Well, Diwali is around the corner, and you will see the whole of India in a state of preparation. This is a big-scale festival celebrated in the country, a festival of lights. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. I have always been curious about all the rituals and traditions we practice during Diwali, and it turns out that from lighting a lamp, drawing rangoli, to making snacks and sweets, all have years of historical, cultural, and social importance associated with them. 

With this curiosity and exploration, I not only found the meaning behind the rituals but also got to know that this essence travels through India and beyond borders. Diwali is celebrated in over 20 countries worldwide, uniting people with emotions and festivity. So let's understand what the essence of the festival is, how it is celebrated worldwide, and whether is it different from Diwali in India? 

Illuminating Hearts and Homes: Understanding the True Essence of Diwali

Diwali, the word in English translates to line or rows of diyas, the lamp. According to belief, this day is celebrated in remembrance of the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom after 14 years. It is said that when the loved prince retired, people lit lamps and diyas on his way, so today, lighting is symbolic of Lord Ram's welcome in our humble abode. Some believe that it is to draw away the darkness, and the decorated Rangoli is to establish the positivity and welcome the blessing of Mata Laxmi, bringing abundance in life. 

The preparation of sweets is always a symbol of sharing happiness, joy, and goodness, and with time came the tradition of preparing Diwali sweets and snacks, also promoting social and family bonding. Diwali 2025 dates start from 17th October to 23rd October, which also marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and has deep spiritual and cultural beliefs. So, each tradition we practice has a deep significance, symbolizing health, wealth, prosperity, happiness, and joy in life, and this sentiment travels across the globe. 

Some of these celebrations I have heard from my relatives and friends in foreign and some I found through social media and searches. But you would be shocked and fascinated with these findings, as you will feel that Diwali is not just a festival, it's a celebration and emotions connecting many people around the globe. 

Worldwide Celebration: Countries That Glow With Festive Lights

• Australia: 

Diwali in Australia livens the cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where Indian communities thrive, with dazzling fireworks, vibrant cultural programs, and colorful light displays, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere that captivates locals and tourists alike. There are many temples and community centers across the country that organize prayers, giving a spiritual element to the festivities. 

They even have popular venues such as Melbourne’s Federation Square and Sydney’s Parramatta Park hosting grand events, drawing thousands of people from various backgrounds to enjoy food stalls, traditional music, and dance performances. 

• UAE: 

Recently, one of my friends shifted to the UAE, Dubai, with her husband. We connected daily as she would feel homesick, but what surprised us was that in Dubai, there are many Indian communities, and they celebrate all the festivals with pomp, and Diwali is no exception. 

In the UAE, Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations and witnesses one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India. From Burj Khalifa to Dubai Mall and the Diwali in Global Village, special discounts on food, shopping, and festival feels. If you are in Dubai or planning a vacation this season, you are in for a treat. Know all the places hosting events, do read, Our Light, Our Festival: Celebrating Diwali at the Burj Khalifa. 

• USA: 

Diwali in the USA has become a significant and widely recognized festival, highlighting its cultural diversity, bringing together people from various backgrounds to share in the joy and light. Especially the cities like New York, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago, where large Indian communities reside. One of the most iconic events would be the Times Square Diwali celebration, where masses gather to enjoy music, Bollywood dance performances, and dazzling light shows. There are Indian temples and community centers across the country that organize special pujas and prayers, allowing families to partake in spiritual rituals. Universities, government buildings, and even major corporations now celebrate Diwali in the USA, incorporating it into their annual events.

Diwali in California is another thing; the Bay Area temples organize community pujas, fireworks, and fairs. In New Jersey, the massive Indian population sees street fairs, food stalls, and grand cultural shows. Diwali in India is the biggest cultural festival, and is widely celebrated by the Indian diaspora across the United States.

• Indonesia: 

Diwali celebration outside India is a great affair, and in Indonesia, it's a joyful reminder of the shared cultural heritage between the two nations. Fostering a sense of unity and celebration among the Indian community and locals alike. With great enthusiasm, the Indian diaspora residing in cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Medan celebrate the festival. Temples and cultural centers organize vibrant events, including prayers, traditional Indian music and dance performances, and festive feasts. In Bali, where Hinduism is the predominant religion, Diwali celebrations blend with local traditions, creating a unique fusion of cultures. Communities gather to light diyas, perform pujas, and enjoy fireworks. 

• Cambodia

Though Diwali in Cambodia is not as pompous but Indian communities do celebrate it with great pomp, and Angkor Wat is the prime location for the same. Cambodia is a popular tourist destination during the Diwali season. Many Indians and foreigners conduct their own festivities and prayers in Angkor Wat, like special arti and bhajan. Having a Hindu and Buddhist origin, this temple experiences a unique cultural amalgamation.

• Malaysia:  

In Malaysia, locally the festival is known as Deepavali, which is a public holiday celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm by the Indian community. The streets come alive with vibrant decorations, colorful rangolis, and light displays. In cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, grand cultural celebrations with traditional performances, fireworks, and festive markets bring together people from different communities. Temples across the country hold special prayers and rituals, while homes are lit with oil lamps and filled with the aroma of traditional Indian sweets. 

• Mauritius: 

Diwali in Mauritius is actively celebrated by a majority of the population. Moreover, the festival holds national importance, making it a public holiday. This reflects the country’s vibrant cultural diversity and deep-rooted Indian heritage, and a symbolism of unity and togetherness, embraced by the entire nation. No doubt the large Hindu population celebrates with devotion and joy with colorful rangolis, oil lamps (diyas), and beautiful lights. Families come together to perform prayers, exchange sweets, and light firecrackers. But many public spaces and parks are illuminated with dazzling lights, and temples hold special rituals and community gatherings, adding to the festive charm of the island. 

• Nepal: 

The country is closely linked with Hinduism, and Diwali in Nepal is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival that closely resembles the traditional festivities in India. This celebration honors animals, prosperity, and sibling bonds. Each day of Tihar has its unique significance, from honoring crows and dogs to the worship of cows, which are considered sacred following Govardhan Puja and Bhai Tika (Bhaidhuj), to lighting oil lamps, decorating homes with colorful rangolis, worshiping various deities, and including the ritual of Laxmi Puja, praising the goddess of wealth. You won't find much difference, vibrant streets, families exchanging sweets and gifts, it's a joyous occasion filled with devotion and cultural richness, highlighting the country's deep spiritual heritage. 

• Singapore:

In Singapore, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in the vibrant neighborhood of Little India. Where streets are adorned with colorful lights, intricate decorations, and stunning rangolis, creating a festive atmosphere. One of the most iconic aspects of Diwali in Singapore is the Deepavali Festival Village, where visitors can shop for traditional attire, festive foods, and decorations. The festival reflects Singapore's cultural diversity, with locals and tourists alike joining in the joyous festivities, making it a significant event in the country’s cultural calendar. Cultural events and performances take place along Serangoon Road, creating a magical experience for locals and tourists alike. Temples hold special prayers and rituals, while families light oil lamps and exchange sweets as part of the celebrations. 

• Sri Lanka:

My cousin happened to be during the festival to Sri Lanka once, and she told me it resonated with our celebrations as the Tamil Hindu community primarily celebrated the festival, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces. This is also being embraced by other communities, promoting unity and harmony during Diwali in Sri Lanka. The celebration typically involves lighting oil lamps (diyas) to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. 

Homes are beautifully decorated with kolams (rangolis), and families gather for prayers, exchange sweets, and prepare special festive meals. Temples across the country hold special rituals, attracting worshippers who come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion. 

• Canada: 

Diwali in Canada is widely celebrated, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, where there are large Indian communities. Never expected it, but one of my friends shifted there, and he never got a chance to miss our Diwali get-together, as there was no difference in the enthusiasm for celebration over there compared to in India. The celebration includes vibrant cultural events, community gatherings, and traditional festivities with melas, dance events, and food festivals. 

Most of them decorate their homes with diyas and rangolis, while temples and community centers hold special pujas and prayers. There are even public celebrations featuring fireworks, music, dance performances, and food festivals bringing people together from all backgrounds to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Universities host Diwali nights with traditional dance, music, and cultural competitions — perfect for international students. Community centers and temples distribute free prasad and organize puja ceremonies.

The Diwali celebration in Canada is a joyful reflection of the country's multiculturalism, fostering a spirit of unity and cultural exchange.  

• Fiji:

In Fiji, this festival holds significant importance as one of the most celebrated festivals, especially among the Indo-Fijian community. Homes are adorned with colorful rangolis, and oil lamps are lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Temples across the country host special prayers, and families come together to prepare traditional sweets and exchange gifts. Diwali in Fiji is a true reflection of the island's rich cultural diversity and harmonious spirit. What makes the celebration unique is the way it blends Indian traditions with Fijian hospitality, creating a festive atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors. Fireworks displays light up the night sky, and community gatherings bring people together to celebrate the joyous occasion. 

• United Kingdom

Diwali in the United Kingdom is a major celebration, particularly in cities like London, Leicester, and Birmingham, where large Indian communities reside. The festival is marked by grand public events, vibrant street parades, and spectacular light displays. Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are among the largest outside of India, with thousands of people gathering on Belgrave Road to enjoy fireworks, music, dance, and cultural performances attracting thousands of people to the city. The UK hosts some of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, thanks to its vibrant Indian community. Homes are lit with oil lamps, and temples host special prayers and rituals. Communities come together to share traditional sweets and meals, making the festival a time of joy and unity. Temples across the country host special Diwali prayers, and local councils decorate streets with lights.

• Thailand: 

Diwali in Thailand is celebrated with enthusiasm, particularly among the Indian and Hindu communities. Though it is not a national holiday, temples and cultural centers in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai host special prayers, pujas, and community gatherings. The celebration includes lighting oil lamps, decorating homes with rangolis, and exchanging sweets with family and friends. The celebration reflects the spirit of cultural harmony and brings a touch of Indian festivities to this beautiful Southeast Asian country, as local customs, blending Thai culture with Indian traditions, are incorporated in many parts. Fireworks displays and festive markets add to the joyful atmosphere, and people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate the festival. 

FAQs:

1. How many countries celebrate Diwali in the world?

Ans)  Global Diwali celebration is witnessed by more than 20 countries, some are Dubai, Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Nepal, and Thailand etc. 

2. Which is the largest Diwali outside India?

Ans) With many countries indulging in the festival of light, one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India is the Leicester Diwali Celebration in the United Kingdom. Here the Leicester’s Golden Mile transforms into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing one of the biggest Diwali events in the world. 

3. Which city has the best Diwali?

Ans) This can be biased, but with any kind of glamorous celebration, nothing can beat the raw and spiritual celebration in Varanasi. It's not just a celebration but a divine experience with life flowing through the Ganga river with thousands of diyas, fireworks, and rituals, where spirituality, tradition, and grandeur make it the most enchanting and sacred experience. 

4. Is Diwali a holiday in the UK?

 Ans) No, even though the festival is widely celebrated in the UK, they do not have an official public holiday. 

5. What are the 5 facts about Diwali?

 Ans) There are many facts about Diwali, but many are unknown. Some are as follows,

• It is a 5-day festival celebrated, and each day has a different ritual honoring different events mentioned in scriptures, like Narakchaturdashi witnesses breaking a fruit symbolizing breaking evil in life, Lakshmi poojan to appease goddess Lakshmi, and remembering the re-emergence in the world

• It is called the festival of lights owing to the symbolism that Lord Ram returned, bringing light to his kingdom, or the lights they lit on the night to welcome back their beloved prince

• The decorations of Rangoli, lighting lamps, and decoration with flowers and colors all spread a wave of happiness and newness, bringing hope

• People would think it is an India-based Hindu festival, but it is not limited to the borders of the country and is globally celebrated 

• While this is an important Hindu religious festival, it is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains, each with its own special significance

6. Did Samudra Manthan happen on Diwali?  

 Ans) Yes, according to various ancient beliefs and scriptures yes, Samudra Manthan is commemorated on these auspicious days. The re-emergence of Goddess Lakshmi is during Samudra Manthan, and in remembrance of that, appeasing the Goddess, and welcoming wealth back in life, Lakshmi Pujan is celebrated. 

7. Did Krishna celebrate Diwali?

Ans) Krishna was the human form of lord Vishnu, and the answer to this is not certain, as some believe that in human form, he concluded all human rituals. But some say instead of celebrating, he created history during these auspicious days by killing the demon Narakasur, for which we celebrated Narak Chaturdashi.

In Conclusion: Diwali Uniting the World

The Diwali celebration around the world reflects the country's rich multicultural fabric, fostering unity and joy as everyone comes together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Diwali, a Hindu festival, is not only celebrated within its boundaries but around the globe with as much zeal, connecting people, sharing joy and happiness, exchanging cultural values, spreading light, promoting unity and peace. So this festive season, celebrate with more enthusiasm and spread the light of happiness, hoping for more positivity in the world. 

And talking of grand Diwali celebrations outside India, I personally would love to experience these varied yet familiar celebrations if my pocket allows, but some of them I would definitely try. Hope this was something valuable to you, and your future planning. If you see some places I have missed, do comment and share. Enjoy your Diwali. 

– P. Manika 

(Performist Content Writer)