Diwali, the five-day 'festival of lights', will be celebrated in Birmingham and across the world this autumn, with the main celebration falling on Sunday November 8. The exact date varies each year because the Hindu calendar is based on the moon, but the festival always takes place between October and November.
When is Diwali 2026?
The main Diwali celebration on November 8 marks the third day of the festival, which is the darkest day of the month and normally coincides with the new moon. Houses, shops and community spaces will be decorated with candles and lamps called 'diyas' to mark the occasion.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. The festival is all about new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
What is Diwali and how is it celebrated?
The rituals vary by region as a fusion of harvest festivals. Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, prosperity and wealth, is the primary deity worshipped during Diwali, together with Ganesh, the god representing good fortune and wisdom.
On Diwali night, many people offer prayers to Lakshmi and Ganesh for the coming year. As the religious ceremony comes to a close, sweetmeat offerings are placed in front of the deities, and small clay lamps known as diyas are arranged inside and outside homes. It is hoped the twinkling lights will attract Lakshmi's attention and guide her to bestow blessings and prosperity for the year ahead.
Other rituals include cleaning and decorating homes, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, firework displays and sharing festive meals.
Diwali events in and around Birmingham
The tenth annual Birmingham Diwali Mela is set to take place on Soho Road on Sunday October 25 from 12 noon to 7.30pm. The event is one of several celebrations in the region.
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley will host the Festival of Light, an immersive outdoor evening event celebrating the festival of lights with vibrant sights, sounds, and cultural family activities on Saturday November 7 from 6pm.
A Diwali Gala is planned for Saturday October 31 from 4pm to 9pm at The Conference Suite in West Bromwich. This family-friendly indoor gala features an unlimited vegetarian buffet, live Bollywood/bhangra DJ, cultural performances, a Mehendi artist, and a kids' zone with a bouncy castle.
