Diwali Events Near Me UK 2025 – complete city guide and festival dates. London, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester and more. Temples, maps, puja timings.

Diwali Events Near Me UK 2025 – Complete City Guide & Festival Dates

Searching “Diwali events near me UK 2025” and want it all in one place? You’ve found it. This national guide lists the biggest Diwali lights switch‑ons, city melas, temple aartis, and family activities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—with verified official links, Google Map pins, and practical tips.

Most of the UK will observe Diwali on Monday, 20 October 2025. Public festivals typically happen on the surrounding weekends. Below you’ll find a 5‑day Diwali calendar, city‑by‑city event hubs, temple visit ideas, and easy puja timing windows with sources to verify for your exact location.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer: UK Date, Puja Windows, and Top Cities
• Why the Date Moves Each Year (and how BST affects timings)
• 5‑Day Diwali 2025 Calendar (UK) with Family Tips
• City‑by‑City: Where to Celebrate Near You
  • London (Trafalgar Square, Wembley, Southall)
  • Leicester (Golden Mile – Belgrave Road)
  • Birmingham (Soho Road + City Centre)
  • Manchester (City Centre)
  • Coventry, Nottingham, Wolverhampton
  • Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Hull, York
  • Glasgow, Edinburgh
  • Cardiff, Swansea
  • Belfast
  • Reading, Slough, Milton Keynes, Luton, Watford, Harrow, Croydon, Ilford/Redbridge, Southend
• Puja Timings Near You: Quick Windows + How to Verify
• Transport, Parking, and Crowd Hacks
• Food, Sweets, Shopping: What to Buy and When
• Fireworks Rules UK: What’s Legal in 2025
• Weather & What to Wear in October
• Eco‑Friendly and Sensory‑Friendly Diwali
• Family Itineraries (Kids, Elders, Young Professionals)
• Key Statistics (with Sources)
• Featured Snippet: Fast Answers People Search For
• FAQs

Quick Answer: UK Date, Puja Windows, and Top Cities

• UK Diwali 2025 date: Monday, 20 October 2025
• Best time for home Lakshmi Puja: After local sunset during Pradosh Kaal while Amavasya Tithi is active
• Sample city windows (verify below):
  • London: about 6:00–8:15 PM BST
  • Leicester: about 5:55–7:45 PM BST
  • Birmingham: about 6:00–8:00 PM BST
  • Manchester: about 5:50–7:45 PM BST
  • Glasgow: about 5:45–7:30 PM BST
  • Cardiff: about 6:00–8:00 PM BST
  • Belfast: about 5:55–7:45 PM BST

Verify your exact sunset and muhurat:

• timeanddate (choose your city): https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

Top city celebration hubs to watch:

• London Trafalgar Square Diwali (Mayor of London/Diwali in London)
  • Diwali in London: https://www.diwaliinlondon.com
  • Trafalgar Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Trafalgar+Square,+London+WC2N+5DN
• Leicester Golden Mile – Belgrave Road (Switch‑on + fireworks nights around Diwali)
  • Visit Leicester Diwali: https://www.visitleicester.info/diwali
  • Belgrave Road Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Belgrave+Road,+Leicester+LE4
• Birmingham Soho Road BID + City Centre
  • Soho Road BID: https://www.sohoroadbid.org
  • Victoria Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Victoria+Square,+Birmingham+B1+1BD

Bookmark official pages now. UK organisers typically publish final 2025 dates, stage times, and road closures 2–4 weeks before Diwali.

Why the Date Moves Each Year (and how BST affects timings)

• Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on Kartik Amavasya (new moon).
• Lakshmi Puja is performed after local sunset during Pradosh Kaal when Amavasya Tithi is active.
• The UK observes British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1) until the last Sunday in October, so Diwali 2025 (Mon 20 Oct) is still in BST. Your practical puja window will be early evening.

Therefore, the national date is set, but your ideal puja time is local—based on your city’s sunset and muhurat.

5‑Day Diwali 2025 Calendar (UK) with Family Tips

• Dhanteras — Sat, 18 Oct
  • Clean home, buy a small metal item/utensil, prep diyas and fairy lights.
• Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) — Sun, 19 Oct
  • Early diya lighting, abhyang snan, finalise rangoli outline.
• Diwali / Lakshmi Puja — Mon, 20 Oct
  • Home puja after sunset in your muhurat window; optional temple visit.
• Govardhan Puja / Annakut — Tue, 21 Oct
  • Temple Annakut darshan; arrive early for the best view.
• Bhai Dooj — Wed, 22 Oct
  • Sibling rituals, shared meals; video calls if family is elsewhere.

Family tip: Pick one big “mela day” on the weekend and keep Diwali night calm at home. It’s the low‑stress way to fit everything in.

City‑by‑City: Where to Celebrate Near You

Dates and lineups publish closer to October. Use the official links to confirm timings and any tickets/road closures.

London

• Diwali on Trafalgar Square (Mayor of London/Diwali in London)
  • Official: https://www.diwaliinlondon.com
  • Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Trafalgar+Square,+London+WC2N+5DN
  • Why go: UK’s biggest open‑air Diwali showcase—dance, music, food, and diya lighting moments.
  • Transport: TfL plan: https://tfl.gov.uk
• Wembley/Brent & Ealing/Southall (borough celebrations)
  • Brent Council events: https://www.brent.gov.uk/events
  • Ealing Council events: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/events
  • Southall Broadway (area map): https://maps.google.com/?q=Southall+Broadway,+UB1
  • Why go: Neighbourhood‑scale performances, shopping offers, and community stalls.
• Temples (popular for Annakut)
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden
    • Official: https://www.neasdentemple.org
    • Map (query): https://maps.google.com/?q=BAPS+Shri+Swaminarayan+Mandir+Neasden
  • ISKCON Soho Street
    • Official: https://www.iskcon.london
    • Address: 10 Soho St, London W1D 3DL
    • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=10+Soho+St,+London+W1D+3DL

Leicester (Golden Mile)

• Diwali Lights Switch‑On & Fireworks (Belgrave Road/Golden Mile)
  • Official: https://www.visitleicester.info/diwali
  • Belgrave Road Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Belgrave+Road,+Leicester+LE4
  • Why go: One of Europe’s largest Diwali events—the famed switch‑on, street food, funfair, and cultural stages.
  • Tip: Arrive early for the switch‑on; road closures apply.
• ISKCON Leicester & City Temples
  • ISKCON Leicester
    • Official: https://iskconleicester.org
    • Address: 31 Granby St, Leicester LE1 6EJ
    • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=31+Granby+St,+Leicester+LE1+6EJ

Birmingham (Soho Road + City Centre)

• Soho Road (Handsworth) Diwali celebrations
  • Soho Road BID: https://www.sohoroadbid.org
  • Area Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Soho+Road,+Handsworth,+Birmingham+B21
  • Why go: Street‑festival vibes with bhangra, garba, food stalls, and lights.
• City‑centre showcases (Victoria Square/Centenary Square)
  • City events hub: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/events
  • Victoria Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Victoria+Square,+Birmingham+B1+1BD
• Temples
  • Shree Geeta Bhavan Hindu Temple
    • Official: https://www.geetabhavan.org.uk
    • Address: 107–117 Heathfield Rd, Handsworth, B19 1HL
    • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=107-117+Heathfield+Rd,+Birmingham+B19+1HL
  • Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple (nearby Tividale)
    • Official: https://www.venkateswara.org.uk
    • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Dudley+Rd+E,+Tividale,+Oldbury+B69+3DU

Manchester (City Centre)

• Diwali Mela (venues vary: Albert Square/Cathedral Gardens)
  • Visit Manchester events: https://www.visitmanchester.com/whats-on
  • Indian Association of Greater Manchester: https://www.iagm.org.uk
  • Albert Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Albert+Square,+Manchester+M2+5DB
  • Cathedral Gardens Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Cathedral+Gardens,+Manchester+M4+3BG
  • Why go: Big‑stage dance and music, family activities, and street food.

Coventry, Nottingham, Wolverhampton

• Coventry (Broadgate City Centre)
  • Visit Coventry: https://visitcoventry.co.uk/events/
  • Broadgate Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Broadgate,+Coventry+CV1+1NE
• Nottingham (Old Market Square)
  • Visit Nottinghamshire: https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on
  • Old Market Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Old+Market+Square,+Nottingham+NG1+2DT
• Wolverhampton (city‑centre/community programmes)
  • Enjoy Wolverhampton: https://www.enjoywolverhampton.com/whats-on/
  • City Centre Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Wolverhampton+City+Centre

Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Hull, York

• Leeds (Millennium Square/City Centre pop‑ups)
  • Leeds Inspired: https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk
  • Millennium Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Millennium+Square,+Leeds+LS2+3AD
• Bradford (City Park/Centenary Square)
  • Visit Bradford: https://www.visitbradford.com/whats-on
  • City Park Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Centenary+Square,+Bradford+BD1+1HY
• Sheffield (Peace Gardens)
  • Welcome to Sheffield (events): https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/visit/whats-on
  • Peace Gardens Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Peace+Gardens,+Sheffield+S1+2HH
• Hull & York (regional listings)
  • Visit Hull: https://www.visithull.org/whatson/
  • Visit York: https://www.visityork.org/whats-on

Glasgow, Edinburgh

• Glasgow (George Square/City Halls – programming varies)
  • Glasgow Life: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/whats-on
  • George Square Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=George+Square,+Glasgow+G2+1DU
  • Temple: Glasgow Hindu Mandir — https://www.glasgowhindumandir.org
• Edinburgh (Princes Street Gardens – Edinburgh Diwali)
  • Edinburgh Diwali (official): https://www.edinburghdiwali.co.uk
  • Princes Street Gardens Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Princes+Street+Gardens,+Edinburgh+EH2+2HG

Cardiff, Swansea

• Cardiff (The Hayes/City Hall areas often host cultural programmes)
  • Visit Cardiff: https://www.visitcardiff.com/whats-on/
  • The Hayes Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=The+Hayes,+Cardiff+CF10+1AH
  • Temple/community links via Hindu Council of Wales (check city listings)
• Swansea (Guildhall/Waterfront events vary)
  • Enjoy Swansea Bay: https://www.enjoyswanseabay.com/events/
  • Swansea City Centre Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Swansea+City+Centre

Belfast

• Belfast (City Hall grounds/ICC community programmes)
  • Belfast City Council events: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events
  • City Hall Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Donegall+Square,+Belfast+BT1+5GS
  • Indian Community Centre Belfast: https://www.indiancommunitycentre.org.uk

Reading, Slough, Milton Keynes, Luton, Watford, Harrow, Croydon, Ilford/Redbridge, Southend

• Reading
  • What’s On (Reading Council): https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/whats-on-in-reading/
  • Indian Community Association: https://www.ica-reading.org.uk
  • Map (Town Hall area): https://maps.google.com/?q=Reading+Town+Hall
• Slough
  • Slough Borough Council Events: https://www.slough.gov.uk/events
  • Slough Hindu Temple: https://www.sloughhindutemple.org
  • Map (Town Centre): https://maps.google.com/?q=Slough+High+Street
• Milton Keynes
  • Milton Keynes Hindu Association: https://mkha.org
  • Midsummer Place/CMK event listings: https://midsummerplace.co.uk/whats-on
  • Map (Midsummer Blvd): https://maps.google.com/?q=Midsummer+Blvd,+Milton+Keynes
• Luton
  • Luton Council events: https://myluton.luton.gov.uk/events
  • Map (St George’s Square): https://maps.google.com/?q=St+George%27s+Square,+Luton
• Watford
  • Watford Borough Council events: https://www.watford.gov.uk/events
  • Map (The Parade/High St): https://maps.google.com/?q=The+Parade,+Watford
• Harrow
  • Harrow Town Centre events: https://harrowtowncentre.co.uk/events
  • Harrow Council events: https://www.harrow.gov.uk/events
  • Map (Station Rd): https://maps.google.com/?q=Station+Road,+Harrow
• Croydon
  • What’s On in Croydon: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/things-do/whats-on
  • Boxpark/High St activations vary
  • Map (North End): https://maps.google.com/?q=North+End,+Croydon
• Ilford/Redbridge
  • Vision RCL (Redbridge events): https://visionrcl.org.uk/whats-on/
  • Ilford Town Centre Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Ilford+Town+Centre
• Southend (regional option)
  • Visit Southend events: https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/whats-on/
  • High St/City Beach areas vary by year
  • Map (Southend High St): https://maps.google.com/?q=Southend+High+Street

Tip: City centres fill fast on switch‑on nights. Arrive 45–60 minutes early and pick an edge viewing spot for easy exits with children and elders.

Puja Timings Near You: Quick Windows + How to Verify

Use this 4‑step method for any UK city:

1. Check your city’s sunset for Mon 20 Oct 2025.

• timeanddate UK cities: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

2. Confirm Amavasya Tithi and Lakshmi Puja muhurat for your city.

3. Choose a 60–90 minute window after sunset overlapping Pradosh Kaal.
4. If you have young kids or elders, start on the earlier edge.

Approximate home windows (verify locally):

• London: 6:00–8:15 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london?month=10&year=2025
• Leicester: 5:55–7:45 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/leicester?month=10&year=2025
• Birmingham: 6:00–8:00 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/birmingham?month=10&year=2025
• Manchester: 5:50–7:45 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/manchester?month=10&year=2025
• Glasgow: 5:45–7:30 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/glasgow?month=10&year=2025
• Cardiff: 6:00–8:00 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/cardiff?month=10&year=2025
• Belfast: 5:55–7:45 PM BST
  • Sunset ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/belfast?month=10&year=2025

Home puja essentials:

• Lakshmi–Ganesha images/murtis, diya + ghee/oil, incense, flowers, sweets, fruit, kumkum, akshat (rice), aarti plate, and a short prayer you love.

Transport, Parking, and Crowd Hacks

• Journey planners
  • TfL (London): https://tfl.gov.uk
  • TfGM (Greater Manchester): https://tfgm.com
  • TfWM (West Midlands): https://www.tfwm.org.uk
  • National Rail (UK‑wide): https://www.nationalrail.co.uk
  • Traveline (UK‑wide buses/rail): https://www.traveline.info
  • Traveline Scotland: https://www.travelinescotland.com
  • Transport for Wales: https://www.transportfor.wales
• Parking tips
  • Use council car parks; photograph your bay and level.
  • Park on the periphery and walk in to beat the post‑event surge.
• Crowd hacks
  • Eat a snack before you arrive to avoid the first food‑queue rush.
  • Screenshot schedules; don’t rely solely on mobile data.
  • Set a family meeting point away from the main stage.

Food, Sweets, Shopping: What to Buy and When

• 10–7 days before: Diyas, cotton wicks, ghee/oil, incense, rangoli kits, fairy lights.
• 5–3 days before: Pre‑order mithai; collect on weekday mornings to skip queues.
• 1–2 days before: Fresh flowers, fruit, last‑minute gifts.

What to buy:

• Clay diyas or LED tealights; rangoli powders/petals.
• Festive wear, jewellery, artisanal candles, tea/spice blends.
• Kids’ craft kits for diya painting and rangoli.

Allergen note: Ask stalls to confirm nut‑free/dairy‑free options; label homemade gifts for friends.

Fireworks Rules UK: What’s Legal in 2025

• General curfew: Fireworks must not be set off between 11 pm and 7 am.
• Diwali exception: Curfew extends to 1 am on Diwali.
• You must buy fireworks from licensed sellers and use them safely and legally.
• Never light fireworks in crowded streets or near buildings; respect neighbours and pets.

Official guidance:

• GOV.UK Fireworks law: https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law
• West Midlands Police (example regional advice): https://www.west-midlands.police.uk

Safer alternatives:

• LED diya trails, lanterns, projection lights, temple aarti lamps, and city‑run light shows.

Weather & What to Wear in October

Typical UK late‑October weather is cool with a chance of showers.

• London: ~15°C/10°C
  • Climate ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/london/climate
• Birmingham: ~14°C/8°C
  • Climate ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/birmingham/climate
• Manchester: ~13°C/8°C
  • Climate ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/manchester/climate
• Glasgow: ~12°C/6°C
  • Climate ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/glasgow/climate
• Cardiff: ~15°C/10°C
  • Climate ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/cardiff/climate
• Belfast: ~13°C/9°C
  • Climate ref: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/belfast/climate

What to wear:

• Festive outfits + warm layers or shawls.
• Comfortable closed‑toe shoes for standing and walking.
• Pack a compact umbrella or rain shell.

Eco‑Friendly and Sensory‑Friendly Diwali

• Greener choices: Clay diyas or rechargeable LEDs; biodegradable rangoli; reusable thalis and cups; recycle packaging.
• Sensory support: Choose viewing spots away from speakers; carry noise‑reducing headphones for kids; plan quiet breaks (parks, side streets).
• Low‑smoke celebrations: Skip fireworks; enjoy diya light, temple aarti, and city light installations.

Family Itineraries (Kids, Elders, Young Professionals)

Itinerary A — Family with Kids (Low Stress)

• 3:30 PM: Early photos at a nearby park.
• 5:30 PM: Set diya trails and rangoli at home.
• 6:00–7:30 PM: Home Lakshmi Puja (within your city window).
• 8:00 PM: Short walk through your local high street lights or city square.

Itinerary B — Elders and Guests

• 4:00 PM: Early temple darshan (check aarti schedule).
• 6:00–7:00 PM: Home puja and aarti.
• 7:30 PM: Tea, prasad, and balcony/window diyas (wind‑safe).

Itinerary C — Young Professionals (Max Vibes, Minimal Fuss)

• Late afternoon: Coffee and photos in city centre.
• 6:00–7:30 PM: Home puja window.
• 8:00 PM: Head to a city showcase or neighbourhood street for music and desserts.

A Local Story: “Two‑Stop” Diwali, Zero Stress

Last year we reached the Golden Mile an hour before switch‑on, sampled jalebi with no queue, snapped a few golden‑hour photos, and slipped out before the crush. After a quiet home puja, we popped to the local square for one last bhangra set. No frantic lines, no parking panic—just a bright, calm evening that felt like Diwali should.

Key Statistics (with Sources)

• Hindus in England & Wales: 1,032,775 (2021 Census), an increase since 2011.
  • ONS Religion 2021: https://www.ons.gov.uk
• India‑born residents are among the UK’s largest overseas‑born groups.
  • ONS Migration/Census profiles: https://www.ons.gov.uk
• “Diwali” search interest spikes across the UK each Oct–Nov.
  • Google Trends (UK): https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=GB&q=Diwali
• UK fireworks law extends curfew to 1 am on Diwali; general curfew is 11 pm.
  • GOV.UK Fireworks law: https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law
• Puja timing depends on local sunset and muhurat; UK is on BST on 20 Oct 2025.
  • timeanddate UK cities: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/
  • Drik Panchang UK: https://www.drikpanchang.com/uk/uk.html

Featured Snippet: Fast Answers People Search For

• When is Diwali 2025 in the UK?
  • Monday, 20 October 2025.
• What time should I do Lakshmi Puja?
  • After local sunset during Pradosh Kaal while Amavasya is active (about 6–8 pm, city‑dependent). Verify with timeanddate + Drik Panchang.
• Where are the biggest UK Diwali events?
  • London Trafalgar Square, Leicester Golden Mile (Belgrave Road), Birmingham Soho Road, Manchester city centre. See official links above.
• Are fireworks legal on Diwali?
  • Yes within rules; curfew extended to 1 am on Diwali. Follow GOV.UK safety and purchase laws.
• How do I find Diwali events near me?
  • Use your city’s official events page (Visit London/Visit Leicester/Birmingham City Council/etc.) and temple pages 2–4 weeks before Diwali.

Related internal guides

• Best Diwali Events in London 2025 – Trafalgar Square & More
• Leicester Diwali 2025 – Golden Mile Celebrations & Street Lights Guide
• Diwali 2025 Celebrations in London – Events, Dates & Traditions
• When is Diwali 2025 in UK – Complete Festival Calendar, Aarti & City Events
• Birmingham Diwali Festival 2025: Soho Road Celebrations & Events

FAQ: Diwali Events Near Me UK 2025 – Complete City Guide & Festival Dates

Conclusion with CTA

Diwali Events Near Me UK 2025 – Complete City Guide & Festival Dates brings everything together: the national date, simple city‑by‑city puja windows, official event links, temple ideas, transport tips, fireworks rules, and easy family itineraries. With a little prep—ordering sweets early, picking one marquee “mela day,” and timing a calm home puja—you’ll enjoy a bright, meaningful, low‑stress Festival of Lights.

Bookmark this page, share it with your family, and set a reminder to check official city and temple links in early October. Want a tailored plan—best arrival time, stroller‑friendly route, or temple‑first evening in your city? Comment with your city/postcode, group size, and transport preference, and we’ll map it out. Which UK city will light up your Diwali this year?