Diwali Celebrations at Wightwick Manor
Where heritage meets light, visitors can join in Diwali celebrations at Wightwick Manor and Gardens for a festival of light, storytelling and design.
About Diwali
Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Light, is India’s most celebrated festival, observed by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Held over five days in late autumn, its date shifts yearly based on the lunar calendar. While Diwali holds different meanings across religions and communities, it is united by themes of light, hope, and renewal.
Wightwick’s Royal Connections to India
Did you know Wightwick Manor and Gardens has ties to Indian royalty?
Lionel and Alan Mander (brothers of Sir Geoffrey Mander, who donated Wightwick Manor) each married a princess from Cooch Behar, West Bengal. Their wives, Princess Pretiva and Princess Sudhira, were daughters of Maharajah Nripendra Narayan and Maharani Suniti Devi.
The Maharajah and Maharani were supporters of the British Raj and frequently visited England, forging strong cultural and diplomatic links between India and Britain.
Discover more about this remarkable connection and the stories behind it by following the link below.
Diwali celebrations at Wightwick – a festival of light, storytelling and design
This autumn, Wightwick invites you to experience the magic of Diwali 2025 in a way that blends South Asian heritage with the rich arts and crafts legacy of the Manor house.
Following the success of Colour the Mind in 2024, where DJ PUN1T lit up the courtyard with electrifying South Asian beats, we’re taking the celebration even further this year.
- Fusion: A Diwali Installation: From 13 - 26 October (open daily from 11am - 5pm, last entry 4pm), explore a colourful new installation in the Manor that reimagines Diwali through the lens of design. Inspired by William Morris’s iconic ‘Marigold’ print, this installation blends rich Indian textiles, bold colours, and traditional motifs to create something truly unique.
- Love & Lamplight: An Evening of Storytelling. For two special evenings (18 and 19 October), join acclaimed British Punjabi storyteller Peter Chand for a captivating journey through traditional Indian tales told with warmth, wit, and wonder. This event is suitable for those aged 14 and over, and promises an unforgettable night of culture and connection.
Diwali is a time for reflection, joy, and togetherness, bringing families and communities together in celebration. Whether you are reconnecting with your roots or discovering something new, everyone is warmly invited to celebrate at Wightwick Manor and Gardens.
Wightwick's royal connections
Wightwick's global stories include Lionel and Alan Mander marrying Indian princesses over 100 years ago, forging royal connections. Discover more.
South Asian histories at the places in our care
Some of the places and collections we care for reveal stories from and connections to South Asian history, reflecting the UK's diverse heritage and cultural links to South Asia. Learn more about the people and pieces behind these connections from princesses to a peacock dress.
Family days out at Wightwick Manor and Gardens
With seasonal activities for all the family, gardens to explore, a natural play area and lots of history and nature to discover. Find out about our latest family activities and plan your day out.
