Indians will be celebrating over the coming week: say “Happy Diwali” and join them

_{Diwali dinner as served at Chaiwala, Central}

“As the lamps light up every corner of your home, may happiness light up every corner of your heart”

Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, begins on Saturday and peaks on October 20, Monday. In the run-up to Diwali, Indians will be cleaning and renovating their homes and workplaces while decorating them with diyas (oil lamps) and rangoli (colourful art circles).

For the five days of Diwali beginning on 18 October, celebrants will wear their finest clothes, illuminate their homes with earthen lamps, diyas and rangoli, while worshipping the goddess of Lakshmi, who brings prosperity, lighting fireworks and joining in feasts with lots of mithai (sweets). The height of Diwali will be the third day, Monday, coinciding with the darkest night, Ashvin.

The festival originated on the Indian subcontinent circa the year 700 as a fusion of harvest festivals. It symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. The festival is observed mainly by Hindus, but also by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Ceremonies vary with the different religions.

_{Bacco, Sai Kung, is usually the centre of Diwali activities in Sai Kung, but sadly not in 2025}

In previous years Sai Kung’s Bacco was a hub of Diwali events, but sadly not this year. In 2023 Bacco in Sai Kung held a Diwali party with a Bollywood theme. There was a buffet and dancing with organisers saying they hoped it will be an annual event. Animal activist Supriti Sachdeva has hosted Diwali parties while fundraising for stray dogs in India. If you go to Bacco this week, you’ll likely be serenaded by Bollywood stars.

You can take part in Diwali celebrations also by visiting temples in Happy Valley and Tsimshatsui. Some people host their own Diwali parties, decorating with lights and rangoli, eating traditional snacks and sweets and playing music and dancing as well as diya painting.

A listing of many events in Hong Kong can be found at 6 Ways To Celebrate Diwali 2025 In Hong Kong