the UK. Each pack included a handmade Diwali card from children in India, a small gesture symbolising global compassion and connection.
Across the country, smaller yet spirited celebrations are keeping the festival alive. In London, Trafalgar Square hosted a grand Diwali celebration (full story on page 13), while Wolverhampton prepares for a community event in Phoenix Park featuring a light switch-on and fireworks. Leamington Spa will hold its Diwali light switch-on this Sunday, and Rugby will celebrate with music, dance, and a lantern parade.
Coventry, Staffordshire, Worcester, and Telford have also lined up a series of festive gatherings, from Diwali lights along Foleshill Road to cultural performances at museums and universities.
However, this year’s celebrations arrive amid a more sombre atmosphere. Recent anti-immigration rallies and a shocking synagogue attack have left many communities unsettled, sparking broader conversations around unity, tolerance, and public safety. These events have inevitably impacted Diwali preparations, with some large-scale gatherings scaled back or postponed due to security concerns.
In Leicester, the iconic Golden Mile Diwali celebrations have been significantly altered. For the first time, there will be no stage entertainment or fireworks, and Cossington Street Recreation Ground will not form part of the festivities. The city’s safety advisory group made these changes following serious public safety concerns, citing the event’s growing crowd numbers in recent years.
In Birmingham, the much-anticipated 10th annual Soho Road Diwali Mela has been postponed. Organisers said the decision came after “careful consideration” in light of the recent Manchester attack and new safety obligations under Martyn’s Law. It’s the second consecutive year the event has been disrupted, following last year’s cancellation due to funding challenges.
Even as challenges cast their shadows, the light of Diwali endures, a reminder that resilience, kindness, and hope can outshine fear and division.
As the nation prepares to celebrate, Asian Voice presents its special Diwali feature, highlighting the stories, communities, and traditions that continue to make this festival a powerful symbol of unity and light across the world.
