Indian Festivals & Events in the UK - 2026 Guide
Celebrate Indian culture in the UK! From the grand Diwali on Trafalgar Square to lively Navratri Garba nights in Wembley and Southall, find the biggest and best events here.
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Upcoming Major Festivals (Autumn/Winter 2026)
Navratri (mid-October 2026)
Get ready for nine nights of dancing, starting around 10-11 October and ending with Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October. Major Garba and Dandiya events take place in areas with large Indian communities like Wembley, Harrow, Southall, and East Ham. Check local temple and community centre websites for tickets.
Diwali - Festival of Lights (Sunday 8 November 2026)
The biggest celebration of the year, running over five days from Dhanteras (Friday 6 November) to Bhai Dooj (Tuesday 10 November). Don't miss the spectacular Diwali on Trafalgar Square event, usually held in the weeks around Diwali, featuring music, dance, food, and cultural activities. Many temples, like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, have stunning light displays and events.
Durga Puja (October 2026)
Celebrated alongside Navratri, Durga Puja is the biggest festival for the Bengali community. Bengali associations across London and other UK cities set up pandals with cultural programmes and bhog, and most welcome visitors.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab (late November 2026)
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is marked at gurdwaras across the UK with kirtan, prayers and langar, the free community kitchen that is open to everyone. Southall, Hounslow and Gravesend have some of the largest gurdwaras.
Coming Up in 2027
- Makar Sankranti, Pongal & Lohri (mid-January): harvest festivals celebrated by South Indian, Gujarati and Punjabi communities, often with kite flying, community meals and temple events.
- Holi (March): the festival of colours, with Holi parties and colour runs in London and other cities — book early as popular events sell out.
- Vaisakhi (mid-April): Sikh New Year and harvest festival, with large Nagar Kirtan processions in Southall and Gravesend and the free Vaisakhi on the Square event in Trafalgar Square.
Where to Celebrate in the UK
- Leicester: Belgrave Road, known as the "Golden Mile", hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, with a lights switch-on and Diwali Day fireworks.
- Trafalgar Square, London: the free Diwali on the Square event brings music, dance, food stalls and family activities to central London.
- Neasden Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir): celebrates Diwali and Annakut, the Hindu New Year, with thousands of visitors and beautiful decorations.
- Local areas: Wembley, Harrow, Southall, East Ham and Ilford have temple celebrations, Garba nights and community events throughout the festival season.
Tips for Celebrating Away From Home
- Book Garba and Dandiya tickets early — the most popular Navratri nights in London sell out weeks in advance.
- Visiting a temple or gurdwara: dress modestly, remove your shoes, and cover your head in a gurdwara. Most places are happy to welcome visitors of all backgrounds.
- Fireworks: in England the usual 11pm fireworks curfew is extended to 1am on the night of Diwali. Be considerate of neighbours and follow local rules.
- Sweets and gifts: Indian sweet shops in Wembley, Southall, East Ham and Leicester get very busy in the week before Diwali, so order mithai in advance.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026 in the UK?
Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on Friday 6 November to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November.
Where is the biggest Diwali celebration in the UK?
Leicester's Belgrave Road is known for one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India. In London, the free Diwali on the Square event in Trafalgar Square and the celebrations at Neasden Temple draw large crowds.
Can you set off fireworks for Diwali in the UK?
Yes. In England, fireworks normally cannot be used after 11pm, but the curfew is extended to 1am on the night of Diwali.