Tomorrow, Monday 20 October, marks Diwali, the spectacular Festival of Lights celebrated by over a billion people worldwide. To help celebrate this vibrant occasion, Putney.news has created a comprehensive local Diwali guide covering everything from temple celebrations to the best places to feast across South West London.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, meaning “row of lights” in Sanskrit, is one of the world’s most significant religious and cultural celebrations. While primarily a Hindu festival, it’s also observed by Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, with each community bringing their own traditions and meaning to the occasion.
The festival symbolises the timeless victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. For Hindus, it often commemorates the return of Prince Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. For Sikhs, it marks the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. For Jains, it celebrates the enlightenment of Lord Mahavira.
Though the spiritual meanings vary, the common thread is universal: hope, renewal, and the triumph of goodness.
Diwali in South West London
You might be surprised to learn just how diverse our corner of London is. According to the most recent census data, Wandsworth borough is home to a thriving multicultural community, with 11.6% of residents identifying as Asian. Within this tapestry, we have Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Muslim communities, with around 2.1% of Wandsworth residents identifying as Hindu.
This makes Diwali not just a distant celebration we read about, but a living tradition right here in Putney, Wandsworth, and across South West London. From the Shree Ghanapathy Temple in Wimbledon observing Deepavali with special aarti and puja (religious rituals) throughout the day, to the Roehampton University Desi Society hosting Garba nights and community celebrations, the Festival of Lights illuminates our local communities in meaningful ways.
Five Days of Light
While Monday is the main Diwali day, the festival actually spans five days, each with its own significance. It began on Friday 17 October with Dhanteras and concludes on Thursday 23 October with Bhai Dooj, a celebration of sibling bonds. Throughout these days, families clean and decorate their homes with diyas (oil lamps), create intricate rangoli floor designs with colored powders or flower petals, wear new clothes, exchange gifts, set off fireworks, and of course, share abundant sweets and feasts.
What’s On: Your Local Guide
Our comprehensive Diwali guide maps out celebrations happening across the area:
Big Celebrations: From the spectacular free Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square (which took place on 12 October) to Diwali at Marble Hill in Twickenham (18 October), and the Fulham Lantern Parade on Monday evening, there are events for everyone, whether you’re celebrating for the first time or continuing a family tradition.
Temple Observances: The Shree Ghanapathy Temple in Wimbledon, one of South West London’s largest Hindu temples, welcomes visitors throughout the day on Monday for traditional prayers and celebrations.
Community Events: Wandsworth’s ongoing year as Borough of Culture 2025/26 brings additional programming, while later celebrations include a Diwali Dance Celebration at Tooting Library on 25 October.
A Feast for All
Perhaps nothing captures the spirit of Diwali quite like food. The sharing of mithai (sweets) and elaborate feasts brings families, friends, and communities together. South West London and Putney especially is blessed with an extraordinary range of Indian restaurants ready to help you celebrate.
Our guide highlights everything from neighborhood favorites on Lower Richmond Road to destination dining experiences:
Special Diwali Menus: Cho Asia is offering a Diwali sharing menu by chef Parminder Singh. Chook Chook has created special thalis in both vegetarian and chicken versions. Newly opened Raaz is celebrating its first-ever Diwali with an elegant three-course feast.
Fine Dining Options: For those wanting to make a special occasion of it, Cinnamon Kitchen at Battersea Power Station and Michelin-starred Gymkhana in Mayfair are both running Diwali tasting menus throughout October.
Takeaway & Delivery: Can’t make it out? Raja Rowing, Holy Cow, and Rasoi all offer classic curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes delivered to your door — perfect for a festive night in.
Sweet Treats: No Diwali is complete without mithai. Ambala in Tooting offers classic sweet boxes and gift trays, while Royal Sweets and Pooja Sweets provide London-wide delivery of seasonal Diwali assortments.
Light Up Your Knowledge
What makes this festival particularly meaningful is how it brings communities together. You don’t need to be Hindu, Sikh, Jain, or Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of Diwali’s message — the triumph of light over darkness resonates universally.
Whether you’re celebrating Diwali for the fiftieth time or the first, whether you’re attending temple, enjoying a feast with friends, or simply appreciating the beautiful displays of light in your neighborhood, tomorrow is a day to celebrate hope, community, and the enduring power of light.
Visit our full guide at putney.news/diwali for complete event listings, restaurant recommendations, and where to find the best sweets.
Happy Diwali to all who celebrate: may your homes and hearts be filled with light!
