What’s on, where to feast, buying sweets
Diwali — the Festival of Lights — runs across several days each October. In South West London, that means big free celebrations, temple puja, family arts, and feasts from Putney to Twickenham. Here’s what’s on near you — and where to eat and buy sweets.
Most events will take place on Monday 20 October, with some on Tuesday 21 October. Local temples (including Wimbledon’s Shree Ghanapathy Temple) observe Deepavali on 20 Oct, within a festival week 17–23 October.
Key dates
Fri 17 Oct: Festival week begins (Dhanteras).
Sun 19 Oct:Chhoti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi — smaller festival day.
Mon 20 Oct: Main Diwali day (Lakshmi Puja).
Tue 21 Oct: Devpuja / snan observed in some traditions.
Wed 22 Oct: Govardhan Puja / Gujarati New Year.
Thu 23 Oct: Bhai Dooj — closing celebration.
Events by day
Sunday 12 October
Diwali on the Square (Trafalgar Square) — London’s biggest free Diwali celebration (2–8pm).
Stage programme, food stalls, workshops. Free, no ticket needed. (Victoria Line or District Line hop from Putney).
Thursday 16 October
Dishoom Diwali Party (London) — The restaurant group’s “biggest and brightest” celebration returns at Big Penny Social. (Ticketed; not local but popular.)
Saturday 18 October
Diwali at Marble Hill (Twickenham) — 2–8pm in the riverside park with illuminations, dance, craft stalls, and evening parade (~5:30pm).
Free; ~20 minutes from Putney.
Monday 20 October — Diwali Day
Shree Ghanapathy Temple (Wimbledon) — Deepavali aarti and puja throughout the day.
Fulham Lantern Parade — Sands End Arts & Community Centre, 6–7:30pm, £5, ending with lantern walk around South Park.
Saturday 25 October
Diwali Dance Celebration (Tooting Library) — 2:30pm; classical Indian dance performance by Natyalaya.
Free; email library to book.
Where to eat
South West London’s Diwali dining scene mixes home-grown favourites with destination feasts. Here are local restaurants and nearby hotspots worth checking — from Lower Richmond Road’s festival menus to headline tastings in Battersea and beyond.
Lower Richmond
Cho Asia — chef Parminder Singh is running a Diwali sharing menu (£30pp). Booking required (minimum 2 guests).
Chook Chook — Also marking Diwali with a special thali available in vegetarian and chicken versions, served throughout the week. A relaxed neighbourhood setting ideal for a festive meal without formality.
Raaz — Newly opened under chef Imran Mansuri, Raaz is celebrating its first Diwali with a three-course feast (£39.99pp). Expect refined plating, bold flavours, and elegant presentation.
Further / takeaway
Cinnamon Kitchen (Battersea) — The Cinnamon Collection’s Diwali tasting menus run all October. The Battersea Power Station location is closest for Putney diners.
Gymkhana (Mayfair) — Michelin-starred destination with its annual Diwali vault-feast menus; worth the trip into town.
Takeaway
Raja Rowing — Mini-chain promises “fine Indian food with royal precision.” Swift delivery, offering classic curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes for takeaway or home delivery (free on orders over £20).
Holy Cow — Popular local dining and takeaway with the familiar line-up of curries, biryanis and tandoori classics.
Rasoi – Focuses on traditional dishes prepared daily, from creamy butter chicken to spicy madras and vegetarian favourites.
Sweets & Mithai
Ambala (Tooting) — Multiple branches along Upper Tooting Road; classic mithai boxes and gift trays.
Royal Sweets (online / London) — London-wide delivery; publishes Diwali order cut-off dates each year.
Pooja Sweets — Also delivers London-wide with seasonal Diwali gift boxes and sweet assortments.
Community & Culture
Diwali in Putney isn’t just about dining and fireworks — it’s part of a wider celebration of South West London’s diversity, creativity and community spirit. From temples to student societies, these local groups and cultural strands help light up the season.
Wandsworth Borough of Culture 2025/26
Wandsworth’s year as Borough of Culture continues into 2026, bringing new arts and community projects to every part of the borough. Expect autumn events and Diwali-adjacent programming at local venues including libraries, arts centres, and community halls. Learn more →
Shree Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon
One of the largest Hindu temples in South West London, Shree Ghanapathy Temple confirms Deepavali (Diwali) on Monday 20 October this year, with special aarti and puja throughout the day. The temple welcomes visitors for prayers, offerings, and cultural activities. Visit the temple site →
Roehampton University Desi Society
The Desi Society at the University of Roehampton hosts annual Garba nights and Diwali celebrations open to students and the wider community. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Native pages in early October for event announcements.