Diwali Special: Awaken the Light Within
Sunday 8 November 2026 · 2pm GMT
UK 2pmIndia 7:30pmEast Africa 5pmMauritius 6pmNew York 9am
A free replay of Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2023, shown on Diwali day. No registration: drop in for any part between 2pm and 6pm UK time.
Light a diya and press play at 2pm
A replay of Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2023: music, dance and celebration from the stage in the heart of London, shown here on Diwali day.
You will need: a diya, a cup of chai and your family around you.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square is a Mayor of London event, in partnership with the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee.
Happy Diwali, and a joyful New Year
Global Namaste. From everyone at Healing Our Earth, we wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali.
Diwali reminds us that even the smallest diya can push back the darkness. As we light our lamps at home this year, may that light bring peace to our hearts, good health to our families and kindness to our communities.
To everyone welcoming the New Year, Nutan Varsh na Abhinandan. May Vikram Samvat 2083 bring fresh hope and good health. To our Sikh and Jain friends, warm wishes for Bandi Chhor Divas and the Jain New Year.
Thank you for joining us every Sunday. Wherever you are in the world, we are glad to share the light with you.
Shubh Deepavali, and a happy, healthy New Year.
With love, everyone at Healing Our Earth
Send us your Diwali message
We would love to hear from you. Record a short video, send a voice note or write a few lines with your Diwali and New Year wishes for everyone in the Healing Our Earth family, wherever they are in the world.
- Video
- Voice note
- Text
- Keep it short: a minute or less is perfect.
- Tell us who you are: your first name and where you are celebrating from.
- Filming? Hold your phone sideways, somewhere bright and quiet.
Or message +44 7712 177703 on Telegram.
By sending a message, you agree that Healing Our Earth may share it on our website and social channels. We look at every message before anything is shared. If you are under 18, please ask a parent or guardian to send it for you.
The festival of lights
Diwali celebrates light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Families light diyas, draw rangoli at the door, share sweets and welcome Lakshmi into their homes. It is shared by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities around the world, and for many Gujarati families the New Year follows two days later.
Every autumn, Diwali on Trafalgar Square fills the heart of London with music, dance and food. This year’s celebration on 25 October was cancelled because of storms, so on Diwali day itself we are bringing the Square to you with the 2023 celebration. Healing Our Earth is a member of the Diwali in London Committee and has broadcast free every Sunday since April 2020.
Six ways to celebrate Diwali at home
Simple ways to share the light with the people around you this Diwali and New Year.
Light a diya at dusk
Take a quiet moment of gratitude as you light it. Keep flames away from curtains, children and pets, and never leave them burning unattended.
Draw a rangoli
Welcome the New Year at your door with a rangoli of flowers, rice or coloured powder. It is a lovely thing to make with children.
Share something sweet
Take a box of mithai to a neighbour, a friend or someone who lives alone. A small gift and a few minutes of company mean a lot.
Call someone far away
Video-call family in another city or country, and watch the Diwali Special together at the same time.
Clear out and give
Diwali is a time to start afresh. Clear a cupboard and give what you no longer need to a charity shop or someone who needs it.
Do one act of seva
Cook for someone who needs it, volunteer locally or support a charity. Small acts of service keep the flame burning all year.
Questions
Something else? Message us on Telegram.
Is this live from Trafalgar Square?
No. It is a replay of Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2023, shown here on Sunday 8 November from 2pm UK time. The 2026 celebration planned for 25 October was cancelled because of forecast storms.
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 9:00am.
Can I watch it on my TV?
Yes. Open this page in your smart TV's web browser, or cast it from your phone or laptop: in Chrome, open the menu and choose Cast. Press the full-screen button on the player for the best view.
When is Diwali this year?
Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, the same day as this episode. Many Gujarati families welcome the New Year (Bestu Varas, the start of Vikram Samvat 2083) on Tuesday 10 November, and Bhai Dooj follows on Wednesday 11 November. Dates can differ by a day depending on your calendar and region.
Do I need to register or pay?
No. It is free and open to everyone. Just come back to this page at 2pm UK time and press play.
What is on next week?
World Diabetes Day: Early Action on Diabetes, with South Asian Health Action, on Sunday 15 November from 2pm GMT. See all upcoming episodes.
Light a diya at 2pm, wherever you are
One moment shared across London, Mumbai, Nairobi and Port Louis. Light your lamp, press play and celebrate Diwali with us. Shubh Deepavali, and Nutan Varsh na Abhinandan.
Healing Our Earth is a member organisation of the Diwali in London (DiL) Committee and has broadcast a free episode every Sunday since April 2020.
