Everything you need to know about Diwali in Derby including dates and popular sweet shops for the big day

Diwali is one of the biggest events on the calendars of many faiths including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

Widely known as the festival of light, it is celebrated by millions of people the world over, as the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.

The word Diwali literally means ‘lights in a row.’

It is a festival people observe by burning lamps, 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.

For Hindus, versions of the Diwali story vary from region to region.

They include incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu vanquishing evil, and Lord Krishna’s victory over tyrant king Narakasura.

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

This celebrates Lord Rama’s return from a 14-years-long exile, an expulsion that was spearheaded by his evil stepmother and which saw him rescue his kidnapped wife Sita from the ten-headed 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.

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).

When is Diwali 2023?

Diwali runs over five days.

Day three, which falls on Sunday November 12 is the main day.

The festival of light culminates on the final day that signifies the start of a new year.

Diwali dates are gleaned from the Hindu lunar calendar which takes into account the amount of time it takes the moon to orbit Earth.

Diwali dates vary from year to year.

This year Diwali falls much later in November in comparison to last year’s October event.

Here are this year’s Diwali dates.

Friday November 10 - Dhanteras - Day 1

The first day of Diwali pays homage to wealth - the word ‘dhan’ literally means wealth.

On Dhanteras people clean their homes, make lovely sweets and welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, into their homes.

Saturday November 11 - Chhoti Diwali - Day 2

The second day of Diwali will see people decorating their home with brightly coloured lamps, stunning flowers and ‘rangolis’ which are eye-catching patterns on the floor.

Sunday November 12 - Diwali - Main Diwali Event - Day 3

This day is the main event of the festival and the one which sees families gather to celebrate Diwali Day.

Expect fun family feasting, loads of fireworks and of course, more lights being lit.

Monday  November 13 - Govardhan Puja - Day 4

This is the day people celebrate the new year by saying ‘Saal Mubarak’, which means Happy New Year.

It is a season for giving and receiving, and this day is one where people gift loved ones with presents and gifts, including boxes of sweets, money and more.

Tuesday November 14 - Bhai Dooj - Day 5

Siblings are celebrated in a big way in Hinduism and Diwali is no different.

In addition to Raksha Bandhan which occurs over the summer, siblings also enjoy the spotlight on them during the festival of light, where their bond is celebrated with prayers and sweets.

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

Religious

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

This includes ‘darshan’ (prayers), lighting ‘diyas’ (prayer lights), ‘Lakshmi Puja’ (prayers for Goddess Lakshmi) and more.

More information about the temple’s religious ceremonies for Diwali can be found on the Derby Temple Facebook page here.

The address for Derby Temple is Geeta Bhawan, 96 - 102 Pear Tree Road Derby DE23 6QA.

Diwali exhibition at Kedleston Hall Derby

From November 3-19 , Kedleston Hall will be transformed by music, light installations and filled with marigolds and flickering diya lamps.

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

Prices start at £15 per adult and more information can be found on the Kedleston Hall website here.

Derby Season Of Light Events

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

Understand the story of Diwali through Indian dance similar to the kathak dance on Thursday November 9.

Perhaps you would enjoy immersing yourself in an evening of classical music and listening to maestros play sitar and tabla on Saturday November 25.

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

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 orange sun ladoos, beautiful 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