Fireworks and fairs banned in Leicester for Diwali due to safety concerns. Hindu community expresses anger. MP Shivani Raja calls for reconsideration from the Council. The festival is considered the largest outside of India.
Diwali Leicester: Celebrations for Diwali in Leicester, Britain, are facing uncertainty this year. Fireworks, cultural events, and fairs, which are a hallmark of the city, have been banned for safety reasons. The Hindu community states that limiting such a grand event in this manner is hurtful to their sentiments. Meanwhile, MP Shivani Raja has warned that if the situation persists, the world's largest Diwali celebration outside India could lose its luster.
Diwali in Leicester is renowned globally. The fairs and cultural programs held on Belgrave Road are considered the city's main attraction. However, this time, local authorities have not granted permission for fireworks, stage shows, and a Diwali village. Officials cited Public Safety as the reason.
Roads to be closed on October 20, but no fireworks
Leicester City Council has announced that Belgrave Road will be closed to traffic on October 20 for Diwali decorations. However, this year, fireworks and stage events will not be organized. There will also be no Diwali village, which usually offered food and drink stalls and the enjoyment of a traditional fair.
This decision was made following recommendations from the city's Safety Advisory Group (SAG). SAG comprises officials from the Council, Police, and Emergency Services. Last year, approximately 50,000 people attended the event, which raised safety concerns.
The Belgrave Business Association had submitted a separate proposal for fireworks and cultural programs, but SAG rejected it. Mayor Peter Soulsby stated that community suggestions were considered seriously but were turned down due to safety concerns.
MP Shivani Raja expresses objection
Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East, called the decision wrong and stated that Diwali is 'in danger.' She wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that our celebrations are under threat and this could harm our cultural identity.
Raja said that Diwali in Leicester is the largest outside of India and a major attraction for the city. She has written a letter to the Leicestershire Police Chief and also appealed to the UK government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to intervene.
Past controversies surrounding Diwali
This is not the first time Diwali in the UK has been mired in controversy. Last year, non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol were served at a Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's tenure. Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities considered this against their religious sentiments.
MP Shivani Raja had also written a letter to the Prime Minister at that time and offered to provide guidance on religious sensitivity in the future. Following increased criticism, Downing Street apologized and assured that sensitivity would be maintained in the future.
Leicester's communal history
In Leicester, Hindu-Muslim clashes occurred in 2022 after an India-Pakistan Asia Cup match. Rumors spread on social media escalated tensions, leading to over 40 arrests. Leaders had to appeal for peace and harmony afterward.
According to the 2021 census, the Christian population in England and Wales fell below 50% for the first time. The Muslim population increased to 6.5%, while the Hindu population was 1.7%. However, in Leicester, the Hindu population is around 18%, which is a key characteristic of the city's Diwali celebrations.
Opposite trend in America
While Leicester has imposed restrictions on Diwali, the festival is expanding in America. In 2024, Pennsylvania declared Diwali a State Holiday. New York, New Jersey, and Texas have already recognized it. Many school districts are also granting holidays for Diwali.
