Inter Faith Week 2026 officially began today, with communities across Lincolnshire joining people throughout the United Kingdom in celebrating religious and cultural diversity under this year’s theme, “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future.”
This year’s opening carried particular significance as it coincided with Remembrance Sunday, a day when people across the nation pause to remember those who lost their lives through war and conflict and reflect on the importance of peace.
Across Lincolnshire, the day brought together different expressions of light, remembrance and hope, from colourful handmade lanterns at Lincoln Unitarian Chapel to Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations at Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Scunthorpe.
Although rooted in different histories and traditions, these occasions offered opportunities to reflect on values that bring communities together: compassion, freedom, justice, peace and mutual respect.
The celebrations marked the beginning of a week of activities encouraging people of all faiths and none to build friendships, challenge prejudice and work together towards a more peaceful and inclusive society.
Lanterns of Hope Bring Communities Together
At Lincoln Unitarian Chapel on High Street, families, children and community members gathered for a creative lantern-making workshop led by Katie Tesha of CreatedbyKT.
Participants decorated paper lanterns with colourful hearts, symbols and designs representing different religions, beliefs and cultures. The finished lanterns were displayed in the chapel garden, creating a beautiful expression of unity and reflecting this year’s theme.
The afternoon offered opportunities for people from different backgrounds to meet, share conversations and reflect on what it means to build a peaceful and inclusive future.
Carla Nadal, who participated in the workshop, spoke about how much she enjoyed making her lantern and the importance of looking for the good in the future. She particularly appreciated the theme of lighting the way and its wider significance as communities across the UK mark Inter Faith Week.
Five-year-old Rajendra, who enthusiastically participated in the activities, summed up his experience simply: “I love it!”
The involvement of children and families was particularly meaningful, highlighting how creative activities can help younger generations appreciate different traditions and develop friendships across cultural and religious boundaries.
Katie Tesha also announced that the lanterns created during the workshop will be auctioned on Saturday 14 November at 12 noon, following the Interfaith Walk for Peace. Everyone is warmly invited to join the gathering, celebrate the creativity of the participants and support this special community initiative as part of Inter Faith Week.
The workshop provided a warm and welcoming beginning to a week dedicated to strengthening understanding, respect and cooperation across Lincolnshire.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas – A Celebration of Light Across the World
The opening of Inter Faith Week also provided an opportunity to recognise the significance of Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, which is celebrated by millions of people around the world.
Diwali is observed within Hindu, Sikh, Jain and some Buddhist communities, each with its own religious significance, traditions and practices.
For Hindus, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Among its many traditions, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya following his victory over Ravana. It is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and prayers for prosperity and wellbeing.
For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Diwas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from imprisonment, together with 52 other rulers. The occasion represents freedom, justice, compassion and standing alongside those who face oppression.
For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha, or spiritual liberation, by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, and is an important occasion for spiritual reflection and renewal.
Some Buddhist communities, particularly Newar Buddhists in Nepal, also observe Diwali as part of their cultural and religious traditions.
Although the meanings and practices differ, these celebrations provide opportunities to reflect on hope, wisdom, renewal, compassion and the triumph of light over darkness.
The symbolism of light offers a meaningful connection with this year’s Inter Faith Week theme, reminding communities that different traditions can contribute to a shared vision of peace, understanding and a better future.
Sikh Community Celebrates Light, Freedom and Togetherness in Scunthorpe
In North Lincolnshire, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple on Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, welcomed worshippers, families and visitors for its Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations.
The programme included Sukhmani Sahib Path, Kirtan and Katha, Guru Ka Langar and an evening fireworks display. The Gurdwara welcomed people from different backgrounds, demonstrating the Sikh values of hospitality, equality, service and community.
Representatives from The Centre for Reconciliation were joined by Nina Chapman, Hindu Chaplain and member of the Lincolnshire Faith Council, and Archie, one of the Centre’s young volunteers involved in its youth spoken word activities.
For Archie, who has a background in musical theatre, it was his first visit to a Gurdwara. He found the experience welcoming and humbling, offering a valuable opportunity to learn about Sikh traditions and experience the warmth and hospitality of the community.
Nina particularly enjoyed her visit, spending time interacting with the women volunteers in the Gurdwara kitchen, learning about their work and the preparation of Langar, the free community meal shared with everyone regardless of faith or background.
The evening celebrations, including fireworks, offered another expression of light and hope, complementing the lanterns created earlier in Lincoln.
Together, these experiences demonstrated how visiting places of worship, sharing food and engaging in simple conversations can build friendships, deepen understanding and strengthen relationships between different faith communities.
Remembering the Past, Lighting the Way for Peace
The opening of Inter Faith Week on Sunday 8 November also coincided with Remembrance Sunday, giving this year’s theme an additional significance.
As communities across the United Kingdom gathered to remember those who lost their lives through war and conflict, the message of remembrance offered a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, reconciliation and our shared responsibility to future generations.
While Remembrance Sunday, Diwali and Inter Faith Week have different histories and meanings, each provides an opportunity to reflect on the kind of world we want to build. Remembering the sacrifices of the past, celebrating the light of hope and freedom, and bringing people together across religious and cultural differences are all important ways of encouraging a more peaceful future.
For The Centre for Reconciliation, this connection is particularly meaningful. Remembrance is not only about looking back; it can also inspire us to work towards a future where differences are resolved through dialogue, compassion and understanding rather than violence and division.
The light of a lantern, the illumination of a Diwali celebration and the quiet reflection of remembrance each offer different expressions of hope and our responsibility to one another.
Lighting the Way Across Lincolnshire and Beyond
