Diwali Special · Live from London
Diwali on Trafalgar Square
Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow. Music, dance and light in the heart of London.
Sunday 25 October · 1pm to 7pm · Trafalgar Square
Live online from 2pm GMT · India 7:30pm · East Africa 5pm · Mauritius 6pm
Free, subject to capacityLive online, worldwide
The day on the Square
What happens when
A rough guide to the afternoon. The main stage running order is set by the Diwali in London Committee and may change on the day.
- 1pm
Opening dance
About 200 dancers from eight groups open the celebration on the Square.
- From 1pm
Zones open
Children’s Zone (1pm to 5pm), yoga and meditation, the dance zone on the North Terrace from 1.30pm and the bhajan zone from 2pm.
- 2pm
Our live broadcast begins
Healing Our Earth goes live from the Square, around the time of the opening ceremony on the main stage.
- Afternoon
Music, dance and bhajans
Performances on the main stage, with food stalls and family activities around the Square.
- 4.47pm
Sunset
The clocks went back that morning, so dusk comes early and the Square lights up.
- About 6.30pm
Kirtan and aarti
The celebration closes with devotional singing and the lamp ceremony.
- 7pm
Close
Thank you for celebrating with us.
Watch here
Press play at 2pm on Sunday
Healing Our Earth streams the celebration live from Trafalgar Square. Diwali on Trafalgar Square is a Mayor of London event, in partnership with the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee. Because of music rights, this year’s stream is on partner websites only, not YouTube or Facebook, so bookmark this page and press play here from 2pm GMT.
Never miss a Sunday
Why this episode
London’s biggest Diwali, live from Trafalgar Square
Every autumn, Trafalgar Square fills with music, dance, food and light. Diwali on Trafalgar Square has run for more than 20 years and welcomes over 30,000 visitors. It is a Mayor of London event, in partnership with the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee, and Healing Our Earth is one of the committee’s member organisations.
This year’s theme is “Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow”. Diwali celebrates light over darkness and good over evil, and is shared by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities around the world. If you can’t get to London, join our live broadcast from 2pm GMT and celebrate with us from wherever you are.
Join in this week
Six ways to celebrate Diwali this week
Whether you come to the Square or watch from home, simple ways to share the light.
Light a diya
Light a lamp at dusk and take a quiet moment for gratitude. Keep flames away from curtains and never leave them burning unattended.
Evening ritual
Come to the Square
Entry is free from 1pm, subject to capacity. Westminster is the nearest step-free Tube station, and Charing Cross is a three-minute walk.
Getting there
Watch together at home
Can’t make it to London? Gather the family and watch our live broadcast on this page from 2pm GMT.
From home
Share sweets with a neighbour
Diwali is a time for giving. Take a box of mithai to a neighbour, a friend or someone who lives alone.
Kindness
Enjoy the music and dance
Dance, bhajans and live music run all afternoon on the Square. At home, put on your favourite festive songs and dance with the family.
Joy
Give in the spirit of seva
Cook for someone who needs it, volunteer locally or support a charity. Small acts of service keep the flame burning.
Seva
Questions
Something else? Message us on Telegram.
Do I need a ticket?
No. Diwali on Trafalgar Square is free, subject to capacity on the day. Our live broadcast on this page is free too, with no registration.
What time is it where I am?
UK 2:00pm, Central Europe 3:00pm, East Africa 5:00pm, Mauritius and Dubai 6:00pm, India 7:30pm, Hong Kong and Singapore 10:00pm, New York 10:00am. UK clocks go back that morning, so 2pm is GMT.
How do I get to Trafalgar Square?
The address is Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. Westminster is the nearest step-free Tube station, and Charing Cross rail station is step-free and about three minutes’ walk. Pall Mall East is closed to traffic all day, and Blue Badge parking is on St Martin’s Street.
Is the Square accessible?
Yes. There is level access, a lift to the North Terrace, an accessible viewing area with a hearing loop and chairs, and BSL interpretation on the screen to the right of the stage. Ear defenders are available at the information point, and there is an accessible toilet with a hoist (bring your own sling).
Why is it not on YouTube or Facebook?
Because of music rights, the 2026 stream is shown only on partner websites, including this page and diwaliinlondon.com. Bookmark this page and press play from 2pm GMT.
Where can I find out more?
Visit diwaliinlondon.com for the full programme and the Mayor of London’s event page for visitor information. You can also message us on Telegram.
See you on the Square, or right here at 2pm
Light a diya, bring your family and celebrate the festival of lights with London. Preserving the flame, illuminating tomorrow.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square is a Mayor of London event, in partnership with the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee. Healing Our Earth is a DiL member organisation and streams the celebration free. Times are a guide and may change on the day. Photos from Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2024 by Bhupendrasinh Jethva.
