The festival of lights Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and it is just around the corner. It’s a five-day festival with the main celebration falling on November 12, 2023.
It’s a festive period for South Asians and it’s a great time to get your ethnic clothes out and gear up for dance parties, family gatherings, and partake on tasty food.
For South Asian people, Diwali symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. Here are seven Diwali events taking place in and around Birmingham over the next few weeks:
1. Lakshmi Puja, Walsall
Midlands Indian Association will host a Laxmi Puja on October 28 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. This is a Hindu Bengali Association. | BCreativezz - stock.adobe.com
2. Birmingham Diwali Mela, Soho Road
On Sunday, October 29, Soho Road BID’s massive Diwali mela will take place on Soho Road. It will include fun fairs, traditional markets, and live performances from Jazzy B, Legha, Dr Zeus, and more. It’s a free event. | Rawf8 - stock.adobe.com
3. Diwali 2023: Shadows, Lights and Lantern Parade, Solihull
An enchanting celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, comes to The Core Theatre on Thursday, November 2, 2023, for a day of joy, colors, and arts and cultural activities in preparation of Diwali. On November 5, the festivities continue where you can drop in for free to Touchwood Atrium, Solihull. Help make giant community lanterns there. No need to book for this one - join in when there’s space. On November 9, family and friends are invited to Sari Sari Night to enjoy the lantern procession through Solihull town centre. | phive2015 - stock.adobe.com
4. West Midlands Combined Authority Diwali, Birmingham city centre
Preity G Zinta - one of the most popular and recognisable stars of Indian cinema will be coming to Birmingham next month to help lead the region’s Diwali celebrations. The Bollywood star will join Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), for a weekend of exciting events in conjunction with the Consulate General of India on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November. She will be attending a cultural programme at Birmingham Town Hall – a free of charge Community Event open to the public. | Birmingham Hippodrome