Diwali celebrations at Kedleston Hall
- Published:
- 05 June 2024
Over Diwali, visitors can experience Kedleston Hall transformed by music, light installations and filled with the warm colour of marigolds and flickering diya lamps.
Planning your visit
Diwali at Kedleston 2025 will be celebrated from 3 October to 2 November with Helios art sculpture on display from 17 October to 2 November. Please note, the Hall closes on 13 October and reopens on 17 October to continue the Diwali display with the addition of the art installation Helios by Luke Jerram. Advance booking is required to visit the hall for visits between 17 October and 2 November. This booking system will apply to members and non members.
Lighting up Kedleston for Diwali 2025
Diwali at Kedleston is now in its third year and the programme continues to grow, shaped by collaboration with local communities and inspired by the Hall’s historical ties to South Asia.. Lighting up Kedleston Hall for Diwali has become a cherished tradition and this autumn, Kedleston Hall once again illuminates its historic interiors in celebration of Diwali. Visitors can expect a joyful and immersive experience throughout the Hall:
- Hundreds of hand-crafted marigolds (used for festive occasions in India) adorn the rooms and diyas (clay oil lamps) light the way, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Rangoli light projections bring colourful traditional patterns to life across the floors and walls.
- Historic lamps from Kedleston’s Museum collection are decorated and displayed in the Museum and Dining Room.
- Oversized traditional board games invite families to play and connect.
- A documentary showcasing the intricate process behind the marigold decorations will be screened in the Billiard Room.
Diwali and Helios
This 2025, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a unique sight in the Saloon at Kedleston Hall. In keeping with creating a joyful experience of light for Diwali celebrations, Kedleston will be displaying Helios - a new artwork of the sun by Luke Jerram (from 17 October to 2 November including two after sunset openings on 29 and 30 October). This seven-metre sculpture combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun's intricate details.
Named after the sun god in ancient Greek mythology, Helios succeeds Luke's previous large-scale installations, Museum of the Moon and Gaia. Helios has been co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.
*Between Friday 17 October to Sunday 2 November, you'll need to book tickets to enter the hall at Kedleston in advance, even if you're a National Trust member.
Diwali and the sun
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, holds a symbolic connection to the Sun, representing light, energy, and the triumph of good over evil. As Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, it parallels the Sun’s role as the eternal source of life and illumination.
In some regions, Diwali coincides with the end of the harvest season, honoring the Sun's life-giving power. The lighting of lamps (diyas) reflects the Sun’s energy, inviting prosperity and spiritual enlightenment. In solar traditions like those of Surya worshippers, Diwali also signifies gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life and guiding the soul toward truth.
Live bookable performances
Live bookable performances will further enrich the Diwali celebrations at Kedleston.
- On Wednesday 22 October, there will be a dance performance (produced and delivered by Surtal Arts) beneath the Helios sculpture. Booking essential.
- On Sunday 2 November, visitors can enjoy a captivating musical fusion of Indian flute and Tabla (Indian hand drums) from Soulful Sangeer. Booking essential.
About Diwali
Known to many as the ‘Festival of Light’ Diwali is the most celebrated festival in India and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. The festival, which means different things to different religions and people, is celebrated over five days in late autumn (the start date changes yearly and is worked out using a calendar based on the cycles of the moon.) Many people light diyas and entrances of homes are decorated with rangolis.
Kedleston connections to India
George Nathaniel Curzon (1859–1925) of Kedleston Hall, commonly known as Lord Curzon was appointed Viceroy of India in 1899. The family moved to Calcutta (Kolkata) and lived at Government House, a palace coincidentally modelled after Kedleston, during this period. The Museum at Kedleston has many South Asian objects (owing to Lord Curzon’s travels) and there are several objects in the collection that reflect this history.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali. May the light of the diyas guide you towards the path of happiness and success.
दिवाली की शुभ कामनाएँ
ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੇ ਅਫਸਰ ਤੇ ਲੱਖ ਲੱਖ ਵਧਾਈ
Our partners
For the Diwali dance performance we've collaborated with Surtal Arts, a contemporary arts organisation specialising in South Asian arts and culture.
Watch Hidden Treasures of the National Trust
For a taste of Diwali at Kedleston, watch this episode of the BBC's Hidden Treasures of the National Trust.
Helios at Kedleston Hall
Helios is a sun sculpture by Luke Jerram. Visit the exhibition at Kedleston Hall from 17 October - 2 November 2025. We invite everyone to experience the sun's hidden beauty and power up close through this seven-metre artwork.
Helios art installation
Helios is a sun sculpture by Luke Jerram. It's touring some of the places in our care to mark the launch of our new 10-year strategy. Find out where you can visit Helios near you.
