Happy Diwali 2026: how London is celebrating the festival of lights today

Updated 8 Nov 2026, 12:18 · First published 8 Nov 2026

Happy Diwali! Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across London and the UK are celebrating the festival of lights today, Sunday 8 November 2026. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and families mark it with diya lamps, rangoli patterns, sweets, prayers and fireworks.

This year Diwali falls on the same day as Remembrance Sunday, with the two-minute silence at 11am and celebrations building through the evening.

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Where to celebrate in London

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden welcomes thousands of visitors over Diwali, with the temple lit up in the evening and an Annakut offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes the day after. Southall, Wembley, Tooting and East Ham come alive with lights, sweet shops and family gatherings, and gurdwaras mark Bandi Chhor Divas with prayers and fireworks.

Check with individual temples before you travel – many have timed entry or extra security on the busiest evenings.

Diwali wishes to send today

Using fireworks? In England, they can be let off until midnight on Diwali night instead of the usual 11pm limit.