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 second 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.
The 17th-century hall, often cloaked in winter shadows, came alive with colour and light. Visitors experienced the space in a whole new way, bright, welcoming, and full of festive spirit.
Lovely combination of cultural delights.
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 second 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. This year’s festival is deeply inspired by their voices, experiences, and generosity.
Stories of Diwali
This year, we’re proud to share Diwali through the voices of the Bradford Hindu Council – told in their own words. Together, we’ve explored stories from across India, interviewing four members of the Council representing Tamil, Punjabi, and Gujarati cultures.
These conversations uncover the many layers of Diwali, its traditions, its joy, and its deep spiritual meaning. From lighting diyas to sharing sweets, each story offers a unique perspective on what the festival means to those who celebrate it.
To bring these stories to life, four upstairs rooms in the Hall will be beautifully decorated with traditional styles from North, South, East, and West India. Showcasing the vibrant diversity of a country rich in culture and heritage.
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.
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.
A Hall Transformed
This year the hall will be filled with more dazzling displays than ever before, join us between Saturday 11 – Wednesday 22 October and be a part of this illuminating journey, where light triumphs over darkness, and community shines brightest.
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.