Trafalgar Square was enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds on Sunday afternoon as thousands descended upon the plaza for Diwali on the Square (DOTS).

Hosted by the Diwali in London (DiL) committee with the Mayor of London, the festival of lights was celebrated with a day filled with dance, music, food, and culture.

DiL had an extensive schedule for the festivities. The day began with a massive opening dance sequence featuring hundreds of performers. The organisers had also set up various other activities for the public.

Attendees at DOTS were pleased with how well the event managed to emulate a sense of home and community this far removed from India. 

Parth and Namrita Patel, a married couple, were enjoying the festivities together. Parth Patel, a pharmacy manager, said the event was a “great experience”. His wife, Namrita Patel, a homemaker, said, “For the people, it’s like they are back home, so it’s good.”

A popular attraction on the day was an incredibly engaging puppet show depicting the Indian epic Ramayana that forms the story of Diwali in Hindu mythology. 

DiL had also set up several food stalls with street food from all over India, which was a particular hit amongst the attendees. 

Raj Parikh, a final-year cybernetics student from India, said, “Today is my first day attending this event before I’ve seen it on YouTube, but I feel each and everything here… And I enjoy the food as well; it is incredibly good to be a part of it.”

The organisers also partnered with Soho Theatre to set up stand-up comedy shows on the square. The bill featured multiple comics from the Indian diaspora and included talents like Joshua Bethania and Seeta Wrightson.

While the Indian community was out in full force, people from various communities also partook in the joy of Diwali.

Lyssette and Taidgh, a London-based couple, attended the events. Lyssette, who is originally from Mexico, said, “I like to embrace all of the festivals here in the city, all of the cultures so far I’ve managed to be to most of the festivals from different cultures and just embrace the diversity that London offers.”

Others took the day as an opportunity to introduce their loved ones to their faith and culture.

Nikhil Modem from London was at DOTS with his partner, Becca Palmer. Modem said he was delighted to “share the culture” with his partner, and the day was “a good time with good food.”

As the day went on and the lines at the entrance gate grew longer, revellers crowded near the exit gates. The security staff vociferously pushed back at some people who attempted to enter the square from these junctions, thus ending the day on a slightly sour note.