Trafalgar Square buzzed with excitement as thousands celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, with a colorful showcase of dance, music, and unity on Sunday. Tourists and locals alike joined in the 23rd annual celebration, organized by the Diwali in London Committee and the Mayor of London, which featured live performances, comedy acts, and yoga sessions, along with sari and turban-tying workshops.
Mayor Sadiq Khan, addressing the crowd, highlighted Diwali’s themes of “light over darkness” and “good over evil” as essential values for the celebration. Organizers estimated around 10,000 attendees, with people from the UK’s Asian community, tourists, and residents all joining the festivities.
Rikki Gupta, one of the attendees, marveled at the diverse turnout, stating, “People from all over India, Africa, Europe, America are here to celebrate. It’s a beautiful gathering.” Another attendee, Prasad Kolas, emphasized London’s multicultural essence, noting that Diwali celebrations underscore the city’s openness and unity across backgrounds and faiths.
This London celebration follows a Diwali event in New York’s Times Square, where hundreds gathered on October 20, reflecting the global spirit of the festival.