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Celebrating Indian Festivals in the UK

Different cultures come together in the UK when celebrating the many festivals of India. When you are miles away from home, celebrating these festivals with Indian community in UK, makes a significant difference during Student life. This provides students a good opportunity to connect with Indian community within UK.

The Indian Student Associations and Culture club across UK, organize these festival celebrations. There are reginal specific associations like Maharashtra mandal, Gujarati associations etc. who also organize festival celebrations.

Here are the details of major festivals celebrations in UK:

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

  • Where: Leicester (famously hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India), London (Trafalgar Square), Birmingham, Manchester.
  • What Happens:
    • Lighting of diyas and candles
    • Fireworks, cultural performances
    • Traditional sweets and food stalls
    • Family gatherings and temple visits
  • Special Touch in the UK: Major cities illuminate streets and organize parades, making it a public celebration that’s often supported by local councils.

Holi (Festival of Colours)

  • Where: Various parks and temples in London, Birmingham, and other cities.
  • What Happens:
    • Colour throwing events (powdered gulal)
    • Music, dance (especially Bollywood DJs)
    • Family picnics and temple rituals
  • UK Twist: Often celebrated in the warmer months (May/June) due to UK weather, and events are more structured with tickets and security.

Navratri & Garba/Dandiya Nights

  • Where: Community halls, temples, and school gyms in cities like London, Leicester, and Glasgow.
  • What Happens:
    • Traditional Gujarati dances (Garba and Dandiya Raas)
    • Devotional singing and poojas
  • Community Vibe: Massive turnout, especially in areas with large Gujarati populations.

Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi

  • Celebrated on a smaller scale within families and temples.
  • Temples like BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London, often hold elaborate events.

Eid, Vaisakhi, Onam, Pongal, and Durga Puja

  • Also celebrated widely by regional communities, often in cultural centers and religious institutions.
  • Join cultural associations or student groups.
  • Watch for posts in Indian community Facebook groups or WhatsApp forums.

What Makes Celebrating in the UK Unique?

  • Multicultural Integration: Indian festivals often see participation from non-Indians too.
  • Fusion Flavours: Traditional foods with British twists—like masala pies or gulab jamun cheesecakes.
  • Weather Considerations: Indoor events are more common, and Holi or Diwali events are timed differently to suit the climate.
  • Community-Driven: Lots of involvement from local Indian organizations, schools, and temples.
  • Official Recognition: Some festivals are even recognized by local councils and celebrated publicly.

How do I find Indian festival events near me?

  • Join Indian Student Associations or culture clubs in your university or area
  • Search on Eventbrite or Facebook Events: Try keywords like “Diwali London ” or “Holi Birmingham.”
  • Follow Indian community pages: E.g., “Desi Events UK,” “Indian Expats in the UK.”
  • Local temples or gurdwaras: Check their bulletin boards or websites.