Celebrating Diwali in Leeds with Iconinc Ambassador Ananya!

• 04 Nov, '24
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The air begins to feel crispy and the leaves turn into beautiful shades of yellow, orange and crimson-- autumn is here! While I adore autumn in UK with my entire heart, I can’t help but think about how my family, just like others, would start preparing for Diwali around the same time! Diwali, well known as the Festival of Lights, brings with it an atmosphere of joy, warmth, and togetherness, as homes are decorated with glowing diyas, colorful rangolis, and the sweet aromas of traditional treats waft through kitchens. This beautiful festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and welcomes new beginnings with open arms.

Back in India, the celebrations of Diwali used to begin at least 2 weeks before the D-day, with extensive cleaning! Since we are welcoming joy, prosperity and new beginnings in our homes, why not begin with a clean and decorated space? This festival is also an excuse to go out and buy brand new ethnic wear (my personal favourite bit!). Our hands would be covered in beautiful patterns of henna and we would dress up and get together for prayers in the evening before going out to watch the fireworks! We cook delicious food, visit our loved ones with boxes of sweets and spend quality time together! Diwali is all about togetherness and gratitude. It is one of the most wholesome festivals as it truly makes you value the time spent with your loved ones and makes one appreciate and adore their culture even more!

Hence the homesickness is a given while being so far away from home on Diwali. I truly miss roaming around the city with streets lit up and bustling crowd everywhere, there was a sense of peace and familiarity in that chaos! So how do I celebrate Diwali and tackle homesickness as an international student in Leeds?

Here are a few things you can do to celebrate Diwali almost just like home in Leeds:

1. Iconinc’s Diwali celebration!

Sweets just like home, garland and light decorations, henna and the amazing staff ready to celebrate the festival with you! The environment always felt just as wholesome and joyous! The essence of Diwali is from togetherness, great food and beautiful decorations and Iconinc has been amazing at capturing it all.

(The henna pattern in the picture is definitely one of my favourites!)

2. The Leeds Hindu Temple

Diwali is a religious festival and is incomplete without the prayers. While it feels a bit lonely to pray alone which I always do in my room, I’ve always made sure to visit the temple with some friends and honestly, the crowd their on Diwali teleports me back home for a few hours! The temple bells, prayers, devotees singing along and ending the night with fireworks, I missed this feeling and I look forward to it every year!

3. Make plans with your friends!

We’re all in the same boat. Everyone misses home and everyone wants to celebrate Diwali so reach out, have dinner together, play some games, attend Diwali gatherings arranged by NHSF Leeds and create memories all together. Our families back home adore seeing us celebrate and be happy!

Diwali is to be spent with your loved ones and not alone. I have truly found my home away from home and I hope that so will you! A big thanks to Iconinc for celebrating Diwali with us every year.

As Diwali comes to a close, may its light continue to shine in your life, bringing joy, peace, and love. Let the warmth and memories of this celebration stay with you throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones a bright and happy year ahead.

Happy Diwali!