Streaming the 2022 celebration

Diwali on Trafalgar Square

Name: Diwali on the Square 2026
Start: 2026-10-25T13:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-25T19:00:00+00:00
Location: Trafalgar Square

This year's event on Sunday 25 October has been cancelled because of forecast storms. Please do not travel to Trafalgar Square. Read the statement

Diwali in London Committee
Press release | For immediate release
24 October 2026

Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2026 cancelled

It is with deep regret that the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee announces the cancellation of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, scheduled for Sunday 25 October 2026.

Following expert safety advice in light of the forecast storms, the event cannot go ahead safely. Adverse weather forecast for Saturday 24 October is affecting preparations at Trafalgar Square and poses potential risks to the health and safety of the teams preparing the site. The decision to cancel has been taken in consultation with relevant experts and the Greater London Authority (GLA) team. The safety of site teams, participants and visitors must come first.

We know how much this celebration means to everyone who was looking forward to attending. We are particularly saddened for the young performers, participants and volunteers who have devoted so much time, energy and care to preparing for the day. We share their disappointment and thank them for everything they have contributed.

We apologise for the short notice and thank our partners, production teams and the GLA for their support and work towards the event, and everyone affected for their understanding.

The event will not take place on Sunday 25 October. We ask visitors not to travel to Trafalgar Square for the celebration and to help share this announcement with anyone planning to attend.

We hope you will continue to support the DiL Committee and future celebrations. We wish everyone a peaceful and joyful Diwali.

The celebration is a MAYOR OF LONDON event, organised in partnership with the DiL Committee.

Read the Mayor of London's statement Media enquiries

This year's theme

Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow

Honouring what our elders passed down, and handing young people the confidence to carry it forward.

Preserving the flame

The stories, songs and devotion that have lit Diwali for generations.

Bhajan Zone Light of the Ramayana Glimpse of Goddesses

Illuminating tomorrow

Children's crafts, dance for every age, and 200 young dancers opening the day.

Children's Zone Dance Workshops Opening dance

What we had planned

From daylight to diya light

This was the shape of the day we had planned for Sunday 25 October.

1pm The opening dance
200 dancers around the fountains, then live garba.
2pm Opening ceremony
Then the main stage runs all afternoon, with every zone open.
4.47pm Sunset
The Square lights up, with entertainment and stage performances into the evening.
6.30pm Kirtan and aarti
The day closes together, before goodbyes at 7pm.

These were the planned times for Sunday 25 October, before the event was cancelled.

1pm opening dance

Garba on the main stage

Kathakali

Aarti at dusk

What we had planned

Nine zones to explore

From 1.30pm

Dance Workshops

Join in, whatever your age.

1pm to 5pm

Children's Zone

Crowns, LED diyas and games.

All afternoon

Glimpse of Goddesses

Lakshmi and Saraswati, live.

Ramayana puppets of Ravana, Hanuman and Sita

All afternoon

Puppet Show

The Ramayana told with puppets, for the whole family.

2pm to 5.50pm

Bhajan Zone

Devotional songs, sing along.

Visitors seated for a guided meditation session

1pm to 6.30pm

Yoga and Meditation

A calm corner of the Square.

All afternoon

Culture Zone

Music, art, crafts and storytelling.

All afternoon

Light of the Ramayana

Step into the story of Ram and Sita.

All afternoon

Harmony Zone

Faiths and communities, together.

The 2022 celebration

Watch Diwali on the Square from home

This year's event has been cancelled, so we are sharing the 2022 celebration instead. The player is at the top of this page.

Go to the player

The DiL Committee 2026

Run by volunteers, for all of London

Thirteen organisations from London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, working together in a spirit of harmony for over two decades. Chaired this year by the National Hindu Students' Forum (UK).

Ritesh Thakrar Chair team, NHSF (UK)
Jaanki Thakrar Strategic Advisor for Finance, NHSF (UK)
Gauri Bij Schools Team Coordinator, NHSF (UK)
Arya Patel Events Team, NHSF (UK)
Sarita Menon Vice-Chairperson, Art of Living

A message from the Mayor of London

Diwali On The Square is a highlight in our cultural calendar and a wonderful way to celebrate the enormous contribution that London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to life of our city.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Read the Mayor's full message

Take part

Be part of the celebration

Volunteer

Thank you to every volunteer who prepared for this year. Tell us you would like to help in 2027.

Volunteering

Media enquiries

For interviews and statements about this year's cancellation, contact the press team.

Media and press

Perform or trade

Applications for 2026 have closed. Tell us you are interested in 2027.

Follow @diwaliinlondon

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Watch the stream Read the statement