South Asian religious festivals - Navratri, Diwali, Durga Puja events in Birmingham

There are multiple South Asian, especially Hindu, festivals coming up in October. These will be observed in parts of India, Nepal, Myanmar, Guyana, Singapore, Fiji, and other nations.

They are also celebrated by communities in the UK, including in Birmingham. Some of the upcoming festivals are the major festivals that people of Hindu faith look forward to all year.

This year, Navratri, will be from 26 September to 5 October while Durga Puja will be from 1 to 5 October, Diwali and Kali Puja will be on 24 October.

These festivals aren’t just about the rituals but also bring people together through dance, culture, food, and most importantly, ethnic clothes. You can see women dressed in colourful saris, ghagras, kurtas, and men in kurta-pajamas during this time.

If you want to experience the colourful and rich culture, there are multiple events taking place across town to visit:

1. Navratri

This festival is observed twice a year in honour of Goddess Durga. During Navratri aka nine nights, people participate in dancing Garba for which you need stick-like instruments. People dress in their ethnic best.

There is a celebration taking place from 26 September to 5 October at Unit 3, Dugdale Street, Birmingham by the Birmingham Hindu Cultural Group. The entry tickets start from £5 and go up to £35.

2. Durga Puja

While some cultures in India call the celebration of the Goddess Durga as Navratri, it’s called Durga Pujo in the eastern parts. The Bengali Association Midlands is celebrating from 1 to 5 October at Bengali Association Hall in Winson Green. This is free to attend but you can donate money at the venue. The association serves authentic vegetarian food at the venue.

3. Diwali

This is the festival of lights, and in Hindu mythology it was the day when good prevailed over evil.

On 25 October, the Nishkam Centre in Handsworth is hosting a Diwali Afternoon Tea - where the charity will discuss about children’s well-being.

On 28 October, a stand-up comedy event - named The Indians are Coming! - will be held at The Core Theatre in Solihull.

On 29 October, Jaivant Patel Dance and Midlands Arts Centre will present Deepavali, The Festival of Light - a tribute to the late, great Lata Mangeshkar.

On 29 October, PRYZM in Birmingham are hosting a Diwali Bhangra Daytimer.

4. Kali Puja

Kali is a fiercer version of Goddess Durga and is likely to be a more religous affair than a secular one. The Bengali Association Midlands and multiple Hindu temples like Durga Bhawan in Smethwick will celebrate the occasion.

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