Celebrating Our Fifth Year of Light, Culture & Community

Thousands of spectators filled the streets of Basingstoke in North Hampshire and Reading in Berkshire as the region’s largest outdoor Diwali celebrations returned for their fifth successful year, transforming both town centres into dazzling displays of light, culture, and community. visitors travelled from far to attend these two festivals

Presented by Kala the Arts – a National Portfolio Organisation and the UK’s leading voice for South Asian arts – the free, family-friendly festivals featured giant 13ft illuminated puppets, professional dance artists, dhol drummers, school and community performers and spectacular and original performances that captivated audiences across both evenings. The festival was curated by our highly experienced Artistic Director Sushmita Pati an international dance artist.

We’d love to know what you thought!

Your feedback helps us make each year better than the last. Please click on the links below or scan the QR code to fill in the 5-min survey.

Give feedback on the Basingstoke parade: https://bit.ly/4olrWwP

Give feedback on the Reading Parade: https://bit.ly/42HnVdP

Record Crowds and Growing Community Engagement

The celebrations, now in their fifth year, continue to grow in scale and impact. “Every year the crowd is increasing and that’s just fantastic,” said Pankhuri Verma, Project Manager for Diwali Light It Up.

“I was impressed with your intricate Ganesh lantern and I watched the piece ‘Deep Listening’ you put together and thought it was brilliant. I also loved seeing the little kids on stage – so cute!,” expressed Phoebe, Communications Manager for Outdoor Arts.

“Kala The Arts are respected South Asian dance leaders who are so well connected with their communities,” said Anita Srivastav, Arts Manager.

“Everyone was so involved and excited seeing the colours, lights and puppets.” Local Basingstoke Councillor Arun Mummalaneni reflected on the festival’s significance: “Over the years it has become so popular that it has become an event in the Basingstoke event calendar. I’ve seen it’s been growing every year – popularity-wise, quality-wise, and professionalism-wise. I can see an improvement every year. It is part of Basingstoke fabric. When else do we get the opportunity to celebrate all together?”

Luke Murphy, Member of Parliament for Basingstoke commented, “I want to commend Kala The Arts for its outstanding work in bringing people and communities together. Your continued efforts to promote understanding and celebrate diversity strengthens the fabric of our society”.

Audience members were unanimous in their praise. “The creations are even more impressive than last year,” said one attendee. “The puppetry was incredible. All of the dancing, brilliant. The kids had a great time.” When asked to describe the event in one word, spectators and participants used terms including “shining,” “beautiful,””celebratory,” “cultural,” “enlightening,” and “energetic“– reflecting the festival’s powerful impact on the community.

Basingstoke Celebration: Friday, 17th October 2025

The Basingstoke event began with a theatrical procession departing from outside Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery at 6:00pm. Hundreds of participants carrying lanterns joined giant puppets, dhol drummers, and dancers in spectacular costumes as they wound through the town center before culminating in professional performances at the Amphitheatre in Festival Place from 7:00-8:30pm.

This year’s celebration included special Jane Austen-inspired performances celebrating 250 years of the iconic author – bringing together the English heritage of Jane Austen with the South Asian dance roots of Kala The Arts. This allowed participants and audiences to see how Jane’s legacy continues to shape and influence cultures across the world.

All performances included BSL interpretation.

Glimpses from Basingstoke 2025

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Reading Celebration: Saturday, 18th October 2025

Reading’s town center transformed into a river of light on Saturday, with dance performances at Town Hall Square from 4:15-5:00pm, followed by the grand parade at 5:30pm featuring the spectacular collection of giant puppets yet, including 13-foot figures presenting the journey of goddesses Sita devi as light as from the Ramayan with her friends and her mother earth. The Earth and the Globe Puppet brought in the awareness how this festival is celebrated globally and connects people and communities. This is also a creatively rich and artistically moving Parade. The parade concluded on Broad Street at 6:30pm with everyone looking happy and moving to the beats of the dhol drummers.

Glimpses from Reading 2025

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Bringing Communities Together Through Arts

For participating artists, the event represents more than just a performance. “It’s a great way to spread the festival of Diwali to the local people and bring to the community all the different types of music, sounds, dance and puppets, ” said one of the event’s puppeteers. The celebrations demonstrated how cultural festivals can push artistic barriers while remaining accessible to all. The 2025 theme, “Devi – Light and Earth,” celebrated divine feminine power and nature, with illuminated installations and giant puppets creating an immersive experience that literally lit up both towns, turning ordinary streets into extraordinary spaces of wonder and celebration.

Check out this interview of Garba London artist by Darren from Basingstoke Radio.

The Impact We Created

The Diwali Light It Up celebrations have grown to over 4,000 spectators and participants, making them the largest outdoor Diwali celebrations in the South UK. The festivals are completely free and open to all, regardless of background, embodying the universal message of Diwali – the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and community over isolation.

Both events were funded by Arts Council England and supported by Festival Place, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Reading BID, and Reading Borough Council.

      

Looking ahead: Diwali Light It Up! 2026

We’ve already begun planning the 2026 edition and we’re ready to make the sixth year even more spectacular!

Funders, Partners & Supporters: Funders, Sponsors, Community organizations, Local councils, local businesses, and cultural groups are invited to partner with us. Together, we can create an even bigger celebration that breaks barriers and brings arts and creative communities closer together.

Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring Diwali Light It Up 2026 to life. Whether you can help with event setup, Advocating for the event, stewarding on the day, or supporting our creative workshops, fundraising for the festival, we’d love to hear from you.

Participants Welcome: Artists, dancers, musicians, puppeteers, and performers – we want you! Join our processions, showcase your creative talent, and help create unforgettable moments for thousands of attendees.

If you wish to be part and support the organisation and the festival please email office@kalathearts.co.uk

Media & Sponsorship: For press inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and marketing partnerships, please contact admin@kalathearts.co.uk

   

What People Said About Previous Editions

“I loved performing in front of a huge audience. It was magical.” — Young participant

“The lights and music were awesome. I couldn’t stop dancing. Loved my costume and will get my dad to buy one for Christmas.” — Young participant

“It was a cultural experience and the night had such an amazing  feel to it. We would attend again next year.” — Parent

“Seeing the year group participate in a huge Light it Up event was incredible and all of the hard work beforehand was well worth it. Thank you to Kala Arts for organising the workshops and event in Basingstoke it was cultural, memorable and enjoyable.” — Teacher

“The children lit up with excitement and haven’t stopped talking about it.” – Geoffrey Field Junior School, Diwali 2021

“What a brilliant community event thank you for involving my boys through dance workshops.” – Parent

“I would like to start by offering my sincere congratulations to all the children, parents and staff who participated in our recent Diwali parade. It was a great occasion, and I was delighted to see our school community come together to celebrate this important festival. The parade was a huge success.” – Oakridge Junior School Principal, Miss Diane Charman

“The children understood the importance of this in Indian culture and were excited to join the parade and perform.” — Teacher

“It was lovely to see children celebrating their culture with their friends with pride.” — Teacher

“Dance workshops were inspirational and with props it added to the experience of the children. The children talked about this for days and we ended up doing a performance for the rest of the 460 children.” — Teacher

“I love performing and teaching in Diwali, everyone looks so happy one of the most inclusive festivals I know in the UK” – Yousuf Hossian     

“My mum recently passed away, so I am very sad and it was very hard for me to go out. But I am pleased I attended both of your events it meant so much to me and made me smile. Since my mum passing it was the first time I also played an Asian drum dhol so that was also really nice, your events touched my heart” – Participant 

A close-up of two large illuminated sculptures, one pink and the other blue, highlights the intricately designed figures in a glowing scene from Kala The Arts' Diwali Light It Up celebration. The light from surrounding lanterns adds to the enchanting nighttime display, bringing the artwork to life with vivid colors and a mystical atmosphere.
A costumed performer in vibrant traditional attire stands in the midst of the Diwali parade during the Kala The Arts
A group of women gather with colorful, handmade lanterns during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Smiling and enjoying the festive atmosphere, they pose in front of a large illuminated puppet, highlighting the joyful spirit of the event. The lanterns, decorated with vibrant designs, symbolize the triumph of light over darkness in this traditional celebration.
A group of participants at the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts stand in front of a sign bearing the organisation's name. The performers, dressed in traditional Indian attire with bright smiles, prepare to lead the event's festivities, adding to the colourful and joyous atmosphere.
A young participant in the Diwali Light It Up celebration plays a drum while surrounded by other musicians, creating a lively rhythm during the parade. The group, illuminated by lanterns and festive lights, adds to the vibrant energy of the event.
A large illuminated puppet, dressed in regal attire, is carried through the streets during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The puppet, towering over the crowd, leads the parade as onlookers follow along with glowing lanterns, adding a vibrant and festive touch to the event.
A large crowd holding lanterns parades during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Two large illuminated puppets lead the parade as the participants carry various shapes of glowing lanterns, creating a vibrant and festive scene at night.
A group of drummers, including a young child, performing with traditional drums during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The drummers are surrounded by vibrant lighting and large illuminated puppets, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.
Four young children performing a choreographed dance in colourful gold and pink costumes during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The children dance in front of a captivated audience, with organisers and a banner from Kala The Arts visible in the background.
Two women on stage, one smiling and the other speaking into a microphone, during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The audience looks on as the event continues under vibrant lighting, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
Traditional dancers performing with sticks during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The performers, dressed in colourful attire, are illuminated by vibrant lights while a captivated audience watches the performance under a tree-filled, festive atmosphere.
Group of young performers holding colourful sticks during a cultural dance at the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is bathed in vibrant lights while the audience watches the performance under illuminated trees, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Traditional dancers performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The performers are dressed in colourful attire, dancing with sticks on an outdoor stage under vibrant lighting, while a captivated audience watches closely.
A young boy in colourful traditional attire performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. He holds decorative sticks as part of the performance, with vibrant lighting and other performers in the background, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A young boy in colourful traditional attire performs during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. He holds decorative sticks as part of the celebration, while other child performers in vibrant costumes participate, with a large illuminated figure in the background.
A child performer dressed in bright, traditional attire raises glowing sticks during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The child is surrounded by other performers, and festive lights create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
A child performer dressed in colourful traditional attire during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The child joyfully participates in the performance with a glowing wand, surrounded by a festive atmosphere and audience members in the background.
Close-up of a female performer in traditional South Asian attire, alongside other dancers, during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Her focused expression and jewellery highlight the cultural significance of the event.
Group of dancers performing a traditional South Asian dance during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. One dancer is dressed in an elaborate costume portraying a mythological character, while others wear vibrant traditional attire, captivating the audience.
Dancers performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts in front of Festival Place, Basingstoke. The stage is illuminated by vibrant lights under a night sky, with large puppets in the background and an engaged audience watching the cultural performances.
Traditional South Asian dancer performing a mythological character during Kala The Arts’ Diwali Light It Up event. The stage is illuminated with bright lights, and an engaged crowd watches the colourful performance in front of Festival Place in Basingstoke.
Dancer in a vibrant, traditional South Asian costume performs a mythological character during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is illuminated with colourful lighting, and other performers in traditional attire watch as the intricate dance takes place under the night sky.
Female dancer performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. She is dressed in traditional South Asian attire with detailed jewellery, moving gracefully on stage with vibrant lighting in the background and an audience watching closely.
Female performer in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Her intricate jewellery and expressive movements showcase the beauty of classical dance, with a vibrant backdrop enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Male performer in traditional South Asian attire, dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Behind him, a large, illuminated figure adds to the festive atmosphere of the event, highlighting cultural significance.
Male performer in traditional South Asian costume during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. He strikes a powerful pose with expressive hand gestures, performing a cultural dance on an illuminated stage.
Group of dancers in traditional attire performing a cultural dance during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The performers move in a circle, with intricate costumes and a large illuminated figure in the background, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Traditional dancers performing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. A performer in a vibrant, elaborate costume with face paint leads the group, embodying a mythological character, while other dancers in graceful attire follow.
Female performer in traditional South Asian attire and intricate jewellery dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Her graceful hand movements and expressive face capture the essence of the cultural dance performance.
Large crowd gathered at the Diwali Light It Up event hosted by Kala The Arts. Families and community members sit under illuminated trees with vibrant lighting, enjoying the outdoor cultural performances.
Group of young performers in matching outfits and tutus dancing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is illuminated against a dark sky, with an audience watching the vibrant performance.
Group of young performers in matching outfits and tutus dancing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is illuminated against a dark sky, with an audience watching the vibrant performance.
Group of young South Asian dancers in traditional attire performing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The performers stand in colourful costumes on an outdoor stage, holding candles in their hands as part of the cultural celebration.
Young performers in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The outdoor stage is illuminated with vibrant colours, while a large audience watches the cultural performance.
Young performers in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The outdoor stage is illuminated with vibrant colours, while a large audience watches the cultural performance.
Young performers in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The outdoor stage is illuminated with vibrant colours, while a large audience watches the cultural performance.
Traditional South Asian dancers performing at Kala The Arts' Diwali Light It Up event. The performers wear colourful costumes and intricate jewellery, set against an illuminated backdrop with sculptures, celebrating the vibrant cultural festival.
Traditional South Asian dancers performing at Kala The Arts' Diwali Light It Up event. The performers wear colourful costumes and intricate jewellery, set against an illuminated backdrop with sculptures, celebrating the vibrant cultural festival.
Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts, featuring traditional South Asian dancers performing on an outdoor stage with illuminated trees and a captivated audience in the background.

Diwali Light It Up! in the press

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Diwali parade celebration in Basingstoke, as shown in the Basingstoke Gazette. The event features illuminated lanterns, dancers, and crowds enjoying the vibrant cultural festival. Children carry handmade lanterns, and performers in traditional costumes fill the streets, highlighting the joyful atmosphere.
Vibrant Diwali celebrations in Basingstoke, featured in the Basingstoke Gazette. The collage showcases traditional South Asian dancers, drummers, and colorful lanterns lighting up the streets. Performers in bright costumes and joyful crowds highlight the rich cultural festivities.
Hundreds gather for a Diwali festival in Basingstoke, as seen in the Basingstoke Gazette. The event features colorful dance performances, music, and lantern displays, celebrating the cultural richness of Diwali. Children holding lanterns and performers in traditional attire bring vibrant energy to the event.
Diwali celebration in Basingstoke featured in the Basingstoke Gazette, showcasing families with lanterns, colorful costumes, and a vibrant parade. Mayor joins the festivities, highlighting local community engagement and cultural performances.

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