There’s so much to look forward to in October, from Oktoberfest, Halloween, the clocks going back, and, for the country’s Hindu diaspora, Diwali.
This year, the Hindu festival of lights is the day after Halloween, taking place on November 1 meaning double the celebrations at the end of the week.
Usually a five-day event, Diwali celebrates good triumphing over evil as told by the Rama, Sita and Hanuman story. It will be observed by more than a billion people all over the world and some 1.8m of the English population, per the 2021 census.
London is primed to throw a good shindig, from Dishoom’s Diwali party in east London on October 30 to Wembley Park’s bash on November 1 which will include live dance acts and free henna painting for visitors.
Hindu households across the country will mark the New Year with poojas (prayers), rangoli (traditional decorations) music, fireworks and food.
Naturally, presents are part of the order of things, with cash typically being handed to young kids in decorated envelopes. If you’re looking to give something more personal to give friends and family, or want to take something to your Diwali party hosts, we’ve rounded up the best offerings to mark the Hindu New Year in a Diwali gift guide.
Shop our edit below, and have a happy Diwali
Our Place Diwali collection
The cult cookware brand has launched a new collection to mark the festival of lights this year. Rendered in a warm clay colour, the limited edition Always Pan and Perfect Pot are the product of a collab with nutritionist and chef Radhi Devlukia. The lids of both pieces of cookware are decorated with an etching of saffron, common in Indian cooking and each one comes with a beechwood spoon and spatula to make whipping up Diwali feasts all the easier.
From £130 or £225 for the set.
Buy now £225.00, Our Place
Sonia Haria South Asian Beauty
From beauty editor Sonia Haria comes this tome celebrating all things South Asian beauty. With chapters on skincare, haircare, makeup and general wellness, the guide is perfect for anyone who wants to delve further into ancient rituals and the holistic world of Ayurveda. With six Indians winning the Miss World crown, including Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the country knows a thing or two about beauty rituals.
Buy now £20.53, Amazon
Cutter & Squidge Diwali Mixed Mini Brownies
Along with cricket and tea, eating sweets is practically a national pastime in India. Cutter & Squidge brings the sweet tooth of both nations together in this limited edition box of brownies, finished to look like traditional mithai (sweets). Available in boxes of 12 or 24, the colourful bakes come in a celebration box, ready for gifting.
Buy now £53.99, Cutter & Squidge
Forest Essentials Morning Ritual Gift Box
Luxury Indian skincare brand Forest Essentials brings the ancient science of Ayurveda into the 21st century. Teamed with beautiful packaging, the products are an absolute joy to use and keep on display on any dressing table.
This Morning Ritual gift box has four products to help you get ready for the day: Reviving Sanjeevani Beauty Elixir 15g which acts as a primer, Pure Steam Distilled Rose Water 50ml to cool skin, a day cream in Soundarya High Performance Cream With 24K Gold and SPF 30 High Protection 15g, and Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Honey, Lemon and Rosewater 50ml.
Buy now £70.00, lookfantastic
D. S. & Durga Rama Won't You Please Come Home candle
This festive candle from boutique fragrance house D. S. & Durga is inspired by Diwali's famous tale of Rama and Sita, making it the perfect offering for Diwali. It nails the Festival of Light brief while also flooding the room with heavenly woody and floral scents. The 200g candle offers a 60-hour burn time, allowing you to enjoy it on Diwali - and beyond.
Buy now £60.00, Harvey Nichols
Chai Guys The Ultimate Chair Starter Bundle
Tea is a crowd-pleasing offering, but done Indian-style and it comes with a whole other taste sensation. Chai Guys offer masala and kadak loose-leaf tea blends in its starter kit, which also comes with a stainless steel strainer and every Desi household must-have, a packet of Parle G biscuits. IYKYK.
Buy now £47.95, Amazon
Desi Daru No.2 Mango Vodka
ABV: 41 per cent
Using the Hindi word for booze (daru), this fun vodka is crafted with a blend of English and Indian ingredients, making it fitting for celebrating both nations.
It's spiked with Indian Alphonso mangoes, widely considered the best variety, for a delicious spirit that's very hard to resist. The attractive orange-yellow ombre glass and tall shape make a striking impression - one you’ll want to keep around long after the final drops have been eked out.
Buy now £32.58, Amazon
Rampur Double Cask Diwali Spiced Manhattan Bottled Cocktail
Made with whisky from one of India's longest-running distilleries, this rangoli-decorated pre-mixed cocktail is a party-starter in a bottle.
The Manhattan is spiked with double-cask firewater and muddles with Sweet Red Agora Rosso Vermouth and Bittermens Buckspice Ginger Bitters with enough booze in the bottle to pour five drinks. Finish with a slice of orange and toast to a very happy New Year
Buy now £24.99, Drink Supermarket
Jaisalmer Gold Indian Craft Gin
Gin more your thing? As well as whisky, Rampur Distillery also makes this spiced and fragrant Jaisalmer gin with ingredients as prized as Kashmiri saffron and rose petals. For Diwali, it's dressed up the spirit in a gilded bottle, making it a wonderful gift to present to your Diwali party hosts.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Ribbons Robe
Think pink when it comes to festive drinking; Champagne Laurent-Perrier is always a welcome addition to our table - especially when its Cuvée Rosé is dressed for the occasion.
This year, the brand presents one of its bestsellers with ribbons wound around the delicate cage. It looks as good as it tastes with a fine stream of bubbles and red berry flavours that pair well with seafood or dessert plates.
A stunning gift for your party host.
Buy now £85.00, The Bottle Club
