Feeling Homesick During Festivals Abroad?
Arriving in the UK as an Indian student can be exciting, but festival seasons like Diwali and Holi often bring a wave of homesickness. The distance from familiar traditions, food, and celebrations can feel overwhelming, especially when you're adjusting to shared accommodation and new surroundings. Questions arise—where to find authentic decorations, how to celebrate safely in a student flat, and how to meet other Indian students. Fortunately, Indian festivals are widely celebrated in the UK, especially in university towns. From decorating your room with LED diyas to attending colourful community Holi events, there are many ways to keep your culture alive. With the right knowledge, you can enjoy meaningful celebrations and create new memories while feeling connected to your roots.
By the end of this guide, you’ll learn:
Where to find authentic Indian festival decorations in the UK
How to organise Diwali or Holi celebrations in student housing
How to connect with local Indian student communities
Tips for keeping celebrations joyful and respectful
The Rise of Indian Festival Celebrations in the UK
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), more than 126,500 Indian students were enrolled in UK higher education institutions in the 2023–2024 academic year. As the second-largest group of international students in the country, they are significantly influencing university life and community culture. Their presence has led to increased awareness and celebration of Indian festivals, cuisine, and traditions across campuses. From Diwali celebrations to Holi parties, Indian students are playing a key role in promoting cultural diversity and enriching the student experience throughout the UK.
Additional data:
85% of Indian students say celebrating cultural festivals helps reduce homesickness.
Google UK saw more than 1,000 monthly searches for “Diwali celebration in London” and “Holi events in the UK.”
Cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester now host multiple public Indian festival events annually.
Major Indian Festivals Celebrated by Students in the UK
Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Celebrated in October or November
Lighting diyas, wearing traditional attire, sharing sweets, and performing pujas
Indian societies host Diwali galas with food, dance, and music
Holi (Festival of Colours)
Celebrated in March
Outdoor colour-throwing, DJ music, and Indian snacks
Herbal colours used for safety
Navratri & Garba
Held in October
Nine nights of dance and devotion
Garba and Dandiya nights in the university halls
Onam, Pongal & Lohri
Regional festivals from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab
Home-style meals, floor decorations, and indoor games
Eid Celebrations
Celebrated with iftar dinners and prayers
Shared by Indian Muslim students across campuses
Where to Buy Indian Festival Decorations in the UK
Indian Grocery Stores in Major Cities
Southall in London, Belgrave Road in Leicester, Soho Road in Birmingham
Temples with Gift Shops
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London
Shree Sanatan Mandir, Leicester
Online Marketplaces
Etsy UK: Handmade torans, rangoli kits, puja supplies, Diwali lights, Ganesha idols, LED diyas
Must-Have Decorations
LED diyas and fairy lights
Rangoli powder or sticker mats
Torans and paper garlands
Scented incense and thalis
Festive clothes and eco-friendly candles
How to Celebrate in UK Student Accommodation
Dos and Don’ts
Do:
Use battery-operated lights
Invite flatmates to join
Check tenancy rules
Clean up after celebrations
Don’t:
Use firecrackers or candles
Damage shared spaces with stains
Ignore quiet hours
Simple Ideas to Celebrate
Host a Diwali potluck
Set up a small prayer shelf
Design a rangoli at your flat entrance
Watch Bollywood films with friends
Step-by-Step: Hosting a Campus Festival Event
Form a Planning Team: Collaborate with Indian students or cultural societies
Book a Venue: Contact the student union for halls or common rooms
Decorate: Use safe lighting, fabric backdrops, and printed posters
Music and Performances: Create a playlist and plan cultural acts or games
Food and Community: Cater from local Indian restaurants or cook together
Share the Experience: Take photos, record videos, and create memories
How to Connect with Indian Communities in the UK
Indian Student Societies
Most universities have Indian or South Asian societies. Search their Instagram or student union sites:
UCL Indian Society
University of Birmingham Indian Society
Manchester Indian Students' Association
Cultural and Religious Centres
Neasden Mandir, London
Vedic Society Temple, Southampton
ISSO Temple, Leicester
Online Communities
Search Facebook or Instagram for "Indians in [city name]"
Browse Meetup and Eventbrite for "Diwali UK," "Desi events UK"
Why Celebrating Festivals Helps Student Wellbeing
According to a 2023 NHS UK report, international students who maintain cultural traditions experience 40% less loneliness.
Benefits of celebrating:
Emotional connection to culture
Building new support systems
Stress relief and mental wellbeing
Even a small diya or shared meal can lift your spirits.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Celebration Alive
Celebrating Indian festivals in the UK is both enriching and achievable. With a little planning and creativity, your student accommodation can easily become a warm and festive space, whether you're lighting LED diyas for Diwali or sharing sweets during Eid. These moments allow you to reconnect with your roots while building friendships and memories that last a lifetime. If you're seeking student housing that supports your cultural lifestyle, visit StudentTenant.com to explore comfortable, community-friendly accommodation options.