Upcoming Diwali events at the University
Please note booking is essential for all of the events listed below.
- Diwali Lunch, Wednesday 4 November 2026, 12pm-2pm, Village Bar (open to all)
The University’s annual Diwali Lunch, organised by the Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Staff Group.
- Diwali Suncatchers, Wednesday 4 November, 2.30pm-4.30pm (students only)
Join the International Student Experience team and LU Arts to make your own Diwali Suncatcher, inspired by rangoli patterns.
- Diwali Celebrations at LSU London, Friday 6 November, 12pm-3pm, Future Space (students only)
Celebrate Diwali in style! Join Loughborough Students’ Union London for a mesmerising Diwali event filled with scrumptious traditional treats, cultural activities, and the very best music.
Chaplaincy and faith communities
The University Chaplaincy provides a place where students and staff are welcome to reflect, explore and express faith and spirituality. It is a place to pray, to meditate and to meet others. Chaplains also offer help with spiritual, ethical and moral concerns. Chaplains of various faiths are available to anyone, irrespective of their religious or spiritual beliefs.
The Chaplaincy has a Hindu chaplain and can also connect students with other faith leaders on request.
Hindu and Sikh students can connect with others through LSU’s Hindu Society, Krishna Consciousness Society and Sikh Society.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolises the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In Hindu tradition, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, after 14 years in exile and after defeating Ravana. Rows of lamps were lit to celebrate his return and victory, giving rise to the name Deepavali meaning a row of lights. Lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles represents the inner light that protects people from spiritual darkness and despair.
Jains celebrate Diwali as the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Prabhu Mahavir Swamy on 15 October 527 B.C. Jains observe the festival with lamps, prayer and reflection.
Sikhs honour the Bandi Chhor Divas (8 November 2026) as a day of liberation. On Deepavali day Guru Hargovindji Sahib who was Sixth Sikh Guru and 52 royal prisoners were freed from jail. Prayers and lights are used to mark this holy day.
Some specific Buddhist communities observe Diwali and light lamps during this time to symbolise the inner awakening from ignorance to spiritual enlightenment.
What does Diwali mean to the Hindu community?
The festival brings families together to clean homes, wear new clothes, share sweets, and forgive past conflicts. The festival is celebrated over five days:
- Dhan Trayodashi - Day 1
Worship and acknowledgement of natural resources offered by the Earth eg gold, silver, herbs, vegetation etc.
- Kaali Chaturdashi – Day 2
Lamps are lit to celebrate the defeat of evil, and animals are cared for by being offered food at night.
- Diwali – Day 3
On the main festival day, prayers or pooja are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to invite good fortune, health, and a fresh start for the new year. Many business owners also worship their account books and business plans to mark the start of the new year. Fireworks and family feasts further strengthen family bonds.
- New Hindu Year - Day 4
This day marks the Hindu New Year and celebrates the new harvest. People meet and greet. Food is offered to God, with morning prayers and an elaborate evening display of dishes at the temple. Govardhan Pooja is also performed to express care and respect for the environment and livestock.
- Bhai Dooj – Day 5
Bhai Dooj celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Brothers and their families are invited to their sisters’ homes for a festive meal, and brothers traditionally give their sisters gifts or money.