Diwali in Europe 2025: A Vibrant Festival of Lights Across the Continent

Introduction: Celebrating Diwali in Europe

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, will illuminate Europe from October 18–22, 2025, with the main Lakshmi Puja on October 20, 2025. This guide celebrates the rich Diwali festivities hosted by Europe’s thriving Indian diaspora and interfaith communities in cities like Paris, Berlin, London, and Amsterdam. From temple rituals to vibrant public events, Diwali 2025 will unite Indian expats, Hindu devotees, and local Europeans in a joyful blend of ancient traditions and modern cultural exchange.

Indian Embassies and community organizations across Europe play a pivotal role in fostering these celebrations, creating memorable events that bridge Indian and European cultures. Whether you’re a first-time celebrant or a seasoned participant, this guide offers everything you need to experience Diwali’s magic in Europe.

---

Diwali 2025 Dates and Timings in Europe

Key Dates for Diwali 2025:

• Dhanteras: Saturday, October 18
• Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Sunday, October 19
• Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali): Monday, October 20
• Govardhan Puja/Annakut: Tuesday, October 21
• Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, October 22

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Timing):

• Paris: 6:49 PM–8:26 PM CET (Pradosh period, post-sunset)
• Berlin: 6:45 PM–8:15 PM CET
• London: 6:49 PM–8:26 PM GMT/BST
  Confirm exact timings closer to the date due to local sunset variations.

---

Major Hindu Temples Hosting Diwali 2025

1. Sri Manika Vinayakar Alayam Temple – Paris, France

Location: 45 Rue Philippe de Girard, 75010 Paris
Contact: +33 1 42 09 89 45

This historic Tamil Hindu temple in Paris’s vibrant La Chapelle Indian quarter is a cornerstone of the Tamil community and one of Europe’s oldest Hindu temples.

Diwali 2025 Program:

• October 20: Special Lakshmi Puja
• Diya lighting and intricate rangoli displays
• Traditional aartis, bhajans, and processions
• Community meals and prasad distribution
• Cultural performances featuring classical dances

Temple Features:

• Dedicated to Lord Ganesha with South Indian architectural elements
• Open to all faiths; modest dress and shoe removal required
• Photography permitted with prior approval

2. BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir (Under Construction) – Bussy-Saint-Georges, Paris

Location: Allée Madame de Montespan, 77600 Bussy-Saint-Georges
Contact: +33 1 64 06 20 00

This upcoming traditional Hindu stone temple will be a major spiritual hub upon completion.

Diwali 2025 Celebrations:

• Community pujas and virtual darshan (if construction allows)
• Annakut offerings and vegetarian feasts
• Cultural programs and light installations

3. Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple – Berlin, Germany

Location: Hasenheide 106, 10957 Berlin
Contact: +49 151 19311085
Email: info@hindutempleberlin.de

Established in 2006, this temple is a cultural and spiritual anchor for Berlin’s Hindu community.

Diwali 2025 Program:

• October 20: Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja
• Diya lighting ceremonies and aarti
• Bhajans, kirtans, and family gatherings
• Festive meals and prasad distribution
• Community events with traditional dances

Temple Features:

• Dedicated to Lord Ganesha with Vedic architecture
• Welcomes diverse visitors, especially during festivals

4. Sri Mayurapathy Murugan Temple – Berlin, Germany

Location: Wattstraße 188, 13627 Berlin
Contact: +49 30 410 20 200

A South Indian-style temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, serving Berlin’s Tamil community.

Diwali 2025 Activities:

• Special pujas and abhishekam
• Lamp lighting and cultural performances
• Community feasts

5. Bhaktivedanta Manor (ISKCON) – Watford, near London, UK

Location: Dharam Marg, Watford WD25 8HE
Contact: +44 1923 851 000

One of Europe’s largest ISKCON temples, this is a key center for Krishna devotees.

Diwali 2025 Celebrations:

• Five-day festival with kirtans and feasts
• Lakshmi Puja and deity darshan
• Annakut with 108 vegetarian dishes
• Fireworks and cultural evenings

---

Public Diwali Celebrations and Cultural Events

United Kingdom – London, Leicester, and Beyond

The UK hosts some of Europe’s largest Diwali celebrations, drawing thousands.

Key Events for 2025:

• Diwali at Trafalgar Square, London: October 12, 2 PM–8 PM
  • Bollywood dances, live music, henna stalls, and street food
• Leicester’s Golden Mile: Light trails and vibrant processions
• Manchester and Birmingham: Garba nights, markets, and cultural fairs

Embassy of India Events

Indian Embassies in Paris, Berlin, and London host diplomatic Diwali receptions.

Highlights:

• Cultural performances showcasing Indian arts
• Traditional Indian cuisine
• Networking to strengthen India-Europe ties

France – Paris and Toulouse

Paris blends French elegance with Indian traditions.

Key Events:

• Maison de l’Inde, Paris: Multi-day festival with songs, dances, fireworks, and rangoli
• IPA France Diwali Dinner: October 25 community feast
• Toulouse Diwali Festival: Shopping bazaars and illuminated displays

Germany – Berlin, Heidelberg, and Beyond

Berlin leads Germany’s vibrant Diwali scene.

Key Events:

• Diwali in Berlin at Sage Beach: October 25, 12 PM–11 PM
  • Rajasthani music, food stalls, workshops, Bollywood performances, and after-party
• Heidelberg Festival of Light: October 18
  • Fusion performances, artists, and illuminated walks
• Ulm and Karlsruhe: Community pujas and fireworks

Netherlands – Amsterdam and The Hague

The Netherlands hosts inclusive, family-friendly Diwali events.

Key Events:

• Amstelveen Diwali at Stadsplein: October 18, 12 PM–7 PM
  • Music, dances, and vibrant markets
• The Hague at Broodfabriek: October 12, 12 PM–7 PM
  • Cultural exhibits, food stalls, and performances

---

Traditional Diwali Rituals in Europe

Day-by-Day Celebrations

Day 1 – Dhanteras (October 18)

• Prosperity rituals: Shopping for gold in London’s Southall or Berlin’s markets
• Lakshmi worship and home cleaning

Day 2 – Narak Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali (October 19)

• Commemorating Krishna’s victory: Oil baths, sweets, and evening diya lighting
• Temple visits in Paris and Berlin

Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja/Main Diwali (October 20)

• Core rituals: Rangoli art, evening puja (6–8 PM), and organized fireworks
• Sharing sweets and family gatherings

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja/Annakut (October 21)

• Honoring Krishna’s feat: Food mountains at temples and vegetarian feasts
• Eco-conscious storytelling

Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (October 22)

• Celebrating sibling bonds: Aarti, tilak, and gift exchanges

---

Hindu Communities in Europe: Demographics and History

Historical Roots

Indian communities in Europe trace back to colonial times, with significant migrations during WWI/WWII, post-war rebuilding, and labor waves in the 1960s–70s.

Modern Demographics

• UK: Over 1 million Indians, prominent in tech and healthcare
• France: 100,000+, with a strong Tamil presence in Paris suburbs
• Germany: ~250,000, concentrated in IT and business in Berlin
• Netherlands: ~250,000, diverse in Amsterdam
• Total: Approximately 2–3 million Hindus across Europe

---

Cultural Programs and Performances

Traditional Dance

• Bharatanatyam and Kathak in London theaters
• Garba and Bhangra at Berlin’s Sage Beach
• Bollywood fusion performances in Paris

Music

• Bhajans and kirtans in temples
• Live bands and DJs at public festivals

Theater and Storytelling

• Ramayana enactments for children
• Mythological storytelling sessions

---

Indian Cuisine and Diwali Sweets

Where to Find Indian Food

• Paris: La Chapelle’s Tamil restaurants
• Berlin: Kreuzberg’s Indian eateries
• London: Southall and Brick Lane
• Amsterdam: Festival food stalls

Traditional Diwali Treats

• Sweets: Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Ladoo, Barfi
• Snacks: Samosas, Pakoras, Chaat
• Meals: Biryanis, curries, naan

Shopping for Diwali

• Indian markets in London’s Wembley, Paris’s Indian quarter, and Berlin’s Meena Bazaar-style stores

---

Shopping and Fashion for Diwali 2025

Traditional Attire

• Women: Sarees, Lehengas, Salwar Kameez
• Men: Kurtas, Sherwanis
• Children: Ethnic outfits

Where to Shop

• London’s Ealing Road, Paris’s Indian quarter, and Berlin’s Indian stores

---

Unique European-Indian Fusion Celebrations

Cultural Blending

• French rangoli with Eiffel Tower motifs
• German beer and wine paired with Indian sweets
• Bilingual events in English, French, German, and Hindi
• Fusion dances combining ballet and Bharatanatyam

Interfaith Harmony

• Open temple invitations for locals
• Shared fireworks and cultural exchanges
• Diplomatic events fostering India-Europe ties

---

Family-Friendly Activities

For Children

• Rangoli and diya-painting workshops
• Storytelling sessions on Diwali’s myths

For Youth

• Bollywood dance workshops
• Social media contests (#DiwaliEurope2025)

For Adults

• Yoga and meditation sessions
• Cooking demonstrations and charity drives

---

Sustainable Diwali Practices

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

• LED diyas and eco-conscious rangoli
• Organized fireworks instead of personal displays
• Community efforts like tree planting and food donations

---

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting to Temples and Events

• Paris: Metro to La Chapelle for Sri Manika Temple
• Berlin: U-Bahn to Hermannplatz for Sri Ganesha Temple
• London: Tube to Trafalgar Square
• Tip: Use public transport due to festival crowds

Weather and Attire

• October Weather: 10–15°C, often rainy
• Wear layered, modest ethnic attire and bring rain gear

Festival Etiquette

• Remove shoes in temples
• Respect puja ceremonies; avoid flash photography

---

Health and Safety Tips

Public Health

• Practice hand hygiene at crowded events
• Stay hydrated

Food Safety

• Choose reputable food stalls
• Check for allergies when sampling sweets

General Safety

• Secure belongings in crowded areas
• Use licensed transport services

---

Beyond Diwali: Other Hindu Festivals in Europe

• Holi (March): Color festivals in London parks
• Janmashtami (August): Krishna processions
• Navratri (October): Garba and Dandiya nights

---

Contact Information and Resources

Key Hindu Organizations

• Sri Manika Vinayakar Alayam, Paris
  Address: 45 Rue Philippe de Girard, 75010 Paris
  Phone: +33 1 42 09 89 45
• Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, Berlin
  Address: Hasenheide 106, 10957 Berlin
  Phone: +49 151 19311085
  Email: info@hindutempleberlin.de
• Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford, UK
  Address: Dharam Marg, Watford WD25 8HE
  Phone: +44 1923 851 000
• Embassy of India, Paris: +33 1 40 69 10 00
• Embassy of India, Berlin: +49 30 257 950

Online Resources

• Follow temple social media for updates
• Use hashtags: #DiwaliEurope2025, #DiwaliParis, #DiwaliBerlin

---

Tips for First-Time Diwali Celebrants

1. Visit temples for authentic puja experiences
2. Wear modest ethnic attire
3. Arrive early to secure spots at events
4. Carry cash for markets and donations
5. Sample sweets from trusted vendors
6. Follow local fireworks regulations
7. Photograph respectfully
8. Join cultural dances
9. Connect with local Indian communities
10. Embrace the fusion of Indian and European traditions

Common Misconceptions About Hinduism

• Hinduism worships one Supreme Being in many forms
• It is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all

---

Diwali 2025: A Message of Hope and Unity

Universal Themes

• Triumph of light over darkness
• Celebration of family, prosperity, and new beginnings
• Gratitude and community spirit

Building India-Europe Bridges

• Diwali strengthens cultural, economic, and educational ties
• Artistic fusions enrich both communities

---

Conclusion: Join Diwali 2025 in Europe

From Paris’s elegant gatherings to Berlin’s vibrant festivals, Diwali 2025 in Europe promises spiritual joy and cultural vibrancy. Mark your calendars for October 18–22, 2025, and immerse yourself in the Festival of Lights.

Shubh Deepavali! Joyeux Diwali! Frohe Deepavali!
May the lights of Diwali bring prosperity and peace to all.

---

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Diwali Vocabulary

• Diwali/Deepavali: Festival of Lights
• Diya: Oil lamp
• Puja: Worship ritual
• Prasad: Blessed offering
• Aarti: Lamp-offering song
• Rangoli: Decorative floor art
• Muhurat: Auspicious timing
• Mithai: Sweets
• Namaste: Traditional greeting

Translations:

• French: Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights)
• German: Feier (Celebration)

Emergency Contacts

• France Police: 17
• Germany Police: 110
• UK Police: 999
• Indian Embassy, Paris: +33 1 40 69 10 00
• Indian Embassy, Berlin: +49 30 257 950

---

Acknowledgments

Dedicated to Europe’s Indian diaspora and the harmony fostered by temples like Sri Manika Vinayakar Alayam (Paris), Sri Ganesha Temple (Berlin), Bhaktivedanta Manor (UK), and Indian Embassies.

Jai Shri Krishna! Jai Mata Di! Vive la Diwali!