Diwali – Festival of Lights

Diwali is a celebration of light, victory of good over evil, new beginnings, wishing for good health, prosperity, and protection for the new year. Diwali is a festival widely celebrated in India, Nepal and many other countries around the world between mid-September and mid-November, during the Hindu calendar’s New Year period. Diwali is a time filled with light and love, which illuminates with its brilliance and dazzles everyone with its joy.   

In many ways, Diwali resembles Christmas: people clean and decorate their homes, light candles, give gifts, enjoy good food, and spend time with loved ones. The festival strongly embodies the joy of giving, positive emotions, and helping others. Diwali brings light into the darkness!  

In 2026, Diwali will be organized in Espoo Cultural Centre and Kulttuuriaukio on Saturday 31 October from 13:00 to 20:00, admission free. The vibrant and engaging program includes dance and music performances from 250+ performers, food stalls offering a wide range of Indian delicacies, games, workshops and lots of other activities for all age groups. Join us with family and friends in celebrating Diwali - Festival of Lights and let’s explore Indian culture together and make memories!

The event is organized by Espoo's Cultural Venues and Services in collaboration with Suomi-Intia-Seura. Photographs will be taken at the event for use in the City of Espoo’s communications.

Diwali - Festival of Lights on Facebook.(external link, opens in a new window)

In 2025, Diwali - Festival of Lights was celebrated in Hybridiarena Hype in Kivenlahti and in 2024 in the Leppävaara area. The events have attracted nearly 12 000 visitors annually. Thank you to all visitors and performers!