In a beautiful evening, filled with colour, music and light, Manchester Museum’s visitors came together to celebrate Diwali on Wednesday 30 October.

Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. It is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. This was the third time Manchester Museum has hosted a Diwali, giving people of all ages and cultures the opportunity to get involved with the spirit of the festival.

Manchester Museum is dedicated to building understanding between cultures with a year-round calendar of events also including an Iftar and Vaisakhi Festival. As part of the Diwali 2024 celebrations, local faith leaders, Nidhi Sinha (Hindu), Sukhbir Singh (Sikh), Dean Govender (Christian), Warren Elf (Jewish), Yusuf Tai (Muslim) were invited to speak and reflect on the significance of festivals of light to their respective religions. Nidhi Sinha began by welcoming the audience with a conch shell and calling for Diwali’s themes to inspire a return to balance and rediscovery of a path that leads us back to light.

The Museum looked beautiful, decorated with garlands and lights. As the sun was just beginning to set, the festivities were underway with activities across the Museum. Families delighted in making diya clay lamps with artist Lydia Meiying, and pop-up 3D greetings cards with Dina Mistry, and took time out in a mindfulness craft workshop, painting tealights with Renu Bhardwaj. The Henna by Mehndi artist Rashmi Aggarwal made a lasting impression with visitors of all ages!

As the sun set the party got into full swing, with music and performances by the Indian Dance Society (UoM), Swarnali Nag, and the Punjab Bhangra Crew. Visitors danced the night away as the Living Worlds gallery became a bouncing dancefloor with music from DJ Dan Singh.

Throughout the evening, visitors were treated to sweets from Lily’s Deli, mocktails from Renu Bhardwaj’s new book Celebrate Diwali, with hot chai from Hungamaa on leaving, very welcome against the chill autumn evening air.

 “The music, the dance, the beautiful clothes and the atmosphere – everyone seemed happy and friendly” – Museum visitor

 “Just a very joyful occasion and everyone involved with the event worked very hard to make it a success” – Museum visitor

There is still chance to get involved in Manchester Museum’s 2024 Diwali celebrations. Take part in the Diwali Trail in the Museum’s South Asia Gallery before 1 December to have the chance of winning a very special prize!