6 raring2go.co.uk Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture - celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, usually falling between mid-October and mid-November. The word Diwali means “row of lights”, and homes, shops and public spaces are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas. It signifies new beginnings: the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. One of the best-loved legends behind the festival is the story of Rama and Sita - a prince and princess exiled from their kingdom, whose safe return home after a great battle was welcomed with rows of lit lamps. It’s said to be where the tradition of lighting diyas comes from. In 2026, Diwali Day falls on Sunday 8th November. Leicester is home to one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India. The first public Diwali lights in the city were switched on back in 1983, and it took decades of determination to grow that into the spectacular celebrations we see today. Now, people travel from far and wide to see thousands of lights along the city’s “Golden Mile”, and homes, temples and gurdwaras lit up across Leicester. Diwali Day Sun 8th Nov, Cossington Recreation Ground & Belgrave Road Family-friendly celebrations return to Cossington Recreation Ground, with dance, music and cultural performances, food vendors, arts and crafts stalls and a children’s funfair. Rangoli artworks will be on display at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, and Belgrave Road’s much-loved illuminated Wheel of Light usually runs for several weeks around Diwali - keep an eye on the council’s website for confirmed dates. Raring2go! WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO
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