Diwali celebrations in Leicester, home to one of the largest Hindu communities in the United Kingdom, are facing uncertainty after officials rejected proposals for fireworks and staged cultural performances this year, citing public safety concerns.
FESTIVAL SCALED BACK
Leicester City Council confirmed that the famous Golden Mile on Belgrave Road will still be illuminated and closed to traffic on October 20 to mark the Festival of Lights. But unlike in past years, there will be no fireworks, no stage shows, and no Diwali Village with food stalls and funfair rides.
The move followed advice from the city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from the council, police and emergency services. Last year’s celebration attracted around 50,000 people, sparking concerns over safety.
The Belgrave Business Association had submitted its own plans to retain fireworks and cultural events, but the SAG rejected them. Leicester’s mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, admitted he was ‘disappointed’, saying community suggestions “were achievable” but still turned down.
MP SHIVANI RAJA RAISES ALARM
Leicester East MP Shivani Raja has strongly criticised the decision, saying Diwali celebrations are “under threat”. In a post on X, she wrote: “Our Diwali celebrations are STILL at risk, Our Diwali Celebrations are under threat”.
“Diwali in Leicester is one of the biggest celebrations outside India – and the highlight of our city’s calendar. Yet Leicester City Council now want to limit celebrations, citing safety concerns,” she further added in her post.
Raja said she has written to the Leicestershire Police chief constable and is lobbying the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to safeguard the festival. “The Belgrave Business Association has my full backing,” she added.
PAST CONTROVERSIES
This is not the first time Diwali has sparked debate in the UK. Last year, a Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street under PM Keir Starmer triggered backlash when non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol were served — a move many Hindus, Sikhs and Jains found insensitive to religious customs.
British Indian Conservative MP Shivani Raja (Leicester East) had written to Starmer last year, voicing her deep disappointment and stating that the menu “did not align with the customs of many Hindus”. She also offered to provide guidance for future events.
Following criticism from community groups and MPs, Downing Street apologised and assured greater cultural sensitivity for future events.
CHANGING RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHICS
The debate also comes against the backdrop of shifting religious demographics in the UK.
According to the 2021 Census, Christians fell below 50% of the population in England and Wales for the first time.
The Muslim population rose to 3.9 million (6.5%), while Hindus account for 1.7% nationwide. In Leicester, however, Hindus make up nearly 18%, making the city’s Diwali celebrations world-renowned.
LEICESTER’S TROUBLED COMMUNAL PAST
Leicester has witnessed tensions before. In August–September 2022, Hindu–Muslim clashes erupted after India’s cricket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup. What began as street celebrations quickly escalated into confrontations, fuelled by social media misinformation.
Over 40 arrests were made, and community leaders had to issue joint appeals for peace and unity.
GLOBAL CONTRAST: US EMBRACES DIWALI
While Leicester’s celebrations face restrictions, Diwali is gaining official recognition in parts of the United States.
In 2024, Pennsylvania declared Diwali a state holiday, joining New York, New Jersey, and Texas in recognising the festival’s significance. Several US school districts also mark Diwali as a holiday to allow South Asian families to celebrate.
This growing recognition highlights Diwali’s expanding global cultural footprint — in stark contrast to the curbs now seen in Leicester.
For now, Leicester’s Golden Mile will light up on October 20, but without fireworks or staged performances. Whether officials reconsider before the festival remains unclear.
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