The National Trust property is embracing the Hindu festival, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, in an initiative designed to bring different communities together

An historic Derbyshire country house is bringing the sights, sounds and traditions of Diwali to life, welcoming communities from across the East Midlands to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Kedleston Hall, near Quarndon, is being transformed into a colourful celebration of South Asian culture, with traditional dancing, music, storytelling and family-friendly activities as part of its Diwali celebrations, which continue until 15 November 2026.

The National Trust property is embracing the Hindu festival, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, in an initiative designed to bring different communities together and make the historic estate more inclusive and welcoming. Among the highlights are colourful decorations, a spectacular marigold rangoli, traditional Indian brassware, Garba dancing, henna painting and storytelling inspired by the Hindu story of Lord Rama and his wife Sita.

Speaking to Kirsty Corbett on the Arts & Toast podcast, Morgan Feely, Property Curator at Kedleston Hall, said the event also offered an opportunity to explore the property's own historical connections with Asia.

Morgan said: "It's a big 18th century country house, but it has this historic connection to Asia because at the start of the 20th century it was owned by Lord Curzon, who was Viceroy of India.

"The magnificent 19th century neo-classical country house was built for Sir Nathaniel Curzon and later became associated with George Nathaniel Curzon, the Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, who served as Viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905. During his time in South Asia and the Middle East.

The celebrations have been developed through collaboration between Kedleston Hall's team and local volunteer Bina Vasdev, who has played an important role in bringing the event to life. Bina said she felt honoured to be involved.

"We celebrate Diwali in our homes, we celebrate Diwali in our places of worship. I am absolutely honoured that I was approached and I am a part of it”, she went on to say.

For Bina, the celebrations represent much more than simply bringing a traditional festival into a stately home. They provide an opportunity for people to share their heritage, help younger generations understand their cultural roots and allow those unfamiliar with Diwali to experience its traditions first-hand.

The response from local people has already been encouraging, with Bina receiving messages from families keen to attend, including some who have never visited Kedleston Hall before, going on to say that many Hindu families were particularly interested in bringing their children along to learn more about their heritage and experience cultural traditions within the historic hall.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, including Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. For Hindus, one of the festival's central stories marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana.

The festival is traditionally marked by the lighting of lamps, colourful decorations, family gatherings and prayers, with light symbolising hope, knowledge and the triumph of good over evil.

For Bina, seeing these traditions recognised and celebrated at a National Trust property is a particularly proud moment. She said: "For me, it's a really, really proud moment that we're doing it at Kedleston Hall at a National Trust level... and that Diwali has been recognised more and more every year."

Morgan said the Diwali celebrations offered a valuable opportunity to connect the property's history with the communities who live nearby. He added that the celebrations had brought a welcome sense of colour and warmth to the historic interiors.

"And we get great feedback because it brings colour and light and warmth into the hall at this cold time of year," he said. "We feel absolutely honoured to have Bina bringing everything that she's bringing to it with us." Morgan went on to say.