Diwali on the Square 2026 was cancelled because of forecast storms. Thank you for your support.
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About DiL
Thirteen organisations, one Diwali on the Square
- Partnership
- With the Mayor of London
- Chair, 2026
- National Hindu Students' Forum (UK)
- Vice-Chair
- The Art of Living
Who we are
Volunteers from London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, bringing Diwali to Trafalgar Square for over two decades.
Every member is a volunteer, of every age, and the committee shares Diwali through education, participation and plenty of fun. Each year one member organisation takes the chair.
The DiL Committee 2026
Chaired in 2026 by NHSF (UK)
The National Hindu Students' Forum (UK) leads the committee for 2026, with the Art of Living as Vice-Chair. Meet the team behind the 2026 celebration.
The 2026 chair team
Ritesh Thakrar
Chair team, NHSF (UK)
Jaanki Thakrar
Strategic Advisor for Finance, NHSF (UK)
Previously NHSF (UK) Treasurer and Media Coordinator. Jaanki works in finance in London.
Gauri Bij
Schools Team Coordinator, NHSF (UK)
A National Committee member for three years, Gauri is studying for a master's in Public History at UCL.
Arya Patel
Events Team, NHSF (UK)
Arya is studying Medicine at Queen Mary University of London.
Sarita Menon
Vice-Chairperson, Art of Living
A teacher, Art of Living volunteer and Managing Director of Inndus UK, passionate about seva and bringing people together.
Members
The 13 member organisations
About each organisation
National Hindu Students' Forum (UK) Chair, 2026
Chair of the DiL Committee for 2026. Since 1991, NHSF (UK) has given Hindu students across the UK a place to explore their identity and values, through weekly discussions, sewa, meditation and sport. It has over 10,000 members.
nhsf.org.ukThe Art of Living Vice-Chair
Vice-Chair for 2026. Founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian organisation working in 151 countries. It teaches breathing techniques that help people manage stress and improve wellbeing.
artofliving.orgBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
A worldwide Hindu organisation guided today by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. In the UK it is based at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, known to many as the Neasden Temple.
londonmandir.baps.orgBrahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK)
Teaches Raja Yoga meditation to people of every faith and background, free of charge. A UK charity since 1975, it is part of a network of over 8,500 centres in more than 100 countries.
brahmakumaris.org/ukBrahmin Society North London
Formed in 1973 and a registered charity since 1983. The Society promotes the Hindu religion, education and healthy recreation, and celebrates festivals with its members throughout the year.
bsnl.org.ukChinmaya Mission UK
Part of a worldwide spiritual organisation founded in 1953 by devotees of Swami Chinmayananda to share the knowledge of Vedanta. Classes and activities for every age group run from Chinmaya Kirti in Hendon.
chinmayauk.orgISKCON
Also known as the Hare Krishna Movement, ISKCON follows the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita. Its UK home is Bhaktivedanta Manor, established in 1973 and donated by George Harrison.
krishnatemple.comMetropolitan Police Hindu Association
Supports the around 1,600 Hindus who work in the Metropolitan Police Service, and works with Hindu communities across London.
mpha@met.police.ukOneJAIN
Part of the Institute of Jainology, OneJAIN represents 35 UK Jain organisations and at least 65,000 members, giving the Jain community one voice with government, institutions and other faiths.
onejainuk.orgSai School of Harrow
An award-winning Saturday school run by parent volunteers. Children join at five and study through to GCSE Hinduism, alongside citizenship and charity projects.
saischool.comTelugu Association of London
The first Telugu charity in the UK, formed in 2005 to unite, cherish and share Telugu culture, with a cultural centre, festivals and sporting events.
taluk.orgWorld Council of Hindus UK (Ilford Hindu Centre)
Teaches the principles and practice of Hindu Dharma, supports religious education in British schools and works for unity, equal opportunity and interfaith dialogue.
Past members
City Hindus Network
A network for Hindu professionals in and around the City of London, founded in 2006.
cityhindusnetwork.org.ukOshwal Association of the UK
The largest Jain organisation in the UK, home to Europe's first traditional Jain temple.
oshwal.orgGet involved