Across Britain, Diwali celebrations bring contributions made by the British Indian community into public view, offering opportunities for people to share in the festival's traditions and message.
The Diwali celebrations in the UK are not confined to homes and temples any longer. They are increasingly part of the country's civic and cultural calendar, bringing communities together in public spaces and national institutions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted his first Diwali at No10 on 27 October with a homage to the community’s contributions. The gathering was attended by hundreds of guests, including Asian Voice, who were particularly invited to celebrate the occasion (see p16-17).
In mid-October, the 1928 Institute and the India All-Party Parliamentary Group hosted a Diwali celebration bringing together political and community representatives. The London Stock Exchange hosted its second Diwali on 29 October with pomp and gaiety.
On Thursday, 19 November, the Royal Navy will host Defence Diwali celebration in the HM Naval Base in Portsmouth, while the Hindu Forum of Britain is hosting its 25th annual Diwali celebration on 4 November, continuing a month of events recognising the festival and its place in British life. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office is hosting its Diwali on 18 November while the Lord Mayor of the City of London is hosting his on the 10th.
Such gatherings are more than occasions for celebration. They are expressions of a multicultural Britain in which communities can share their heritage, traditions and values with the wider public.
But there is an irony in celebrating this vision of Britain at a time when the country can feel so deeply fragmented.
The warmth of a Diwali reception, the sight of people gathering around lamps and the public recognition of Hindu culture can stand in contrast to the divisions that continue to shape national life. Questions of immigration, identity and national belonging have become increasingly contentious, while social and political divisions can make it harder for people to see what they share.
The celebration of one community's heritage does not, in itself, resolve these tensions. Nor should the presence of Diwali in Britain's public life be taken as proof that every citizen feels equally welcome.
Instead, it offers a reminder of what inclusion can look like.
British Indians are an integral part of the national story, and celebrating their heritage enriches that story for everyone. The warmest expression of inclusion is a country where people feel equally valued, where cultural traditions are welcomed and where public institutions help every citizen participate with confidence (see p4 for more).
The diaspora's enduring light and legacy
Every Diwali, millions of Indians across the world illuminate their homes with diyas, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of new beginnings. Yet, for the Indian diaspora, the light of Diwali extends far beyond the festival itself. It is reflected in the businesses they build, the knowledge they share, the communities they nurture and the contributions they make to the countries they call home.
The Indian diaspora is one of the largest and most diverse communities in the world. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, an estimated 35.4 million overseas Indians lived across the globe in January 2024, including 15.85 million non-resident Indians and 19.57 million people of Indian origin and overseas citizens of India.
From the Gulf countries and Southeast Asia to North America, Europe and Africa, the diaspora has become an integral part of the societies in which it has settled.
Its contribution is also reflected in the economic connections it maintains with India. The World Bank estimated that India received $129 billion in remittances in 2024, making it the world's largest recipient. These financial connections support families, communities and economic development, while the diaspora also strengthens international trade, investment and cultural exchange.
In Britain, that contribution is particularly evident. From entrepreneurs driving economic growth to doctors caring for patients, academics advancing knowledge and public servants strengthening institutions, British Indians and Hindus have helped shape modern Britain.
As the country celebrates Diwali, the story of Britain's Indian diaspora is inseparable from the country's own development. Yet this year's celebrations also carry a deeper significance. At a time when Britain is confronting questions of identity, belonging and social division, the festival offers an opportunity to reflect not only on the contributions of its Indian communities, but also on the kind of country Britain wishes to be.
A community powering the economy
The Indian diaspora's economic contribution is substantial. According to data compiled by Insight UK in factsheet, “The remarkable contribution of Hindus and Indians to Britain today”, the figures provided estimates that Indians and Hindus, despite representing less than 3 per cent of the UK population, contribute approximately 6 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).
The 2021 Census shows that 77.1 per cent of Hindus are economically active. Meanwhile, 39.8 per cent of workers in the Indian ethnic group are employed in professional occupations, the highest proportion among ethnic groups.
More than a third of Hindus, 34.3 per cent, work in professional occupations, including medicine, law and education. These figures reflect a community whose contribution extends across industries, from small businesses and family enterprises to major corporations.
The UK-India economic relationship further demonstrates this impact. Indian companies operating in Britain employ approximately 116,000 people, generate £50 billion in turnover and contribute almost half a billion pounds in corporation tax.
Behind these figures are generations of entrepreneurs, employees and investors whose work has helped create opportunities for others.
Lighting the way through education
Education has long been central to the aspirations of many Indian families, and the statistics reflect that commitment.
According to the 2021 Census, 54.8 per cent of Hindus hold qualifications at Level 4 or above, compared with the national average of 33.8 per cent. The Indian ethnic group also has the highest proportion of workers in professional occupations, reflecting the importance of higher education and professional development.
From medicine and engineering to law and technology, British Indians have established a strong presence in fields that underpin the country's economy and public services.
Their achievements represent more than individual success. They contribute to a skilled workforce, support innovation and help inspire future generations to pursue their ambitions.
A community caring for Britain
The contribution of British Indians and Hindus is perhaps most visible in the country's healthcare system. According to the figures provided, Indians and Hindus account for a substantial proportion of hospital and community healthcare workers, while representing a much smaller share of the population.
The General Medical Council's workforce statistics also highlight the presence of Hindu doctors in the UK, with the proportion reported to have risen from 8.3 per cent in 2023 to 9.4 per cent in 2025.
These professionals are part of a wider community whose work supports patients, families and healthcare institutions across the country. The 2021 Census also found that 87.8 per cent of Hindus reported being in good or very good health.
Beyond healthcare, community organisations, charities and volunteers provide support to people from all backgrounds, reinforcing the values of compassion and service that are central to Diwali.
The light of public service
British Indians and Hindus have also made important contributions to public life, including local government, the armed forces and the police.
The figures compiled in the factsheet show that Indian nationals and people of Indian heritage are represented across these institutions, contributing to public safety, national security and the country's democratic life. Their participation reflects a broader commitment to service, responsibility and community.
The Indian diaspora's contribution is not limited to economic success or professional achievement. It is also reflected in the everyday work of people who care for neighbours, support vulnerable families and help build stronger communities.
Beyond the statistics
The figures offer a compelling picture of a community that has helped shape Britain through enterprise, education, healthcare and public service.
But statistics alone cannot capture the full story.
They cannot measure the reassurance offered by a doctor, the opportunities created by an entrepreneur, the dedication of a teacher or the countless hours given by volunteers. Nor can they fully express the cultural contribution of a community whose festivals, traditions, food, music and values have become part of Britain's shared identity.
Diwali provides an opportunity to recognise these contributions and reflect on what it means to build a life in a country that becomes home. That contribution was acknowledged during the Prime Minister's Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street, where he described the festival as an opportunity to renew a collective commitment to building a more united country.
Reflecting on the role of faith communities, Burnham said: “Our Hindu community, I know, did so much to build Greater Manchester into what it is today.”
He also recognised the contributions of Sikh, Jain and Muslim communities, highlighting their work in healthcare, public services and community life. “Thank you for everything that you are doing in your communities to support people, to bring people together, to work in our health service, in our public services, to build the common good of this great country,” he said.
His message was a reminder that the Indian diaspora's contribution is not simply a story of migration, but one of belonging, service and shared progress. And as Britain celebrates Diwali, it is worth remembering that the light of the Indian diaspora has become an enduring part of the country's own story.
