Trafalgar Square will once again be transformed into a beacon of light and colour to celebrate Diwali on Saturday 23 October, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan announced today.
The festival of lights, which is celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities across London and around the world, will see the Square burst into life with a light display, arts and crafts and a range of vegetarian food stalls open to the public.
Diwali on the Square will run from 4pm to 10pm. There will be entertainment on the big screen, including dance and song performances from London and beyond, yoga, cookery demonstrations, Ramayana storytelling and more.
The vibrant celebrations, organised by the Mayor of London and supported by the Diwali in London Committee, are free to enjoy and open to Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds.
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, Chair of Diwali in London 2021 said: "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." Photo by LBM1948, Wikimedia commons.