Diwali - A Festival of Light for All

This year, Diwali falls on Monday 20 October. Around this time, across the hospice’s regions and beyond, communities will be lighting up streets & homes, sharing sweets and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.

Rooted in Hindu tradition, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama after exile and the victory of good over evil. It’s also significant for Jains, who honour the spiritual liberation of Lord Mahavira, and for Sikhs, who celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji. Pagans celebrate the importance of illumination as we enter the dark half of the year at the end of October. Candles are lit by Christians at All Saints Day, the Jewish festival of Sukkot offers a message of hope and we all get to enjoy the fireworks in early November, so it is a season of light spectacles for all.

Diwali reminds us that even the smallest flame can dispel the deepest darkness. It is a celebration not only of light, but of the inner light that dwells in every soul—the light of compassion, courage, and love.

In London, Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated not only in homes and temples but also in public spaces where music, dance and food bring people of all backgrounds together. Homes are cleaned and decorated with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli patterns and colourful lights to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

At the hospice, we witness this light every day. In quiet moments of care, in the strength of loved ones, in the dignity of those we support, and in the kindness of those staff and volunteers who serve. Like the lamps of Diwali, each act of care is a beacon of hope.

This festival invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. It teaches that light is not the absence of darkness, but the presence of something greater, perhaps faith, love, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.

May this Diwali inspire us all to be bearers of light, in our words, our work, and our hearts.