Leicester Group Seeks to Reinstate Dual Diwali Celebrations Following Council’s Single-Event Decision

After decades of observing the Hindu festival of Diwali with two annual events in Leicester, this year will feature only one. Leicester City Council had previously announced that hosting both a lights switch-on event and a separate celebration for Diwali day was no longer financially sustainable. In response, a new group is being established with the goal of making the festivities “bigger and brighter” and securing the future of Diwali in the city. “It’s the biggest [Diwali] event outside India and we’re losing it,” stated Karan Modha, a business owner and member of the Belgrave Business Association (BBA) in Leicester. The BBA and the Leicester Hindu Festivals Council convened a meeting in October to discuss Diwali, an event attended by business owners, community leaders, and the city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby. Mr Modha commented, “The council aren’t going to be able to do it so we need to take it into our own hands.” He indicated that a panel is in the process of being formed, comprising “not just Belgrave business owners,” but also individuals from the local community and other professions in Leicester who could assist in “open some doors” to funding for future events. The council had previously expressed hope that a “community-based fundraising committee could be established” after proposing the one-day celebration in summer 2023. However, that initiative was unsuccessful in time for Diwali 2024. While the council’s decision not to hold a switch-on event this year was met with disappointment by some, Mr Modha conveyed the BBA’s optimism regarding future celebrations. He added, “Everyone agreed that we need to get the ball rolling now for next year.” He further stated, “We want to make it back to two events, I’m sure we can find the money.” A spokesperson for the city council affirmed: “If the BBA and community can raise the funding needed for another event then we’d be happy for another event to go ahead in future years.”