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Diwali banned in Leicester (UK) under the pretext of ‘public safety’

Fireworks also prohibited

Leicester (UK) – One of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, held annually in Leicester, has been banned this year. The city’s fireworks display and cultural programmes traditionally organised during Diwali will not take place in 2025. The Leicester City Council has cited ‘public safety’ as the reason behind the decision. However, the Hindu community has condemned the move as biased and discriminatory. Every year, grand Diwali festivities — including fireworks, stage performances, and other events — are organised in Leicester.

According to the City Council, Leicester’s famous Belgrave Road ‘Golden Mile’ will still be decorated with lights, and vehicle traffic will be closed on 20th October 2025. However, no fireworks or stage events will be permitted this year. The Diwali fair, another annual attraction, has also been canceled. The decision was made based on recommendations from the city’s safety advisory group, which includes representatives from the council, Police, and emergency services. The group stated that during last year’s celebration, approximately 50,000 people gathered, which created security concerns.

MP Shivani Raja criticises the decision

Leicester’s Member of Parliament of Indian origin, Shivani Raja, expressed dissatisfaction with the move, saying, ‘Our Diwali celebrations are STILL at risk. Our Diwali Celebrations are under threat (sic)’.

Controversies over Diwali celebrations in the UK

This is not the first time Diwali festivities in the UK have faced controversy. In 2024, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, the Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street included non-vegetarian food and alcohol. Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities had protested, calling it an insult to religious sentiments. MP Shivani Raja had written to Starmer, pointing out that the menu did not respect religious traditions, and offered to advise on cultural sensitivity for future events.

Attempts to create anti-Hindu sentiment in Leicester

About 18% of Leicester’s population is Hindu, and the city’s Diwali is famous worldwide. Other Hindu festivals are also celebrated with great enthusiasm. Yet, efforts to create an anti-Hindu environment have surfaced several times. For instance, during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession, controversy erupted over the display of saffron flags, which the Muslim Council of Britain labeled as ‘Hindu extremism’, demanding government action.

Riots in 2022 fueled by Islamic propaganda

The wounds from the 2022 riots following an India–Pakistan cricket match are still fresh. At that time, false rumours targeting Hindus were spread on social media, leading to attacks on Hindu homes and temples, tearing down of saffron flags, and assaults on individuals. A November 2022 investigation report later clarified that the violence was not caused by ‘Hindu extremism’, but rather incited by Islamist propaganda.

Editorial Perspectives

  • If Britain’s Police cannot protect communities but instead ban their festivals, what is the purpose of such policing ?
  • Why does ‘public safety’ not become an issue during Muharram, Eid, or Christmas ? Or is it that those truly endangering safety are the ones celebrating those festivals ?

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