10+ Countries Other Than India That Celebrate Diwali With Great Joy

The festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and devotion worldwide as it is in India. This festival, which represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, has grown to be a worldwide event of happiness, harmony, and spirituality. Diwali is a national or cultural holiday in many nations with sizable Indian or Hindu populations, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and Mauritius.

In these countries, temples are decorated, homes are illuminated with diyas, and families gather to offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and joy. With parades, fireworks and cultural performances, nations like Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia all participate in the festivities. Every region observes it differently, demonstrating how Diwali has crossed national boundaries to become a celebration of love, peace, and unity on a global scale.

1. Nepal

Diwali, a five-day celebration that honours animals, ancestors and gods, is known in Nepal as Tihar or Deepawali. From lighting diyas for Goddess Lakshmi to worshipping crows, dogs, and cows, every day has a unique meaning. Families exchange blessings and sweets and homes are exquisitely decorated.

2. Sri Lanka

The Tamil Hindu community is the primary celebrant of Diwali or Deepavali in Sri Lanka. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Families visit temples, light lamps, and make traditional desserts like Murukku and Payasam.

3. Malaysia

Diwali, also known as Hari Diwali, is a public holiday in Malaysia. Prayers, oil lamp lighting, and the sharing of festive meals mark the start of the celebration. Hindus in Malaysia commemorate it to represent the victory of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.

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4. Singapore

During Diwali, Singapore's Little India becomes a luminous paradise. Cultural events are planned, markets offer sweets and diyas and streets are decked out with vibrant lights. It beautifully displays Indian customs and is observed as a festival of harmony among the Indian diaspora.

5. Fiji

Diwali is a national holiday in Fiji, a country with a large number of people of Indian origin. In addition to cooking Indian food and exchanging gifts, people light diyas. The celebration is regarded as a reminder of interfaith harmony and community cohesion.

6. Mauritius

Because of its deep Indian cultural ties, Mauritius observes Diwali as a public holiday. Houses are decked out in vibrant rangolis and diyas to celebrate Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. Families get together to enjoy desserts like barfis and ladoos.

7. Trinidad and Tobago

In Trinidad and Tobago, one of the most significant cultural occasions of the year is Diwali. The Indian community in the nation lights diyas in homes and temples as part of elaborate celebrations. In the Caribbean nation, the festival represents equality, freedom, and the strength of faith.

8. Guyana

Diwali is a national holiday in Guyana, and both Hindus and non-Hindus participate in the celebrations. Families perform Lakshmi Puja, people dress in ethnic clothing, and the streets are illuminated. Across all communities, the festival fosters appreciation, love and harmony.

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9. United Kingdom

The Indian and South Asian diaspora in the UK celebrate Diwali in large numbers. Large-scale light displays, fireworks and cultural events are held in cities like Birmingham, Leicester, and London. It's a means to celebrate Indian culture and spread happiness to people around the world.

10. United States

Major US cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco all celebrate Diwali. Indian communities organise dance performances, light displays, and temple events. As a sign of cultural inclusivity and solidarity, Diwali is now observed as an official school holiday in many states.

11. Australia

Diwali is celebrated enthusiastically in Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. The Indian diaspora organises public gatherings, culinary festivals, and fireworks shows to promote unity and peace.

Diwali is now a worldwide celebration of light, happiness, and love that spans Asia and the Americas. Though the celebrations vary by nation, the message is always the same: light will always triumph over darkness and good will always triumph over evil.