Overview

• Sadiq Khan called the Trafalgar Square gathering a “festival of unity,” praising Londoners for celebrating shared values across faiths.
• Large crowds formed long queues for Indian music, dance and bhajans, with street food and cultural marquees throughout the square.
• The programme opened with about 200 dancers and included family activities such as sari and turban tying, yoga, henna, puppet shows and dance workshops.
• The volunteer-led Diwali in London committee organised the event, with Chinmaya Mission UK chairing and partners including Remitly, Lidl and Daawat.
• Downing Street held a Diwali ceremony led by Communities Secretary Steve Reed as Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent a message from Egypt, while diplomats highlighted the festival as a symbol of India–UK ties and a viral video amplified the Trafalgar Square celebrations.