Leicester’s Shared Belonging and Festival Spirit Under the Lens

Leicester’s South Asian community thrives on vibrant festivals and a legacy of shared belonging. Recent discussions reveal how these traditions are being reassessed in the wake of past tensions.

🪔 Reflections on shared belonging after 2022 unrest

British Future published a report that revisits the 2022 inter‑community violence in Leicester. Dr Avaes Mohammed, part of the British South Asian Bridgers Project, interviewed local South Asian residents about the city’s historic culture of shared belonging, recalling large Diwali celebrations that once united everyone. The report questions how the city, once a model of multicultural harmony, saw its largest UK Hindu‑Muslim riots. [1]

🎉 Diwali and Annakut celebrations at BAPS

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha announced its Diwali and Hindu New Year (Annakut) festivities in Leicester. The events feature traditional worship, cultural performances and community gatherings, continuing the city’s reputation for large‑scale Indian religious celebrations that welcome participants of all backgrounds. [3]

Sources: [1] British Future · [3] BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha