Diwali in Lanzarote: Where to celebrate the Festival of Lights

For millions of people around the world, November brings one of the most eagerly anticipated celebrations in the Indian calendar. Diwali is widely known as the Festival of Lights, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

The exact date changes each year because Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, the main Diwali celebration falls on Sunday 8th November, with the traditional five-day festival running from 6th to 10th November.

Although Hindu traditions are particularly associated with Diwali, the festival is also observed in different ways by the different communities. Customs vary considerably between regions and families, making Diwali a wonderfully diverse celebration.

Five days of tradition, food and celebration

The five days each have their own significance. Preparations begin with Dhanteras, traditionally associated with prosperity and auspicious purchases, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi. The main day, Lakshmi Puja, is centred around prayers, family gatherings and the lighting of small oil lamps known as diyas.

Homes are often decorated with lights and colourful rangoli, patterns created at entrances using materials such as coloured powder, rice or flower petals.

New clothes are also an important part of the festivities, with families often choosing something special for the main celebration. Women may wear colourful saris, lehengas or salwar kameez, whilst men might choose a kurta or sherwani. Rich colours, embroidery and jewellery are often associated with festive dressing, although contemporary outfits can be considerably more understated.

Food is equally central to the occasion. Diwali tables can feature savoury dishes such as samosas, pakoras, paneer, dal, biryani and breads, alongside an impressive selection of Indian sweets. Laddoo, barfi, jalebi and kaju katli are among the treats traditionally associated with the festival. Sharing food and sweets with family, friends and neighbours is an important part of the celebrations, making the occasion as much about hospitality as tradition.

Celebrating on Lanzarote

Several established restaurants across Lanzarote offer the chance to enjoy Indian cuisine during the festive period.

• Imagine India, Playa Blanca Avenida Marítima, near Pandora & Yum Yum.

• Indian Aroma, Puerto del Carmen Avenida de las Playas, 14, C.C. Las Tabaibas.

• Bollywood, Puerto del Carmen. Avenida de las Playas, 67.

• Bollywood, Costa Teguise Plaza Pueblo Marinero, Avenida de las Islas Canarias, 4.

• Bollywood, Puerto Calero Avenida Marítima, 6 & 7.

Call ahead to check opening arrangements or any special Diwali menus, then settle in and enjoy one of the world’s most colourful celebrations.