Leicester Prepares for Reduced Diwali Festivities

Anticipation is growing in Leicester as the city prepares to observe Diwali, despite a reduction in this year’s celebrations. The Hindu festival of lights has a long-standing connection with Leicester, which is renowned for hosting one of the largest celebrations globally, outside of India. However, Leicester City Council has scaled back the event from two days to one this year, citing cost-cutting measures. With the absence of a lights switch-on event, attention will be directed towards Diwali day itself, scheduled for Thursday. Residents along Belgrave Road are reportedly looking forward to gatherings with family, culinary delights, and fireworks. At the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Pravin Mistry, aged 62, has been coordinating a Rangoli exhibition, featuring artworks created from coloured powders and rice. Mistry stated: “Diwali plays a big part in everyone’s life in the community, so it’s important.” He added, “People come shopping – clothes, food, families get together, see the wonderful lights, the exhibition, they see the big wheel and see the fireworks. It’s brilliant.” Acknowledging the change, he remarked, “Obviously it’s one day instead of two, but at least we’ve got the one day, the Diwali day. Everyone’s struggling in terms of financial pressures this year, so it is what it is.” Mistry concluded, “We just need to crack on and see what happens next year.” Jigna Raja, a 46-year-old volunteer at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, commented: “Diwali is just one of my favourite times of year, it’s just such a huge celebration.” She continued, “Obviously we understand, we all feel it in our daily lives as well, the cost of living, and everything’s gone up and we understand there isn’t an infinite budget and obviously the money has to come from somewhere.” Raja expressed regret, saying, “It’s a shame in a place like Leicester because I do believe it’s probably the biggest celebration of Diwali outside of India – there’s a huge Asian population that likes to celebrate Diwali and does celebrate Diwali – so I think it’s a bit of a shame in Leicester that they’ve had to scale it back.” She concluded with optimism: “We understand, but I’m sure it’s not going to dampen anyone’s spirits and I’m sure everyone’s going to have the best time.” Leicester’s Wheel of Light, located in Belgrave Road, is currently operational and will remain so until Saturday. On Diwali day, a procession is scheduled to proceed along Belgrave Road. Concurrently, The Diwali Village at Cossington Street Recreation Ground will feature a main stage programme from 17:00 to 20:30 GMT, complemented by funfair rides, food stalls, and a fire garden display. A fireworks display is planned for 19:30. Vi Dempster, the authority’s assistant city mayor for culture, previously stated: “Diwali day is always a special time in Leicester and this year will be no exception.” She added, “As usual, we are extending a warm welcome to everyone who wants to join us, and we look forward to sharing our celebrations with you.” For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.