Celebrate Diwali in London: An Evening of Lights, Festivities, and Lucknowi Flavours at BKC

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, isn’t only about glowing lamps—it’s a radiant celebration of joy, unity, and cherished traditions. This year, as London prepares to honour Diwali, the city transforms into a vibrant display of colours, lights, and cultural festivities that unite people from all backgrounds. Diwali in London is a unique experience, one that captures the heartwarming spirit of this beloved festival, creating a beautiful bridge between East and West.

 

Diwali festivities in the heart of London:

 

1. Diwali on the Square, Trafalgar Square (October 27)

 

As the largest Diwali event outside India, Diwali on the Square brings Trafalgar Square to life with traditional music, dance performances, interactive workshops, and street food vendors. The vibrant rhythms of the dhol, live rangoli art, and enticing aromas of Indian cuisine create a festive, joyous atmosphere for all.

BKC Soho: Just a quick 10-minute walk from Trafalgar Square, BKC Soho is the perfect spot to start or end your celebration with a meal that embodies the flavours of Lucknow.

 

2. Diwali by the Docks, Royal Albert Wharf (October 26)

 

Celebrate Diwali by the Docks at Royal Albert Wharf, which features lantern-making workshops, Bharatanatyam dance classes, and a beautiful twilight light display over the water—a perfect Instagram-worthy Diwali setting.

BKC Marble Arch: A short train ride on the Elizabeth Line, just 25 minutes from the Royal Albert Wharf, BKC Marble Arch offers an authentic Lucknowi dining experience to complete your Diwali celebration.

 

3. Devonshire Square Celebration (October 30)

 

This festive gathering at Devonshire Square features free henna art, Akademi South Asian Dance UK performances, and rangoli displays by artist Miguel Rajaguru. Diwali canapés and drinks add warmth to the joyous atmosphere as friends and families come together.

BKC Soho: A 10-minute ride on the Central Line, BKC Soho is easily accessible from Devonshire Square, making it an ideal choice to continue your Diwali celebration with an authentic, flavour-rich meal.

 

4. Barbican Centre’s Darbar Festival and Indian Art Exhibition (October 26-27)

 

Dive into Indian culture with the Barbican Centre’s exhibition on Indian art and the Darbar Festival, celebrating classical Indian music and experimental films. The festival adds an artistic touch to the Diwali weekend, creating a serene yet vibrant cultural experience.

BKC Soho: A 5-minute taxi ride or 12-minute tube journey via the Northern Line makes BKC Soho a quick stop from the Barbican Centre, where you can conclude your Diwali outing with a meal fit for the Nawabs.

 

5. Diwali at the House of Commons, British Parliament (November 5)

 

Hosted by SHYAM and Padmi Shri Bob Blackman MP, the Diwali celebrations at the House of Commons honour Hindu mythology and offer guests the opportunity to connect with community leaders. Inspirational talks on gods and goddesses like Ganesha, Skanda, Parvati, and Shiva make this celebration a profound experience.

BKC Marble Arch: Just 15 minutes by taxi or a short walk from Westminster, BKC Marble Arch is a welcoming retreat to wrap up your evening with the flavours of Lucknowi hospitality.

 

 

From festivities to the flavours: End your celebration with a feast at BKC

After a day of lights, sounds, and joyous celebration, there’s no better way to complete your Diwali experience than with a meal steeped in tradition and flavour. Much like Diwali, which illuminates life with warmth and joy, Biryani Kebab Chai (BKC) brings the heart of Lucknow’s cuisine to your plate, offering an authentic taste of Lucknowi hospitality.

 

A taste of Lucknow in London

At BKC, we’re dedicated to crafting a dining experience that mirrors the richness of Lucknow’s culinary heritage. Inspired by the spice markets of Yahiyaganj and Rakabganj, each dish on our menu is infused with the essence of Lucknow. Our chefs bring an unmatched authenticity, combining traditional recipes with the warmth of mehmaan nawazi (hospitality).

 

• Lakhnawi Biryani: The soul of Lucknowi cooking

 

Our Dum Pukht biryani is layered with fragrant basmati rice, marinated meat, and saffron, then slow-cooked to perfection. The tender grains and aromatic spices showcase the subtlety of Lucknowi flavours—just as Diwali fills the air with warmth and celebration, each bite of our biryani fills the senses with the heritage of Lucknow.

 

• Kebabs: A love affair with flavour

 

The Galouti Kebab, famously created for a Nawab who had lost his teeth, features over 130 spices from Lucknow’s markets, making it melt-in the-mouth perfect. The smoky Seekh Kebabs, made using the Dhungar (smoking) technique, and our Dahi Ke Kebab, a creamy vegetarian delight, showcase Lucknow’s mastery over kebab-making, from tender textures to delicate flavours.

 

• Chai and street food delights

 

End your meal with a warm cup of masala chai served in traditional kulhads or indulge in Samosa Chaat and Sev Puri. These street food favourites recreate the festive flavours of Lucknow’s chaat bazaars, a perfect way to close your Diwali celebration.

 

Join us at BKC: The heart of Diwali celebration

This Diwali, whether you’re experiencing the dazzling events at Trafalgar Square, Devonshire Square, or the Barbican, end your day with an unforgettable feast at BKC Soho or Marble Arch. Our authentic Lucknowi cuisine, warm hospitality, and flavours from the heart of Lucknow bring the essence of Diwali to life in every dish. Diwali at BKC is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition, togetherness, and love shared over timeless flavours.

And to make this Diwali extra special, we’re offering 15% off on all takeaways from October 31 to November 3! Use code Diwali15. Let us be part of your Diwali celebration—a festival full of light, joy, and the rich culinary heritage of Lucknow awaits you at BKC.