The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

Diwali is a joyous occasion and I’m delighted that our Hindu, Sikh and Jain friends will once again be able to celebrate this sacred festival in the heart of London.

 

As ever, Diwali on the Square will be a special moment when Londoners can join together to celebrate our diversity and recall the inspiring story of Rama and Sita.

 

During this amazing Festival of Lights, I’d like to thank our Hindu, Sikh and Jain friends for their help in making our city the greatest in the world. London would not be the city we know and love without your contribution.

 

I wish everyone in London and beyond a very Happy Diwali!

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

This year, we come together to celebrate Diwali at a time when we are faced with challenges both at home and abroad. The story of Rama and Sita finding light after darkness reminds us that no matter the difficulties in our path today, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

 

Diwali on the Square is a wonderful and timely opportunity for Londoners to join in that spirit, celebrating our diversity and demonstrating the strength we draw from our many and varied communities.

 

The Festival of Lights is also a moment to thank our Hindu, Sikh and Jain friends for their help in making our city the greatest in the world. London would not be the city we know and love without your contribution. We all hope you enjoy a festival that brings continued peace and prosperity for your family and friends. I wish everyone in London and beyond a very Happy Diwali!

 

“From my family to yours, I wish everyone a Happy Diwali.”

Nitin Palan, Chair Team DiL 2022, BAPS Swaiminarayan Sanstha

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

 “I want to send my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, in London and around the world.

 

“As our communities come together to share hospitality and remember the story of Rama and Sita, I am delighted to welcome the return of Diwali festivities in Trafalgar Square.

 

“Our experiences over the past 18 months have reinforced the importance of the themes at the heart of Diwali: the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

 

“The spirit of this vibrant festival brings us all together and embodies the diverse and welcoming spirit of our great city.

 

“From my family to yours, I wish everyone a Happy Diwali.”

 

Shivali Ruparelia , Chairperson DiL 2021, Sai School of Harrow:

As we emerge from our darkest days… we pay tribute but with Triumph as we celebrate Diwali the Festival of Lights that will illuminate London and our souls again. We look forward to seeing you all at this year's very special very different very colourful uplifting celebration at London's iconic Trafalgar Square

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted that Diwali in London (DiL) Committee are putting on a virtual event to celebrate the festival of lights. 
 
“Diwali is a special time of year for many Londoners of different backgrounds and an opportunity to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. So while it is disappointing that we can’t unite in Trafalgar Square as we normally would, it’s great that we can join together in an online celebration.
 
“As the winter nights draw in and we continue to face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Diwali’s unifying message of friendship and hope is more important than ever.”

 

Care, Compassion, Gratitude

Sister Jayanti European Director, Brahma Kumaris, Chair of Diwali in London Committee 2020

This Diwali is going to be very different from all the others we have ever experienced. Yet I’m sure the spirit of Diwali will definitely be well and strong!

 

Diwali is the celebration of light and so, coming at a time of darkness, when there seem to be many sad stories of bereavement, sickness and financial hardship all caused by a virus, we need to ensure that our inner light stays ignited.  Instead of thinking of ‘Corona’, perhaps we can think about ‘Karuna’. It’s a time to share compassion, love and care with everyone around us.

Many of the problems people are experiencing seem to be connected with the state of consciousness and the mind, quite apart from physical factors. Understanding the self, understanding how the mind works and how it can be trained to a state of higher consciousness is a very important subject that can help individuals at the moment of crisis. Raja Yoga meditation first taught in India 5,000 years ago, is a method that brings peace and stability to one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions.

 

Dadi Janki, former Spiritual Head of the The Brahma Kumaris, passed away on 27th March 2020 at the age of 104. Her life has been a century of selfless service. Speaking about difficulties in relationships, Dadi once said: The root of all needs and expectations is an unfulfilled spiritual desire. Satisfy your spiritual desires through the practice of meditation and you will be able to interact successfully with anyone. No longer needy, you will enter into relationships simply to share and enjoy. There will be no strings attached in the way you give of yourself your love will be unconditional.’

 

The Honourable Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, lights a candle with the late Dadi Janki, at the Brahma Kumaris HQ in 2019 - He said “Dadiji has given us an inspirational mantra: ‘Truth, Simplicity and Cleanliness.’ When we adopt this mantra in our lives, we will feel benefit for the world and humanity. And the peace for which we are wandering and searching will automatically be established”

 

Wishing each and every one a Happy Diwali and enjoy watching and remembering the 18 years of Diwali  on Trafalgar Square,(from 2002-2019),  that brought so much love, hope and happiness into our hearts as well as reflecting on how we can bring Care, Compassion and Gratitude into our lives more fully through these times.

 

OM SHANTI

Jaymini Patel, Brahma Kumaris

- Chairperson, Diwali in London (DiL) Committee 2020

Urvashi Patel, Brahma Kumaris

- Co-Chairperson, Diwali in London (DiL) Committee 2020

Namaste

Diwali is renowned as the Festival of Lights and this year we will celebrate by igniting the light of hope with a show of compassion to all of humanity. As a global community we have faced many adversities and changes this year: Through the pandemic we keep going and have restored a new way of seeing by encouraging and supporting each other and looking for goodness in each situation. We are appreciating the generosity and efforts of governments, and here in the UK the NHS and key workers who have worked hard to keep our inner lights lit !

We all continue to share gratitude for our homes. Now more than ever they have become places where we experience safety and can share love, respect and genuine care for each other. This year the Diwali in London Committee (DiL) is creating a special FREE online event to acknowledge, enjoy and remember the incredible Diwali on Trafalgar Square festivals that were held every year from 2002-2019. These were hosted by the Mayor of London in partnership with Diwali In London Committee (DiL).

Please join us in celebrating and reflecting on such good times ONLINE with this FREE event 'Remembering Diwali on Trafalgar Square' on Sunday November 1st, 2020, 3pm-7pm.  Experience too this year's theme Compassion, Care and Gratitude and how even though apart we are still united in keeping the flame of Diwali well-lit in our hearts and minds.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali in London and across the world.

 

Diwali truly brightens our evenings as we unite alongside our Hindu, Sikh and Jain brothers and sisters to celebrate the festival of lights.

 

As families and communities practise hospitality and share the story of Rama and Sita, we mark the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and friendship over enmity.

 

Diwali’s central message of openness, peace and mutual respect is one we can all learn from. The festivities in Trafalgar Square are always a joy to attend and show that London is open to all.

 

From my family to yours, I wish you a Happy Diwali and a prosperous new year.

Mallesh Kota

Anita Nomula 

- joint Chairpersons the Diwali in London (Dil) Committee 2019

Namaskaram – and Welcome to the 18th year of celebrations of the festival of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, A MAYOR OF LONODN event in partnership with Diwali in London (DiL) Committee on 03 November 2019 to celebrate with us as global citizen ! Good times are always better when they are shared!! Diwali is a festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, love over hatred.

As ever, we are absolutely excited to bring to you the values and messages of this magnificent festival through many forms of extravagant stage performances, mind boggling music and ancient traditional wisdom. A true Indian cultural showdown is guaranteed!

This year we will start with a tribute to the mother nature and end with a grand finale performance. Whilst you enjoy colourful celebration with various performances, you can also indulge into Diwali culture zone to explore and learn about the Diwali culture, wear a Saree and tier a Turban, join the crowd with your dance moves and have a yoga moment too on the square. Your children can enjoy with face painting and activities in Children’s activities zone.

For the first time, we are also bringing specially produced and a dedicated puppet show on the Ramayana an epic story which will be an interesting way to learn about Ramayana for Children.

Furthermore, there will be…wait for it…plenty of food stalls to fill all your amazing varied appetites! The stalls have been a crowd favourite throughout the years and we can assure you that it only gets better every year!

Finally, a big thank you to the Mayor of London, Mr Sadiq Khan and all our wonderful sponsors for making this event possible.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

I want to send my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali in London and around the world.

During this wonderful festival of lights, we come together to reflect on the past year together, and mark the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and friendship over enmity.

Diwali’s central message of peace and mutual respect is one that I know all Londoners support – we are a city that celebrates our differences, and London is open to all.
                                                 
From my family to yours, Happy Diwali and a prosperous new year.

Nitin Palan the Diwali in London Chairperson 2018

Namaste - Happy Deepavali and a very happy New Year from all at the Diwali in London (DiL) team.

We look forward to celebrating Deepavali with all of you,  on this 17th year of festivities in the heart of London on the largest stage event in Europe. 

What makes this year particularly significant is that we will also remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors, over 1.3 million of who served in WW1, fighting alongside the British soldiers and ensuring that we maintain the freedom and independence that we enjoy today.

There will be a foray of stalls with interactive and engaging activities and sumptuous food to enjoy along with several scintillating stage performances.

Don't want to give too much away and take away the element of surprise.... Please DO come early to make sure that you can join us for dancing in the square!

Last but not the least - THANK YOU to our MAYOR OF LONDON , Mr. Sadiq Khan and all the wonderful sponsors who have made these celebrations possible.  

Happy Deepavali

Nitin Palan, MBE

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

As Mayor of London, I want to send my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali in London and around the world.

During this wonderful festival of lights, we come together to share the story of Rama and Sita, to light candles in our homes, and to pay tribute to the warmth and generosity of our Hindu, Sikh and Jain brothers and sisters. Friends and families reflect on the past year together, and mark the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and friendship over enmity.

Diwali’s central message of peace and mutual respect is one that we can all learn from. It reminds us that London succeeds when London is open to all.

“From my family to yours, Happy Diwali and a prosperous new year.”

Ravi Bhanot the Diwali in London Chairperson 2017

Sadiq Khan the Mayor of London
 

London is open to all people and all communities – we don’t just tolerate each other’s’ differences, we embrace them. Nowhere is this more apparent than in London’s joyous celebration of Diwali in Trafalgar Square. Here, London’s Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities come together to celebrate and to share the festivities with Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds. Diwali’s central message of peace and mutual respect is one that we can all learn from. To all those celebrating this month, I wish you a very happy and enjoyable Diwali. 

Sanjay Gadhvi the Diwali in London Chairperson 2016
 

This year we celebrate 15th year of Diwali in Trafalgar Square, London. This wonderful festival is filled with lights, lamps, music, sweets and gifts, but the Diwali story is more than the story of a single day of festive celebrations. It is a story of dedication to the pursuance and protection of the truth, justice, cooperation and respect. Come and join us and share happiness in entertainment, feasting and interactive workshops. Happy Diwali.

Mr. Yoganathan Ratheesan, Lebara Group's Chairman & CEO
 

As the universal brand for the world's migrant community, Lebara understands the importance of bringing friends and families together and celebrating important cultural events. We're very proud to continue our support of the Mayor's Diwali festival. The Lebara team looks forward to welcoming you at Trafalgar Square for plenty of fun activities and entertainment.

Lydia Nazareth, General Manager UK & Ireland at Jet Airways
 

As India's premier international airline it's most fitting for Jet Airways to be associated with the Mayor of London's Diwali Festival, one of the UK's biggest and brightest celebrations of Indian culture. We're thrilled to be co-sponsoring this year's event and are looking forward to sharing a taste of India with the thousands of Londoners heading to Trafalgar Square.

Mr. Raj Sunani, Assistant Director at India Tourism Office UK
 

The Diwali festival is not only hugely important to India’s communities the world over, but it also welcomes the world to join in and celebrate. We are proud and excited to be involved in the UK’s largest celebration of Diwali here in London. The Trafalgar Square Diwali celebrations will encapsulate all the joy, colour and vibrancy of Diwali and Indian culture, and I do hope that all Londoners will take the opportunity to spice up their Sunday India-style and come along and join in this free event.

Mark Strippel, Head of Programmes for BBC Asian Network
 

BBC Asian Network is proud to support London’s Diwali celebrations. Presenter, Tommy Sandhu, will be taking part, introducing some fantastic British-Asians artists who will be performing at the event.

Boris Johnson the Former MOL 
Boris Johnson had wished  all Londoner's a very 

HAPPY DIWALI in 2015