Diwali Around the World: How Countries Celebrate the Festival of Lights
Diwali, or Deepavali, is indisputably one of the greatest festivities all over the globe, which reflects the recurrent human craving for light, for good and for knowledge to win over their respective dark forces. This Indian festival has no border and religion—it's nothing but a very merry, colorful and togetherness event with millions of people celebrating it around the globe.
Thanks to the huge population of Indians and the Indian diaspora in different parts of the world, Diwali has indeed become an international festival, not only celebrated in the traditional way but also with a lot of creativity and imagination in different countries, each putting its own cultural flavor.
Let's see how the festival of light is celebrated in 10 countries, starting with India and traveling through continents to experience the splendid show of this vibrant festival.
1. India: The Birthplace of Diwali
India is the country that celebrates Diwali most lavishly, where the festival had its roots back to thousands of years ago.
The Spiritual Aspect
Hindu mythology tells that Diwali wasn’t only about the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya but also signified his 14-year long exile ending and the demon king Ravana’s defeat. Wealth and godly gifts were attracted by proper cleaning and decoration of houses with lights and oil lamps (diyas).
Ways of Celebration
Day 1 (Dhanteras): Gold, silver and brass are the main investments; no matter what, people will just buy utensils, but the main thing is nice things will be possessed, thus good luck will be attracted.
Day 2 (Naraka Chaturdashi): The tiles of the floor and the walls are actually scrubbed and the places are made beautiful through the use of rangoli.
Day 3 (Main Diwali Day): The family women and men perform Lakshmi Puja and light the diyas.
Day 4 (Govardhan Puja): Ceremony of Worship to Lord Krishna.
Day 5 (Bhai Dooj): Highlight of all the siblings of the families being reunited.
Diwali is a remarkable festival for cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, and Mumbai which have turned out to be even more eye-catching with the fireworks display, the sharing of sweets and the general atmosphere of joy all around.
2. Nepal: The Festival of Lights and Dogs
In Nepal, the festival of lights is referred to as Tihar and it is observed with the same passion as in India, though with different customs.
The significant aspect of each of the five-day festival is assigned to a separate living being—crows, dogs, cows, and also the bond between brothers and sisters.
On Kukur Tihar, dogs are praised and decked out with flower necklaces.
Goddess Laxmi is invited with the help of flickering lights and the shining of houses.
It is a religious festival, yet one that is also very moving, as it signifies the love and respect that unite everyone.
3. Sri Lanka: Triumph of Good over Evil
In Sri Lanka, the local term for Diwali is Deepavali and it is the most important Hindu festival of the year and the Tamil community's greatest festival. It represents the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, which is a very well-known story of the island's folklore. The flowers, oil lamps, and colorful objects are used for the decoration of temples. The family lights clay lamps, gives and receives sweets, and prays to the Goddess of Wealth for prosperity.
4. Malaysia: A Public Holiday of Light
The countrywide public holiday for every state in Malaysia during Diwali takes the name of Hari Deepavali and is mostly celebrated by the country's large Indian community. People adorn their homes with kolam (a type of rangoli made with colored rice) and oil lamps. The temples are filled up with prayers, and among the ones praying, there are those who have open houses ready to welcome people of different backgrounds to come and be their guests.
5. Singapore: Little India Shines Bright
In Singapore, Diwali instantly turns Little India into a fantastic place and lights up the entire precinct with brilliance. There are arches of different colors, fairy lights, and the sound of the celebration everywhere. The government along with the community organizes Deepavali bazaars, temple processions, and light-up ceremonies. The locals as well as the tourists flock to Serangoon Road to catch the breathtaking view, purchase sweets, and experience the joyous atmosphere.
6. Thailand: The Festival of Lights Meets Loy Krathong
In Thailand, the Indian and the Thai Hindu communities are however the main celebrities of Diwali in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In a curious way, Thailand’s most famous festival — who together with people setting afloat candle-lit baskets on rivers — coincides with Diwali and in part depicts the same theme of light and renewal. Temples of Vishnu and Lakshmi conduct special ceremonies, houses are lit up with candles and lanterns.
7. Mauritius: A Cultural Celebration
With a majority of Indian origin population, Mauritius has a great festival of Diwali and celebrates it with the same fervor as the rest of the world. The whole island is dispersed with oil lamps, fireworks, and delicious sweets like ladoos and gulab jamuns. There is also gift exchanges, visiting temples, and community dinners. In Mauritius, Diwali is particularly the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, thus, the communities live in peace and harmony through the unification of the spirit.
8. United Kingdom: Diwali on the Thames
Among others, the United Kingdom is one of the countries that has organized some of the biggest and the most dazzling Diwali celebrations outside Indian continent. The Indian community in the country that is not only large but also quite vibrant has made it possible for festivals to be held in London, Leicester, and Birmingham, where public extravaganzas with fireworks, music, and dance are a common sight.
Leicester has the most remarkable Diwali lights switch-on that is not only the biggest in the UK but also second to India in size.
London's Trafalgar Square is the venue for the cultural performances, food stalls, and community celebrations.
The Diwali atmosphere in this place is a blend of Indian customs and British festivities — the best example of cultural fusion.
9. United States: From New York to California
In the United States, Diwali is increasingly considered a holiday by many and is not only the Indian-origin population but also the general public's recognized and celebrated festival. The cities of New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago are the places where huge Diwali fairs and parades take place again and again.
The Empire State Building, one of the famous landmarks in New York City, turns into a colorful display with the lights in saffron, white, and green.
The schools and universities organize the Diwali nights, where Indian music, dance, and cuisine are the main attractions.
The festival's growing recognition, including official state proclamations in the U.S., is a proof that the universal message of hope and unity which Diwali communicates has been heard and acknowledged.
10. Canada: The Festival of Multicultural Harmony
The Indian, Nepali, and Indo-Caribbean populations are the ones who, among others, celebrate the Diwali festival in Canada. Toronto, Vancouver and Brampton are the three cities where the public celebrations include fireworks, cultural shows and Indian food. Temples and shopping malls are decorated beautifully, ocurring with the diverse community that honors the light of knowledge and unity.
The Shared Spirit of Diwali
Regional discrepancies cannot alter the main idea of Diwali, which is the same everywhere—lighting lamps to drive away darkness, sharing sweets to symbolize love, and unifying. The celebration of Diwali at any place or corner of the world, sends the same universal message of peace, prosperity, and happiness. The lights cross over the continents reminding us that, no matter where you are, the Diwali glow is what binds all.
Conclusion
The Diwali festivities which travel from the temples in India to the streets in London, from the beaches in Mauritius to the high-rise buildings in New York—millions are brought together in the festival and expectation. No matter where you mark your Diwali, may it be the one filled with light, love, and laughter. Happy Diwali!
