Diwali Derby 2024 Guide: Celebrate with Festivals, Feasts and Fireworks

Explore Derby's vibrant celebrations for Diwali 2024, including temple events, cultural gatherings, and the best places to find Indian sweets in the city.

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people the world over, a festival that marks the triumph of light over dark, and good over evil.

There are plenty of Diwali events happening across the city this year. From Bollywood dances to sumptuous feasts, dive into our bumper Diwali guide. | VD Photography Unsplash

placeholder image — There are plenty of Diwali events happening across the city this year. From Bollywood dances to sumptuous feasts, dive into our bumper Diwali guide. | VD Photography Unsplash

There is a big religious aspect to Diwali, but it is also a time to be grateful for family and friends, and to enjoy sumptuous feasts of samosas, curries, ‘mithai’ (Indian sweets) and more.

Derby has a vibrant Hindu community and there is plenty going on in the city where you can celebrate this fabulous festival.

Here is everything you need to know including what’s on during Diwali and which sweet shops to visit, to gift to loved ones (or even yourself).

If there is an event we have missed, email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.

When is Diwali 2024?

Many think Diwali is on just one day, however it’s an epic five-day festival that starts on October 29.

The start date changes every year, as it is worked out using a calendar based on lunar cycles.

Here are Diwali 2024 dates for your diary

Day 1: Dhanteras, Tuesday October 29

Day 2: Choti Diwali, Wednesday October 30

Day 3: Main Diwali Day, Thursday October 31

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Saal Mubarak or Happy New Year) Saturday November 2

Day 5: Bhai Dooj, Sunday November 3

What do people do for Diwali?

The general spirit of Diwali is people celebrating the festival of light by spending time together, praying and tucking into good food.

Where to celebrate Diwali in Derby

Our round-up has something for everyone, from temple-themed events to Diwali parties with bhangra and firework displays.

Religious Diwali festivities at Derby Temple

If you want to explore the religious aspect of Diwali, Derby Temple has a full roster of events in the run-up to, and including Diwali.

In addition to ‘darshan’ (prayers) and lighting ‘diyas’ there is an annual Diwali celebration on Friday October 25.

Running from 7pm till 9pm, the evening will be filled with singing, dancing, entertainment and good food.

More information about the event can be found on the Derby Temple Facebook page here.

Diwali party at Normanton Library

A dance party in a library sounds epic, where you can bop along to top bhangra and Bollywood tunes on Saturday November 9, from 6pm till 9pm.

Tickets are £5, more information can be found here.

Diwali at Kedleston Hall Derby

From October 21 till November 10, Kedleston Hall will be transformed by music, light installations and filled with marigolds and flickering lamps.

This event is free to attend but normal admission charges apply for this National Trust venue.

Prices start at £18 per adult and more information can be found on the Kedleston Hall website here.

Diwali Derby Season Of Light

Surtal Arts have organised a series of Diwali themed events as part of this year’s Season Of Light.

They run from October 26 till December 8.

Explore the city by embarking on a Lantern Sculpture Trail and see if you can spot giant installations created by eight talented artists.

There is also an exciting Bollywood event in Belper and a Remembrance Sunday choir service.

For more information about these events visit Surtal Arts Season Of Light website here.

Diwali at Derby art gallery Artcore

Join the Artcore team for their community focussed event on Wednesday October 30, from 5pm till 8pm.

An evening of dazzling lights, stunning rangoli creations and food is on the menu at the Albert Street location.

The event is free but booking is required, click here for more details.

Where to get Diwali sweets in Derby

It is tradition to gift a box of mithai to loved ones and there are lots of shops in Derby that sell Indian sweets.

Here are a few shops, in no particular order, that will have their counters full of stunning sweets including brighter-than-the-sun ladoos, multi-coloured barfi blocks and more.

Shahenshah, 13-15 Pear Tree Road, Derby DE23 6PZ
Krishna Sweet Centre 71 St Thomas Rd, Derby DE23 8RG
Desi Sweet Centre, 28 Pear Tree Road, Derby DE23 6PY
Nafees Bakers & Sweets, 335 Normanton Road, Derby DE23 6UU
Laxmi Sweet Centre, 173 Pear Tree Road, Derby DE23 8NQ

What does Diwali mean?

The word Diwali literally means ‘lights in a row’ and it is a festival people enjoy by lighting candles, lanterns and fireworks in the presence of family and friends.

Celebrated by multi-faiths across the world, each religion has its own origin story, but which all collectively represent good conquering evil.

Perhaps the most popular Diwali story version is from north India.

This celebrates Lord Rama’s return from a 14-years-long exile.

His expulsion was spearheaded by his evil stepmother and which saw him rescue his kidnapped wife Sita from the ten-headed demon king Ravana.

On the final day of Diwali, bonfires are held and often effigies of King Ravana are set alight, to remember Lord Rama’s big victory.