Things to do on Diwali in London 2023

Summer is officially over, but why not look to the joyous events coming up this month, such as Diwali – the festival of light? Celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is an occasion marked by trails of candles, fireworks and scrumptious food.

This year, Diwali falls on Sunday 12 November 2023. For anyone hoping to celebrate Diwali in London, here is a list of the best events on offer.

 Diwali 2021 at the National Maritime Museum Kathleen Arundell/National Maritime Museum, London

1. Finding Diwali at the National Maritime Museum

South Asian arts collective COMMONGROUND& have curated the Diwali programme at the National Maritime Museum this November. Come watch live events, learn more about the rituals, and then join an atmospheric light parade through Greenwich as the sun sets. Highlights include live performances from Akademi, who will lead an interactive workshop of folk dances from Rajasthan in North-Western India, and a DJ set from Tara Kumar.

Where: National Maritime Museum
When: Saturday 11 November, 10am-7pm
Website: rmg.co.uk/finding-diwali
Price: Free
Book online

Diwali celebrations at Dishoom

2. Diwali at Dishoom

Director, creative consultant and DJ Almass Badat has curated an evening of live music, dance and more from some of the UK’s leading South Asian talent for Dishoom’s Diwali event. Expect South Asian talent like all-women entertainment troupe Eternal Taal, who blend DJing and dancing; BollySass & Friends from London’s cabaret-Bollywood scene and DJ Ritu & San J Sanj, all fuelled by classic vegetarian and vegan dishes from the Dishoom menu.

Where: The Steel Yard, Canon Street
When: Wednesday 8 November
Website: dishoom.com/diwali
Price: £18 
Book online