Diwali in the UK - The best time of the year for NRIs

Indians in the UK love their festivals and their native food. Traditional festivities evoke a sense of togetherness in this vast expat community. Such events are opportunities to reconnect with the culture and traditions of India. Few festivals bring together Indians the way Diwali does. For 5 days NRIs of all faiths come together and celebrate as one people.

Cultural significance

Diwali symbolizes happiness, health, wealth, and the conquest of the good over evil. It marks the start of the year in the Hindu calendar. In Jainism Diwali is observed as the day when Mahavira attained nirvana. Sikhs celebrate Diwali to commemorate the occasion when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, their sixth guru, was freed from imprisonment in 1619 and returned home with 52 of his followers. For Christian and Muslim NRIs Diwali is more secular, although no less festive. It is safe to say that for most Indians Diwali is the most important time of the year.

Festivities

Like their resident compatriots NRIs love to indulge in larger than life Diwali celebrations. They dress up in resplendent ethnic wear and go to various cultural events. The Neasden Temple in north London is one of the largest Hindu temples in Europe. It receives hundreds of devotees for several days during Diwali. The Sikhs pay their respects at the Gurudwaras in Southhall, Cambridge, and Ipswich. Devout Jains choose to observe Diwali in a more restrained manner by fasting for three days in honor of Mahavira’s sacrifice.

Events

NRIs organize and attend a plethora of events all over the UK. These are a sight to behold. Trafalgar Square in London comes alive every Diwali with live performances by Indian artistes. The venue features aisles upon aisles of food stalls packed with spicy Indian delicacies. There is the usual song-and-dance routine around the fountains. The Golden Mile in Leicester’s Belgrave is another favorite haunt for thousands of Diwali revelers. The spectacular venue hosts many cultural events, exhibitions, and some of the loudest fireworks in the UK. The Golden Mile is illuminated on both sides with little earthen lamps. Residents of Leicester, even those of other cultures, participate in the ‘Switch On’ event, where they turn on all the lights in their homes at an appointed time.

Shopping

Diwali is all about spreading positivity and joy. What better way to do this than to pamper friends and family with gifts and goodies! In the days preceding the big event Indians flock to malls and shop like crazy. This is a time for many to spend without restraint. Clothes, jewelry, dry fruits, sweets, and electronics are high on the list. NRIs make sure to get something for every loved one before they travel back home. For those who cannot travel, sending money is often the best choice of gift. NRIs send money to India enthusiastically and in larger than usual amounts in advance of Diwali. Most Indians consider Diwali the most auspicious time of year for buying a new car or house. This year Ria Money Transfer has launched a special Diwali promotion. Ria will add another $10 to your first money transfer to India, so your loved ones get more. Use promo code: DIWALI.

Social visits

UK NRIs are a hardworking lot. During most of the year their chaotic and busy lives don’t allow for too much socializing. NRIs thoroughly make-up for that deficiency during Diwali. Making social calls is one of the staple Diwali traditions. British Indians reconnect with fellow NRIs. They welcome guests to their homes with equal enthusiasm. NRIs exchange gifts, food, and sweets. They reminisce about the good old times back home. These visits often transform into impromptu parties. NRIs leave no stones unturned when it comes to celebrating Diwali.

About the author:

Hemant G is a contributing writer at Sparkwebs LLC, a Digital and Content Marketing Agency. When he’s not writing, he loves to travel, scuba dive, and watch documentaries.