Your ultimate Diwali Birmingham 2024 guide: Dazzling light festivals, feasts and fireworks

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people the world over, a festival that marks the triumph of light over dark, and good over evil.

There is a big religious aspect to Diwali, but it is also a time to be grateful for family and friends, and to enjoy sumptuous feasts of samosas, curries, ‘mithai’ (Indian sweets) and more.

Birmingham has a vibrant Hindu community and there is plenty going on in the city where you can celebrate this fabulous festival.

Here is everything you need to know including what’s on during Diwali and which sweet shops to visit, to gift to loved ones (or even yourself).

If there is an event we have missed, email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.

When is Diwali 2024?

Many think Diwali is on just one day, however it’s an epic five-day festival that starts on October 29.

The start date changes every year, as it is worked out using a calendar based on lunar cycles.

Here are Diwali 2024 dates for your diary

Day 1: Dhanteras, Tuesday October 29

Day 2: Choti Diwali, Wednesday October 30

Day 3: Main Diwali Day, Thursday October 31

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Saal Mubarak or Happy New Year) Saturday November 2

Day 5: Bhai Dooj, Sunday November 3

What do people do for Diwali?

The general spirit of Diwali is people celebrating the festival of light by spending time together, praying and tucking into good food.

Where to celebrate Diwali in Birmingham

Our round-up has something for everyone, from temple-themed events to Diwali parties with bhangra and firework displays.

Religious Diwali festivities at Balaji Temple Birmingham

If you want to explore the religious aspect of Diwali, Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple has a full roster of events in the run-up to, and including Diwali.

In addition to Deepawali puja on Friday November 1, there will be a Festival of Lights celebration featuring a Peace Walk and fireworks display on Saturday November 2.

More information about the event can be found on the Balaji Birmingham Temple Facebook page here.

Diwali music gig at Symphony Hall Birmingham

Music fans will love this event where top performances include bhangra legend Shin Parwana from DCS band. Expect a popular mix of Bollywood classics, Punjabi ghazals and more.

The Midday Mantra Diwali Festival of Light is on Saturday November 2, from 1pm.

Tickets start from £5, more information can be found here.

Free Diwali party at Colmore Business District Birmingham

A free Diwali party in the heart of the city will see finance multinational Allianz host celebrations on Thursday November 21 in the Colmore Business District.

Learn more about Diwali through Diwali Basket Brigade founded by Deepak Parekh, tuck into authentic Indian dishes and enjoy traditional music and dance.

For more information and to book free tickets click here.

Diwali ball at New Bingley Hall Birmingham

A Diwali bash serving up a sumptuous four-course meal against a backdrop of Bollywood tunes and live entertainment is set to take place on Saturday November 9.

Party the night away and revel in the joyful spirit of Diwali at the New Bingley Hall.

Tickets cost £42 per adult, £22 per child and more information can be found here.

Where to get Diwali sweets in Birmingham

It is tradition to gift a box of mithai to loved ones and there are lots of shops in Birmingham that sell Indian sweets.

Here are a few shops, in no particular order, that will have their counters full of stunning sweets including brighter-than-the-sun ladoos, multi-coloured barfi blocks and more.

• Milan Sweet Centre, 191 Stoney Lane, Birmingham B12 8HB
• Suraj Sweet Centre, 268 Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9LX
• Singh Sweet Centre, 40c Holyhead Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 0LS
• Sagar Sweet Centre, 287 Bearwood Road, Bearwood, Smethwick B66 4DR
• Omni Sweet Centre, 10 College Road, Birmingham B20 2HX
• Desi Sweet Centre, 349 Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9SE
• Ambala Sweets, 552 Coventry Road, Birmingham B10 0UN
• Nakodar Sweets & Snacks, 112 Soho Riad, Birmingham B21 9DP

What does Diwali mean?

The word Diwali literally means ‘lights in a row’ and it is a festival people enjoy by lighting candles, lanterns and fireworks in the presence of family and friends.

Celebrated by multi-faiths across the world, each religion has its own origin story, but which all collectively represent good conquering evil.

Perhaps the most popular Diwali story version is from north India.

This celebrates Lord Rama’s return from a 14-years-long exile.

His expulsion was spearheaded by his evil stepmother and which saw him rescue his kidnapped wife Sita from the ten-headed demon king Ravana.

On the final day of Diwali, bonfires are held and often effigies of King Ravana are set alight, to remember Lord Rama’s big victory.