Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is the four-to-five-day festival of lights, colour and life celebrated by Hindus around the world. Occurring every year around late October to early November, or the 15^th day of Kartik in the Hindu calendar, Hindus gather to celebrate life and nature. On these days, Hindus will light up their surroundings with candles, fireworks and firecrackers to express their gratitude to the gods for the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous life.

Diwali celebrations take place across four or five days. On the first day, the festivals of Dhanteras and Yama Deepam mark a good time to purchase valuable metals and ask devotees to light a diya, an oil lamp made from clay, to honour Lord Yama. The second day marks Choti Diwali and Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura. Hindus will practice ritualistic bathing and celebrate good defeating evil through prayer on this day. On the third day of Laxmi Pujan, families gather to pray to the goddess of prosperity and happiness. On the final day of Bhai Dooj, brothers will present gifts to their sisters and swear to protect them, as their sisters pray for their health. Throughout this time, festivities of light and love are held in the evening in a celebration of belonging and goodness.

Diwali has many different spiritual and practical meanings to those who practice Hinduism. It is a time for people to forgive those who have wronged them, and instead people will languish in the air of freedom and festivity. Diwali unites people together, softening the hardest of hearts.  Hindus will usually wake up a couple of hours before sunrise, known as Brahmamuhurta, as advised by sages of the past, to receive a blessing of health, discipline, work efficiency and spiritual advancement. Most importantly, though, Diwali represents a time for inner illumination. While the lights of the world are to show appreciation to others, Diwali is a time to show appreciation to the self. After all, the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart.

What’s on in Loughborough? How can I get involved?

This year, Diwali will be held from Tuesday 29 October to Sunday 3 November. The main day of celebration will fall on the 31 October.

Loughborough University’s Asian and Indian student societies are celebrating Diwali alongside Leicester University this year. Students can join them for their Mastani celebrations with vibrant traditions, stunning performances and a festive spirit like no other. You can find out more information by messaging @asiansocietylboro and @lboroindiansoc on Instagram.

On Saturday 16 November, the REACH Staff Network is hosting a Diwali dinner and dance open to students, staff, family, friends and the wider community. Taking place at the Village Bar from 6pm to midnight, entry will be £12 for adults and £6 for under 16s. There will be a three-course Indian celebratory meal, catering to vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Present at the event will be a live DJ, a 360-video booth and a henna artist. Dress smart or in Indian attire.

Find more information and book onto the event.

Leicester is hosting plenty of Diwali activities over the coming weeks. From the Diwali Village to a graffiti festival of lights to the India to Leicester, An Artist’s Journey art exhibition, discover more about the events happening in Leicester.