9 Countries That Celebrate Diwali Apart from India

Diwali is a holy celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It brings joy, hope, love and goodwill, not just in India, but throughout the world.

Thus, we can see that numerous countries, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or culture, have adopted this magnificent festival as part of their national identity. In fact, many of them provide national holidays for celebration.

Let's look at nine of these countries spread across continents:

Affectionately called Deepavali, many Sri Lankans celebrate this festival with enthusiasm and pious faith. Deepavali is initiated by the Tamil Hindu communities of this country. The belief is that festival days gift us another opportunity to forgive, let go of past mistakes, despair and begin a new journey towards light, happiness and companionship. Families come together to share Indian sweets and spend quality time together during this period. Similar to the tradition in India, Sri Lankans believe that Diwali marks the arrival of Lord Rama after the defeat of the demon king Ravana.

Some of the prominent temples such as Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Koneswaram Temple and cultural centers in the capital city of Colombo become the focal points of celebratory functions. In fact, Sinhala communities also actively participate in the programs. Additionally, the Sikhs in Sri Lanka join Diwali celebrations by observing Bandi Chor Diwas that commemorates the release of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind from prison in Gwalior.
The Gauteng Diwali Festival is one of the most awaited and majestic celebrations of this country. People come together, light diyas, dance and fire crackers. Indeed, masses from different communities, religions and localities join this beautiful festival. Johannesburg and Durban are the two cities where Indian population is strong. For days, these places will be totally lit and filled with laughter.

Events, especially in Durban, pay homage to the history of Indian workers who first came to the country in the year 1860. Extensive religious rituals and pujas are observed in the iconic Swaminarayan Mandir as well.

In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar festival. Celebrations last for almost a week and each day is dedicated to honouring different animals such as cows, dogs and crows, among others. On the third day Lakshmi Puja takes place and people pray to the goddess for peace, harmony and wealth. By drawing rangoli, wearing new clothes and arranging cultural programs, Diwali celebrations in Nepal are a testament of the seamless infusion of Indian and Nepalese culture.

Some of the peculiar features of Diwali celebrations in Nepal include the door-to-door singing of "deusi-bhailo" songs and Bhai Tika ceremony, strengthening the bonds between brothers and sisters. During the Bhai Tika ritual, sisters offer their brothers 7 colours of tika, wishing them prosperity, happiness and long-life. In return, brothers also offer them gifts and well-wishes.

In short, Diwali is celebrated in Nepal to express gratitude and love to Goddess Lakshmi, nature and familial bonds.

The Singapore government has provided a public holiday to welcome this auspicious festival since 1929. Little India Street, which houses one of the largest Indian settlements, becomes the centre of functions and cultural performances. The whole street will be decorated, lighted with diyas, filled with flowers and colours. The night skies will also become resplendent with firecrackers.

Crowds of people visit Sri Mariamman Temple which is the oldest Hindu temple in the country, located at China Town. In the month of the festival, the iconic Theemithi fire-walking ceremony happens in the temple. Thousands of devotees walk through the glowing embers of fire, marking the universal commitment of believers to strengthen traditions, faith and brotherhood.

Places like Birmingham, Leicester and London, are home to a huge number of Indian citizens. People consider Diwali as the time to engage deeply with their traditions, cultural roots and familial bonds. Celebratory activities include arranging cultural events, cooking and sharing Indian foods and sweets, decorating homes and giving gifts.

Diwali on the Square celebration, that takes place at London's Trafalgar Square, is a large-scale event attracting people from all over the country. Cultural activities, food stalls featuring special Indian foods and traditional practices of lighting diyas and firing crackers, fill up the heart of London.

The people of Malaysia call the festival Deepavali. The cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur are the focal points of celebrations. Markets will be filled with firecrackers, Indian clothes and sweets. Besides, families clean their homes, decorate it and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.

The festive events in Malaysia are organised according to the South Indian faith of Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon king Narakasura. According to the traditional story, Narakasura symbolises evil in the world. He had a boon that he could only be killed by Mother Earth or Bhoomi Devi. But Krishna and his wife Satyabhama, who is an avatar of Bhoomi Devi, kills the demon king and brings back light into the world. Although the stories are different, the essence of Diwali almost everywhere is the same, the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali is actively celebrated in and around many of the important cities of this country, namely San Francisco, Houston and New York. Numerous public events will be organised and people enjoy moments of togetherness with dance shows, Indian cultural activities, charity and community services.

Diwali celebrations in the US also symbolises cultural diversity and universal fraternity. Many of the schools and offices close during this period. Indeed, the White House has been honouring the tradition and message of Diwali for years.

One among the most cherished festivals in this country, Diwali, is recognised as a national holiday by the Guyana government. It is believed that Diwali is an opportunity for people to develop kindness, spread love and strengthen bonds. Celebrations include inviting guests, giving gifts, sharing Indian sweets and offering Pujas.

Similar to South Africa, the tradition of Diwali was brought into Guyana by the arrival of Indian labourers in 19th century. A peculiar feature of Diwali functions in Guyana include the procession of decorated vehicles filled with lights and themes of the festival.
People believe that the festive spirits of Diwali became deeply intertwined with the culture of this country by the arrival of Indian plantation workers after 1845. Today, it is declared as a major festival. Families lighting diyas and welcoming guests into their homes, consider that their arrival spreads light, positivity and happiness.

Officially recognised as a national holiday, Diwali, is one of the most important cultural events in this country.

Diwali is a festival that is adored not just in India but by individuals from different religions, ethnicities and cultures. The fact that numerous countries celebrate this magnificent festival underlines its potential to bring our hearts together and spread love and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Japanese celebrate Diwali?
   Yes, Diwali celebrations are organised in some of the major Japanese cities and universities. The functions are initiated by the Indian diaspora in Japan, almost always with participation of Japanese friends. In fact, some people point out a spiritual resemblance between the Japanese Bon festival and Diwali due to their focus on togetherness, family bonds, light and hope.
2. Do Bangladeshis celebrate Diwali?
   Yes, Diwali celebrations take place in Bangladeshi localities with larger Hindu inhabitants. People visit temples, offer pujas, light lanterns and distribute sweets, celebrating the victory of wisdom over ignorance.
3. Where is the largest Diwali celebration outside of India?
   One of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India takes place at Leicester, UK. The phenomenal light switch-on ceremony is a central attraction of this place. Thousands of people gather in the city which will be bright with colours, lights and fireworks.
4. Do Africans celebrate Diwali?
   Yes, numerous countries throughout Africa celebrate Diwali. Even though the largest celebrations take place in South Africa, Mauritius and Nigeria also organise extensive functions. Diwali is a public holiday in Mauritius and prominent Nigerian cities such as Lagos arrange cultural programs exhibiting the integration of different cultures.