Diwali is a major religious festival mainly celebrated in Hinduism but is also popular within many other religions including Jainism and Sikhism, and with Manchester being such a richly multi-cultural place, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty to do when it comes to Diwali. Its name is derived from the term Deepavali which translates to ‘row of lights,’ and it annually lives up to its name in spectacular fashion. The purpose of the holiday is to symbolise the victory of light over darkness, as those celebrating welcome wealth and success into their lives.
The holiday lasts for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month (Ashvina) to the second day of the light half (Karttika) and this year, it begins on October 20. This year, the festival of lights is being celebrated all across Manchester, with events, food specials, and learning opportunities to take part in, so if you want to get involved, here’s our guide to things to do to celebrate Diwali in Manchester.
1. Diwali at the Museum
Manchester Museum hosts a spectacular celebration for Diwali this year on October 29, giving the chance for people of all ages and cultures to learn about and get involved with the spirit of the festival. Celebrations start when the doors open at 4pm, when the museum gets the party started, with activities running through until 9pm.
You can expect: Diya clay lamp making, a mindfulness craft workshop, including tea light painting and lamp making, pop-up 3D greeting card making, Henna / Mehndi, dance performances and speeches. You can find the full schedule and which activities you need to book here.
đź“ŤManchester Museum, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL.
2. Celebrate Diwali with a selection of South Asian titles at Vue Manchester Printworks
To mark the Festival of Light, Vue is screening a selection of South Asian titles at Vue Manchester Printworks. Kicking things off is the latest comedy-horror from Maddock Films, Thamma, offering a mix of romance, humour and Indian folklore as two lovers battle supernatural odds.
Also arriving on the big screen is Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, a drama that blends love, passion and music against the backdrop of heartbreak and desires. Drawing the celebrations to a close at the end of the month is Baahubali: The Epic, a single-film version of the Baahubali series, combining Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. You can find tickets here.
3. Try some of the Bundobust Diwali specials
Indo-Chinese street food spot Bundobust is going all out for Diwali this year, teaming up with Milap, the UK’s leading Indian Arts and Culture organisation, to host a Diwali Party in Manchester. Join in on the festivities at Bundobust Manchester Piccadilly on October 28 with a special menu of traditional Desi party dishes, free henna hand painting and activities. Expect homemade crispy samosas, served with chutneys or as a deluxe Samosa Chaat sharer, plus Desi sweet shop favourites Fafda & Jalebi, and hot, fresh Methi Khalwa. You can find details about the Diwali party and book a table here.
4. Dig into Dishoom
Iconic Bombay-style cafe Dishoom is getting in on the Diwali action this year with a gorgeous special in collaboration with London restaurant, The Tamil Prince – available until October 28. They have created a Coconut & Green Mango Malai Kofta: velvety-nutty paneer koftas in rich bhuna masala sauce, creamy with coconut and tarty-tangy green mango plus chilli, mustard seed, curry leaf and urad lentil and perfect to be mopped with a Laccha Naan. Also on the menu for Diwali, you’ll find delicious dishes like Mattar Paneer, Chole Puri Halwa and Vegetable Samosas to make for a tasty vegetarian feast. Book a table here.
5. Spread the joy with Diwali Basket Brigade
Diwali Basket Brigade is a community based initiative and our objective is simple – to prepare food baskets which are packed and delivered by volunteers to vulnerable and socially deprived households from all faiths and backgrounds ahead of Diwali. They work alongside multiple food banks and local charities who nominate families in need. Each basket costs ÂŁ10 to prepare and will include enough food to nutritiously feed a family of four, and to date, they have successfully delivered 15,000 baskets to help families in need.
2024 marks DBB’s seventh year helping families across the UK, and they are aiming for a record number of food baskets to be distributed out. Diwali Basket Brigade really encompasses what the festival is about: the victory of good over evil. If you are able to help by donating money or time as a volunteer, you can get involved here.