| | FESTIVAL & CULTURE
MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2026 |
| LCUK Festival & Culture Magazine Navratri
& DiwaliA special LCUK celebration of heritage, family and togetherness. |  | | Together we celebrate. Together we shine. | Jai Shree Krishna, Navratri begins on Sunday 11 October and Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November. In this issue: the meaning behind both festivals, where our Mahajans are dancing garba this year, how to keep Diwali safe, and a message of thanks from our President. | Inside this issue | 01 | Navratri The meaning behind the nine nights | | 02 | Celebrating Navratri together Where the Mahajans are dancing garba this year | | 03 | Diwali The Festival of Lights | | 04 | A safer Diwali Fireworks and fire safety | | 05 | A message of thanks From President Ashok Rach |
| | 01 Navratri · Sunday 11 to Monday 19 October Nine nights of devotion, strength and renewal Celebrating devotion, culture, community and the victory of good over evil. Navratri means “nine nights” and is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. It is a time of prayer, reflection, music, dance and community. Across India and around the world, families and communities come together to honour the Divine Feminine and to celebrate the strength, courage and compassion represented by Goddess Durga. At its heart, Navratri reminds us that good can overcome evil and that light can overcome darkness. The festival encourages us to look within ourselves, strengthen our values and approach life with faith, humility and determination. Different regions celebrate Navratri in different ways. Some people observe fasting and prayer, while others gather for traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas. Homes, temples and community centres become places of colour, music and togetherness. Although customs may vary, the central message remains one of devotion, positivity and the triumph of righteousness. What do the nine nights represent? | Devotion | A time to deepen faith, prayer and spiritual awareness. | | Strength | A reminder of the courage and resilience represented by Goddess Durga. | | Discipline | Fasting, prayer and mindful living can encourage self-control and reflection. | | Community | Celebrations bring generations together and help keep traditions alive. | | Renewal | Navratri offers an opportunity to leave behind negativity and begin again with hope. |
The joy of Garba and Dandiya Garba and Dandiya create a shared circle where everyone can take part, from young children to grandparents. The rhythm, the colourful clothing and the joyful atmosphere connect people to their heritage while creating new memories together. | LCUK community spirit Festivals give us an opportunity to share our culture proudly, welcome others and build stronger community connections. |
| | 02 Where to dance this Navratri Celebrating Navratri together Our Mahajans run the garbas, each in its own hall and its own way. LCUK has gathered every Mahajan’s plans on one page: dates, times, venues, prices and how to book. Five Mahajans have sent full details so far. | North London Sun 11 to Mon 19 Oct · from 8pm Dhamecha Lohana Centre, South Harrow Mon to Thu £5 · Fri to Sun, Aatham and Poonam £10 · season pass £60 Tickets for LCNL members, bought in advance, not at the door. |
| East London Sun 11 to Tue 20 Oct · 8pm till late Coliseum Suite, Ilford Adults £6 to £12, children £3 to £6, infants free · season ticket £60 Reserve tickets on Eventbrite. Parking £5 at Winston Way Primary School. |
| South London Sun 11 to Tue 20 Oct P V Raichura Centre, Croydon Ten nights of garba and raas. Ladies garba 14 Oct, kids garba 18 Oct. Times and prices still to come from LCSL. |
| Coventry Sun 11 to Mon 19 Oct · 7pm to 11pm Centre AT7, Bell Green Road Weekdays £3 · weekends £5 · pass £10 · under 12s free Aatham on Sunday 18 October. |
| Cambridge Sun 11 to Mon 19 Oct · 6:45pm to 10:45pm The Netherhall School, Queen Edith’s Way Members free · students £5 · non-members £7 With the Cambridge Hindu Association. Book an event pass at chauk.org. |
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| All sixteen Mahajans, the flyers and the special garbas, on lcuk.org.uk. | Book these early Ladies, children and Sharad Poonam | Sun 11 & 18 Oct | YLS Kids Garba, North London, ages 2 to 12, from 12pm. One date per family. Tickets went on sale on 3 and 4 October and may have sold out. | | Wed 14 Oct | Ladies Garba Special, South London, P V Raichura Centre, Croydon. | | Sat 17 Oct | Mahila Mandal Ladies Garba, North London, 11:30am to 5pm with faradi lunch. Adults £15. | | Sun 18 Oct | Kids Garba Special, South London, P V Raichura Centre, Croydon. | | Sun 18 Oct | Children’s Garba, East London, Coliseum Suite, Ilford, 2pm to 5pm. Children £10 including food, adults free. | | Thu 22 Oct | Sharad Purnima Raas Garbas, LCNL Senior Ladies Centre, lunch from 12pm, raas garbas 1:30pm to 4:30pm. £15. | | Sat 24 Oct | Sharad Poonam, North London with Rajvi Raja and Nikesh Parmar, and East London at the Coliseum Suite, Ilford. |
| Can’t get to a garba? North London streams its Navratri live on lcnl.org every evening from 8pm, with aarti at around 9:30pm. One to share with grandparents and anyone housebound this year. |
| 03 Diwali · Sunday 8 November The Festival of Lights Diwali is one of the most joyful and widely celebrated festivals in the Hindu calendar. Known as the Festival of Lights, it is associated with the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair. For many families, Diwali is a time to clean and decorate the home, light diyas, make rangoli designs, prepare special food and sweets, exchange gifts, visit family and friends, and take part in prayers. The festival can also be a time to pause and be grateful for family, friendship, health and the opportunities ahead. Diwali has different stories and traditions across communities. One well-known tradition celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a long period away. Other traditions connect Diwali with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and other important religious and cultural stories. These traditions may differ, but the message of light, goodness and renewal is shared. | Ways to celebrate the meaning of Diwali | ◆ | Light a diya as a symbol of hope and positivity. | | ◆ | Spend meaningful time with family and friends. | | ◆ | Share food, sweets or a thoughtful gift with someone who may be alone. | | ◆ | Give thanks for the good things in your life. | | ◆ | Support your local community and help those in need. | | ◆ | Celebrate responsibly, with consideration for neighbours, children, older people and animals. |
| SUN 8 NOV Diwali and Chopda Pujan | TUE 10 NOV Bestu Varsh, New Year | WED 11 NOV Bhai Bij | MON 16 NOV Jalaram Jayanti |
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| 04 Fireworks and fire safety A safer Diwali Fireworks can be exciting. Safety comes first. A celebration is at its best when everyone gets home safely. Fireworks, sparklers and flames can cause serious burns, fires and injuries when they are used carelessly. Always follow the law and local safety guidance where you live. | 01 Follow local rules Only use fireworks where they are legal and permitted. Check local restrictions before planning any display. |
| 02 Keep a safe distance Never hold fireworks in your hand unless the product is specifically designed for that purpose and local guidance allows it. Keep spectators well away. |
| 03 Adults should supervise Children should not handle fireworks. Young people should also be kept away from fireworks, lighters and matches. |
| 04 Protect your home Keep fireworks away from buildings, cars, dry grass, trees and anything that could catch fire. |
| 05 Never return to a lit firework If a firework does not work, do not approach it or try to relight it. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. |
| 06 Keep water nearby Have a bucket of water, a hose or another suitable way of dealing with small fires ready where appropriate. |
| 07 Think about pets and neighbours Fireworks can frighten animals and disturb vulnerable people. Let neighbours know in advance where possible and keep pets indoors and secure. |
| 08 Alcohol and fireworks do not mix Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stay alert and responsible. |
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| The law in the UK Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am. On Diwali night the cut-off is 1am. You cannot buy adult fireworks if you are under 18, and nobody may set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or other public places. GOV.UK: Fireworks, the law |
| In an emergency Move to a safe place and call 999. Do not put yourself at risk trying to put out a large fire. |
| | A bright celebration is a safe celebration. | | 05 From President Ashok Rach A message of thanks To our members, families, volunteers and friends of LCUK, It is my pleasure, on behalf of LCUK, to extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Navratri and Diwali. These festivals remind us of the values that bring us together: faith, family, respect, kindness, courage and hope. Navratri teaches us about strength and the triumph of good over evil, while Diwali reminds us to bring light into our homes, our communities and the lives of others. I would like to thank everyone who gives their time, energy and enthusiasm to make our community celebrations possible. To our volunteers, organisers, performers, families, young people and supporters: your contribution helps keep our traditions alive and ensures that the next generation can experience the richness of our culture. I am especially grateful for the spirit of togetherness shown by our community. Whether you are helping behind the scenes, attending an event, welcoming a new family, supporting a friend or simply sharing a smile, every contribution matters. | | As we celebrate, let us remember those who may be alone, unwell or facing difficult circumstances. A small act of kindness can be a powerful light in someone’s life. |
| On behalf of LCUK, I wish you and your families a very happy, peaceful and safe Navratri and Diwali. May your homes be filled with happiness, your hearts with hope, and the year ahead with health, success and togetherness. With warmest wishes, Ashok RachPresident, Lohana Community of United Kingdom · 07956 450895 | Celebrating our heritage, building our future LCUK is proud to celebrate the traditions that connect us while creating opportunities for people of all ages to meet, learn, take part and support one another. May every festival bring our community closer. शुभ नवरात्रि • शुभ दीपावली Happy Navratri • Happy Diwali |
| LOHANA COMMUNITY OF UNITED KINGDOM | |
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