5 Tastemakers Share The Significance Of Diwali In 2025

“Diwali also falls on the day of the Sikh festival Bandi Chhor Divas, and I celebrate both. In 2025, in a festival that represents the triumph of light over darkness, I am reminded of a fable from my childhood. When the sun was setting for the first time, light decreased and, as signs of darkness appeared, people were anxious. Darkness, to show its strength, set its sinister foot on the earth. But, far away, in a hut, one little lamp lifted its brave head and proclaimed, ‘I challenge the darkness. If nothing else, then at least around myself, I will not let it settle. Around myself I will establish light.’ Encouraged by that one little lamp, the other lamps lit up and prevented the world from being consumed by darkness.

“What gives me hope and light is that amidst the darkness in the world there is a humanity that rises up together like one collective lamp, one light that stands in solidarity for justice, for those who are oppressed by war, by hunger, by poverty. This is the best of who we are as people, and it’s the true spirit of Diwali. Justice over tyranny. Light over darkness.”

Ravinder Bhogal is a chef, food writer and founder of Jikoni restaurant in London.

“Diwali has always been about celebrating light, renewal, and community for me. Today, I find myself connecting with it in a deeper way as someone who exists in between different cultures – Indian, Nigerian, and British. The festival has become a moment to honor my Indian heritage while also making space for new interpretations of tradition. We’ve hosted events bringing together friends and family from different backgrounds to celebrate the rituals, food, and elements of light drawing from my mixed background.

“Creativity brings light into my life through designing, directing, storytelling, and championing my heritage. I find hope in the small everyday connections through my community, looking to them when things may feel dark. Hope for me often lies in the possibility of new ideas, new generations, and the ability of my work to inspire change.”

Priya Ahluwalia is a fashion designer and founder of her eponymous label, Ahluwalia.

“Diwali was my special secret when growing up. It was treated as a normal day at school, and I always imagined how fabulous it must have been to celebrate in India, where I was told the sky filled with the luminosity of fireworks. Instead, I counted down the hours and rushed home. Welcomed by burning diyas (candles), we dressed in Indian clothes, did family prayers, and then watched my father light fireworks in the garden.

“Now, I love that it is a nationally recognized day in the UK, and my children can dress up and share Indian sweets at school. It is a time to celebrate the light that Ram and Sita brought when returning from exile, but also to celebrate wealth from the Goddess Laxmi – wealth which may be monetary but, when the world can seem a little dark, lights up with love and warmth from family and friends.”

Vanita Parti is the CEO and founder of Blink Brow Bar.

“Celebrating Diwali means so much to us as Indian women raised in the UK with Hindu beliefs. Growing up, our Diwali traditions began with lighting diyas, cleaning and decorating the house with flowers and rangolis, listening to Sunrise Radio and exchanging gifts like mithai [candy] and candles. This was always followed by a visit to the Mandir temple to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.

“For the first time this year, we want to bring the spirit of these rituals together. For us, it’s not just about the lights and colors, but about creating a space where our community can express themselves unapologetically. Diwali is a chance to share the depth of our culture, food, and music with a wider audience – and to remind people, especially at a time when the world feels fragmented, that joy, unity, and celebration are more powerful than ever.”

Aisha Bennett is director of PR at a creative comms agency, and Katrina Mirpuri is a journalist. They are the co-hosts of a Diwali celebration at London’s Broadwick Soho this October.