Diwali celebrations 2023: The extravagant events taking place in Manchester during the festival of lights

Diwali in Manchester this year is looking to be just as energetic, vibrant, and colourful as the holiday itself, with a handful of extravagant events scattered around the city to help you make the most of the celebrations.

Throughout November, there are loads of opportunities to join in on the spiritual festivities over the span of the whole month and the whole city, so there is no missing out on these unforgettable events.

Diwali is a major religious festival mainly celebrated in Hinduism but is also popular within many other religions including Jainism and Sikhism. Its name is derived from the term Deepavali which translates to ‘row of lights,’ and it annually lives up to its name in spectacular fashion.

The holiday lasts for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month (Ashvina) to the second day of the light half (Karttika) and this year, it begins on November 12.

From this and around this day, you can expect to witness the beauty of cultural and spiritual traditions lighting up the city, as homes are donned with shimmering, colourful decorations and small oil lamps called diyas are lit and placed in rows around temples and houses.

The purpose of the holiday is to symbolise the victory of light over darkness, as those celebrating welcome wealth and success into their lives, and these events are a showcase of exactly this.

Diwali at the museum

November 11 brings with it the beginning of the festival of lights in Manchester, illuminating Manchester Museum with the vibrant string of lights and colours only a celebration like Diwali can achieve.

The event starts at 10am and has something to help kick off the Diwali festivities perfectly for every member of the family and those of all ages and cultures hoping to learn about Diwali and join in with the celebrations.

The full day of spiritual partying will include work shops for children and families throughout the afternoon, light bites provided by Hungamaa, and a lively performance from the Rakesh Joshi Trio who knows exactly what a crowd needs during Diwali.

The local music maestro plays the harmonium and the keyboard as well as singing Indian raga and folk music. The musician – who was raised in India – moved to England in 1997 and now performs and teaches North Indian music in and around Manchester.

If all that isn’t enough, to draw the night to a close, a band of dhol drummers and an energetic set from DJ Ravi Apnabeat will have you dancing and soaking up the festivities until the very last second.

Although booking is essential, the event is free and you can get your tickets via the Eventbrite website.

Deepavali kondattum 2023

Coming November 4, the Northern Tamil Association have put together a vivacious celebration of the holiday, aimed at getting everyone involved in the spirit of the event while giving all members of their community to opportunity to take the stage and show off their talents.

This event highlights and celebrations many aspects of Indian culture, with groups form nine different regions in the UK gathering at the festivities to compete in a showcase for the NTA championship trophy.

The charity organisation has illuminated their hope for guests to find new friends and hobbies and socialise with others who take part in the celebrations.

Deepavali Kondattum 2023 is taking place at the Wythenshawe Forum from 12pm to 7pm and it’s a great chance to celebrate the vibrant holiday, watch some amazing cultural performances, and meet new life-long friends!

Single general admission tickets range from £2 to £18 depending on age, though there are discounted family tickets available too. You can buy your tickets at the Tickettailor website.

Diwali Utsav 2023

Diwali Utsav is an incredible event which truly encompasses the life and heart of Diwali, with a dazzling firework show lighting up the dark nights sky, the traditional rows of lit up lamps, the brightest colours possible, some delicious food, and amazing cultural performances.

This celebration takes the spirit of Diwali to another level, with every moment being about beating the darkness with light.

A DJ, a talent show, and a fireworks display are central to the spectacular entertainment on this special night, which is open to people of all ages and cultures hoping to learn about the religious festival.

The event will begin at 6:30pm of November 18 and end at 11pm at Whiston Town Hall for those lucky enough to have secured tickets to this now sold-out celebration.

Diwali and Poppie Making

On November 11, West Gorton Community Park will host a craft fair surrounding both Diwali and Remembrance Day.

This event is perfect for teaching young people all about the cultures and traditions behind Diwali and the significance of the day in remembering fallen soldiers.

The organisers will be running two craft workshops for Diwali and two for Remembrance Day from 3:30 to 5:30 and you can book your tickets to the free event via the Eventbrite website.