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We would like to wish all our staff and students a very happy Diwali. Taking place on Sunday 12 November, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. This year marks 40 years of Diwali lights in Leicester.

Also known as Deepavali, which means 'rows of lighted lamps', or the 'Festival of Lights', the festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.

Diwali is traditionally celebrated with religious ceremonies, decoration of homes and temples with bunting and small oil lamps called diyas, time with family and friends, feasting on delicious food including samosas and traditional sweets called mithai, firework displays, dressing up in fancy clothes and exchanging gifts.

Leicester's Diwali celebrations

Leicester's Diwali celebrations are believed to be the largest outside India. This year's festivities kicked off on 29 October with the annual light switch-on followed by a spectacular firework display on the 'Golden Mile' (Belgrave Road).

The celebrations continue on Diwali Day on Sunday 12 November, 3–9pm, on Belgrave Road and Cossington Recreation Ground, with a Diwali Village featuring food stalls, funfair rides, lantern processions, music and dance, culminating in a vibrant firework display.

The Leicester Wheel of Light has also returned for Diwali, located on Belgrave Road until Sunday 12 November.

Watch now: the Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Indian Society guides us around Leicester’s Diwali celebrations

Further information

For more information on Leicester's Diwali celebrations, there's a  or go to the .

Spiritual support at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½

At Âéw¶¹´«Ã½, we highly value spiritual support on campus and recognise that it's a great tool for coping with many of life's challenges.

Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating from all of us at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½.