Discover The Sharing of Diwali this November
Explore our programme of events for 2026, including special open evenings.
Celebrating Diwali at East Riddlesden Hall
A festival of lights, culture and community. Learn about our partnership with the Bradford Hindu Council as we prepare to celebrate our third Diwali festival at East Riddlesden Hall.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. While it holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, each with their own traditions and meanings.
Across the country, families light oil lamps (diyas), decorate their homes, share sweets, and gather for fireworks and prayers. Diwali brings together people of all backgrounds in a joyful celebration of hope, renewal, and community.
Our Diwali Journey
In 2024, East Riddlesden Hall lit up for its very first Diwali celebration. During the early weeks of November, the historic rooms were transformed with vibrant decorations crafted by local community groups and glowing diya lamps lovingly made by nearby schools.
In 2025, we shared the story of Diwali through the voices of the Bradford Hindu Council - told in their own words. We explored stories of Diwali from Tamil, Pubjabi, Bengali and Gujarati cultures.
For 2026, we are pleased to be working alongside Bradford Hindu Council, Tamils of North East and Keighley Town Council to bring communities together through a programme of Diwali celebrations.
The 17th-century hall, often cloaked in winter shadows, comes alive with colour and light. Visitors can experience the space in a whole new way, bright, welcoming, and full of festive spirit.
Lovely combination of cultural delights.
A quote by National Trust Member
Working Together to Share Culture
Since our first Diwali celebration, our partnership with the Bradford Hindu Council has flourished. Their guidance has been invaluable, sharing rich insights into culture, history, and language as we prepare for our third year of festivities.
From helping shape our vision during site visits to meeting with volunteers and sharing personal stories of Diwali, their involvement has brought authenticity and heart to our celebration.
As key collaborators, Tamils of North East and Keighley Town Council will be supporting our lantern-making sessions and helping to make this years lantern parades in the gardens bigger and brighter than ever.
Learning Through Conversation
Throughout the year, a dedicated group of “Diwali Champions” from our amazing volunteer team have come together each month to learn more about Indian culture and heritage, guided by the Bradford Hindu Council.
These relaxed sessions, affectionately called Chai & Chats, have been a chance to share stories, ask questions, and deepen understanding of Diwali over a comforting cup of chai. For our volunteers, it’s been an inspiring journey of discovery, and they’re excited to pass on what they’ve learned to visitors during the festival.
We want them to take away the deeper message of Diwali, that light always overcomes darkness, good triumphs over evil and generosity strengthens communities. Above all we hope they carry they spirit of togetherness and prosperity into their own houses.
A quote by Janki Pankil DesaiBradford Hindu Council
The Sharing of Diwali
7-11 November, 2026
This year, we're delighted to continue working in partnership with Bradford Hindu Council, Tamils of North East and Keighley Town Council to present a vibrant celebration of the festival of lights.
Join us for five days of family-friendly activities, colourful performances, creative workshops, dazzling displays and cultural experiences that showcase the traditions and spirit of Diwali. Enjoy traditional live music, puppet shows, lantern making, family storytelling and a spectacular lantern parade accompanied by dhol drummers.
Join workshop leader Hema from Tamils of Northeast and Urmila Mistry our lead Diwali volunteer Co-ordinator for free Diwali lantern making sessions at Keighley Town Market. Drop in sessions are running on Saturday 24 October and Thursday 29 October, 1pm-3pm. Bring along your lantern to one of our lantern parades!
Whether you're discovering Diwali for the first time or celebrating with family and friends, there's something for all ages to enjoy. Explore the full programme below and join us as we come together to share light, culture and community.
Our partners
The Bradford Hindu Council is the representative body for over 20+ Hindu organisations within and around the Bradford Metropolitan District. The purpose of the Bradford Hindu Council is to bring together the collective strengths of the Hindu community for benefit of our community and the wider society.