How we celebrate Diwali in Bath

There is a special kind of comfort that comes with light: the soft glow of diyas, the sparkle of fairy lights on windows, and the warmth that fills a room full of friends. That is what Diwali feels like in Bath.

As autumn settles in and the city turns golden, students across the University begin preparing for the Festival of Lights. Even miles away from home, Diwali here carries the same spirit of joy, reflection, and togetherness.

The warmth of community

Across campus, fairy lights brighten windows, colourful rangoli designs decorate shared spaces, and kitchens fill with the smell of homemade curries and sweets. Friends gather to cook, dress up, and share laughter, turning student accommodation into spaces that suddenly feel like home.

For many international students, celebrating Diwali in Bath is a comforting blend of tradition and new experiences. Lighting diyas, calling family before dinner, or joining Diwali events hosted by student societies all help recreate the warmth of home while forming new memories.

Bath Indian Society and Hindu Society play a big part in bringing that sense of community alive. Their celebrations fill the campus with music, dance, and delicious food, helping everyone, whether familiar with the festival or not, feel included in the joy of Diwali.

 

My Diwali in Bath

For me, Diwali in Bath is a mix of familiarity and discovery. I usually attend the Bath Indian Society’s Diwali Ball, which is always one of the most special nights of the year. It brings together students from all backgrounds to dance, dress up, and celebrate as if we were back home.

I also join ResLife events, like diya painting or rangoli making, which always make the week feel more festive. My flatmates and I decorate our rooms with fairy lights to create that homely glow, and I love including all my friends in the celebration. We share homemade sweets, trade family recipes, and sometimes host a big hot pot where everyone brings something that reminds them of home. For me, that is what Diwali in Bath is really about—coming together, sharing light, and creating new memories.

Decorate your room

Decorating your room is a perfect way to celebrate and add a personal touch without needing to decorate your whole flat. Fairy lights, LED candles, or battery-operated diyas are safe and create a beautiful festive atmosphere.

To get into the spirit, you could also use Diwali-themed banners or posters, which are easy to find online or in local Indian stores. Adding flowers or fruit to a decorative bowl is another simple but traditional way to bring colour and positivity into your space.

 

How to celebrate at university

You do not have to attend a large event to feel the spirit of Diwali. Small traditions can make your university celebration just as meaningful:

• Cook and share: gather friends for dinner, whether it is a homemade curry or a takeaway.
• Reflect and recharge: light up your electric or LED diya, think about what you are grateful for, and take a quiet moment of calm.
• Dress for joy: traditional clothes, bright colours, or anything that makes you feel cheerful.

Events to look out for

Each year, Bath’s student societies host a range of events that bring the Diwali spirit to life. Some of the most popular include:

• Diwali Dhamaka — Bath Hindu Society: a lively night of food, music, and performances at the Claverton Rooms.
• Diwali Ball — Bath Indian Society: a highlight of the year where students come together to dance, dress up, and celebrate in true festive style.
• Pre-Diwali gatherings: Mehendi nights, cards parties, and pooja ceremonies that help everyone feel at home ahead of the main celebration.
• Bath Hindu Society’s Diwali celebrations: traditional events and activities hosted on campus for everyone to join.

Stay updated through the Students’ Union events page and the ResLife events page for the latest listings, Diwali celebrations, and other cultural activities happening across the year.

As the lights flicker across campus and laughter fills the halls, Diwali in Bath reminds us that home is not always a place. It is the people we find, the traditions we keep alive, and the moments that make us feel connected.

Even thousands of miles away, Bath finds its own beautiful way to shine. Because sometimes, home isn’t where you start — it’s where you find your light again.