Independent convenience retailers in the UK are marking Diwali their own ways, ranging from quiet acts of service to small cultural touches on the shop floor, and even moments where the community turns the celebration back to them.
Across Britain, not all the independent retailers are celebrating Diwali the same way. Some are bringing the festival into the store with small gestures and colour. Others are stepping outside the shop and into the community. And in a few places, they are not marking it at all yet are finding themselves gently celebrated by the community.
This year, the family of leading independent retailer Dee Sedani has chosen to step into the community to spread the Diwali spirit.
His daughter Urvi Sedani made over 70 lunch meals to give away to the homeless people.
Urvi, optometrist by profession, shared that the decision to feed the needy took shape after a powerful experience during her recent solo trip to Fiji.
Meals prepared by Urvi Sedani
“Every year, I always do something for others whether that be through donations, helping the elderly and visiting care homes or volunteering in centres," Urvi said.
"However this year I chose to do something different.
"Whilst in Fiji, I donated boxes and boxes of crisps/snacks/food for the children in school and for their families. The sheer joy, love and gratitude I received from these beautiful people was overwhelming and emotional.
"That experience inspired my choice of giving back this Diwali. I prepared and distributed over 70 meals for the homeless. This simple gesture was done from the bottom of my heart to spread warmth and remind others (and myself) that light is meant to be shared.
"The festival of Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, and this year, that meaning became deeply personal.
"In a world that can often feel heavy, compassion, gratitude, and love are the real measures of prosperity.
"Fiji gave me perspective, and Diwali reminded me of purpose. Together, they’ve reignited my belief that we can all make a difference, one small light at a time."
There’s no campaign behind Urvi's initiative, just intention and a gesture of what the day stands for which is extending warmth where it’s needed most.
Meanwhile, many retailers are bringing Diwali spirit into their stores in small, inviting ways.
For instance in Pontefract in West Yorkshire, independent retailer Bobby Singh's BB Nevison Superstores is the epicentre of the community. The retailer loves to share every joy with the neighbourhood and Diwali is no lesser than any other calendar event.
Singh told Asian Trader, “We love celebrating Diwali here at the store, and even though there are fewer Asians in our local demographic, we still like to share the joy with our customers.
"This year, we’re making a little rangoli and lighting diyas to celebrate the Festival of Lights. It’s all about spreading warmth, color, and joy, and we’d love for everyone to enjoy it with us!”
BB Nevison Superstores Bobby Singh with family
In a landscape where convenience stores are often the most frequent point of contact between communities, these small, thoughtful acts matter and often work in building the store's brand image.
Interestingly, in many places where there are not much ethnic population, retailers refrain from decorating or planning any special deals. And yet, some are being made feel special in an unexpected way.
Just like in Kislingbury village, independent retailer Vidur Pandya is receiving the love of the community this Diwali.
“We don’t do anything for Diwali as our area is predominantly non-ethnic. However we do have customers who gifts us during Diwali as they know it’s our festival," Pandya told Asian Trader.
Through these stores, it is clear that Diwali isn’t confined to lampstands and fireworks. In convenience retail sector, it has a special place and manages to touch people's lives in everyday choices. This year, that took the shape of warm meals, a hand-drawn rangoli, and a customer’s gestures.