"Worst thing to happen to London."
The Indian community is preparing for Diwali celebrations on October 27, 2024, at Trafalgar Square from 1–7 pm.
This has been supported by Sadiq Khan, who announced the event in a video on social media.
This annual gathering unites people from all walks of life, regardless of their cultural background, to mark Diwali.
Unfortunately, the celebrations were met with waves of online criticism, with mixed feelings about the event’s place in British society.
Many commented on their dislike for the event.
One netizen commented: “That’s lucky – the English aren’t allowed to celebrate anything in case it causes offence.”
Another said: “We don’t want it in our country.”
A third user simply said: “This isn’t India. Go back to India. Worst thing to happen to London.”
The video features colourful scenes from previous Diwali events, including dance and music performances.
In his message, Sadiq Khan shared his congratulations on the festival and said:
“From my family to yours, Happy Diwali. This is how we celebrate Diwali in London.”
He also encouraged members of the community to join the celebration at Trafalgar Square.
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Some shared their excitement for the event.
One user wrote: “This is so beautiful and diverse. Something for the world to see.”
Another said: “What a lovely festival. What lovely humans.”
The organisers of the event are the Diwali in London (DIL) committee.
They collaborate with several multicultural groups who work together to coordinate ‘Diwali on Trafalgar Square’ (DOTS).
The committee aims to celebrate unity with London’s diverse communities, bringing together attendees from all cultural backgrounds.
The polarising reactions come at a time when discussions on immigration and multiculturalism remain rife in the UK.
Despite the online criticism, this event is projected to see more attendees than in 2023 and draws in a diverse audience from London.
The Indian community makes up 7.5% of London’s population.
The creators of the event, Akshay and Deepali, expressed their disappointment over the hateful comments.
They emphasised the importance of community and the joy that Diwali brings to people all around the world.
Diwali is on October 31 – November 1, 2024, and will be celebrated by over a billion people worldwide.
As the festival approaches, it is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Indian community.
It also highlights that there is still a way to go in the UK to be fully accepting of diversity, which is the true spirit of the celebration.
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