One of the most significant festivals in the Indian culture will be celebrated across west London this month.

Diwali , the five day Festival of Lights is traditionally celebrated Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

The date of Diwali changes each year as the day it is celebrated is calculated according to the position of the moon and the Hindu lunar calendar.

This year, Diwali falls on Wednesday November 11 .

What is Diwali?

The word Diwali means rows of lighted lamps.

It is known as the Festival of Lights because houses and shops are decorated with candles and colourful lights, which shows the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.


How is Diwali celebrated?

Large firework displays are held which celebrate one of the Diwali legends, Rama and his wife Sita.

The fireworks signify Rama's return to his kingdom after being exiled for 14 years and defeating king Ravana, when the local people set off their own version of fireworks.

Those celebrating Diwali also light traditional earthenware oil lamps called diyas which are said to help Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, find her way into people's homes, and they will leave their windows and doors of their houses open so that she can enter.

People will also create rangoli artwork which are patterns created using coloured rice or powder, with the most popular pattern being the lotus flower as Lakshmi was often pictured either sitting on one or holding a lotus.


It is also a time when people spring-clean and redecorate their homes and wear new clothes.

Check out our guide to top 10 supermarket fireworks sets for the occasion.