Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant Hindu festival of lights symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Early Sanskrit texts, originating in ancient India, describe the lighting of lamps as a way to celebrate the cosmic giver of light. The festival spans five days and features various customs, including illuminating homes, sharing festive meals, and engaging in vibrant fireworks displays. Diwali traditions differ across regions and often honor deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Beyond its religious significance, Diwali serves as a time for families and communities to come together in joyful celebration, showcasing art, dance, and cultural heritage. Many countries around the world celebrate Diwali today, reflecting its global significance and the rich diversity of its observance.
The festival typically spans five days, each with its own significance. People dedicate the first day to worshiping wealth and prosperity. People purchase gold, silver, or other precious metals on this day, believing it brings good luck. Early morning oil baths and prayers ward off evil spirits, marking the second day of the festival. Families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and God Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, on the main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja. Afterwards, people offer special prayers and make offerings of sweets and fruits. After the puja, people exchange greetings, gifts, and sweets with family and friends.
The fourth day carries forward the festive spirit with the Govardhan Puja, where people worship Mount Govardhan. Bhai Dooj, the final day, celebrates the bond between siblings. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being, while brothers reciprocate by giving gifts to their sisters.
During Diwali, the streets and markets in India are brimming with activity, with people shopping for new clothes, jewelry, and decorative items. Food plays a significant role in the celebrations, with families preparing and sharing a variety of sweet and savory dishes. The festival also involves cultural activities like music, dance, and theatre performances.
Singapore
Diwali in Singapore centers around Little India, where festivities run from October 29 to November 3. This vibrant district lights up with colorful displays, intricate rangoli, and bustling markets. The annual Deepavali Light-up Ceremony and the Deepavali Festival Village on Campbell Lane offer visitors a rich cultural experience, showcasing traditional Indian attire, sweets, and décor. One of the main events is the Theemithi, or firewalking ritual, held at the historic Sri Mariamman Temple in honor of Goddess Draupadi. Organized by the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA), festivities also include traditional dance, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and interactive events. Visitors staying near Little India can fully experience the radiant decorations and the warm, inclusive spirit of Diwali in Singapore.
Fiji
Diwali in Fiji is a vibrant celebration with deep historical roots, dating back to 1879, when Indian laborers first arrived under British colonial rule. Today, it is a national holiday that transcends cultural boundaries, celebrated by Fijians of all backgrounds. Across the island, families light diyas and candles, and the festivities include feasting, fireworks, and a joyful spirit of unity. In Suva, the capital, markets are bustling with cultural performances, while the towns of Nadi and Lautoka are beautifully illuminated with lights and adorned with intricate rangoli designs. This national embrace of Diwali reflects Fiji’s rich cultural diversity and shared heritage.
London’s Trafalgar Square and Leicester’s Belgrave Road both host two of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, drawing visitors to enjoy diverse Indian cultural experiences. In London, the Mayor and the Diwali in London committee organized a free event with traditional dance performances, plus interactive workshops like turban-tying, saree draping, and children’s activities. Meanwhile, Leicester, a city known for its vibrant multicultural community, celebrated Diwali this year with thousands gathering along Belgrave Road to witness dazzling displays of lights, vibrant processions, and captivating performances. Devotees welcomed the Shri Swaminarayan temple, adorned with intricate rangoli art, with open arms, marking the festival with the exchange of sweets, prayers, and a shared sense of unity and joy among families and friends.
Australia
In Melbourne, Australia, Diwali takes center stage at Federation Square, where Celebrate India hosts a grand festival filled with music, dance, and cultural displays. This day-long event features performances spanning classical, folk, and Bollywood dance styles, alongside a lively bazaar offering Indian street food and handcrafted items. Visitors can enjoy circus acts, fireworks, and creative workshops like painting and crafts. The 2024 celebration also introduced an interactive Ram Darbar pavilion, bringing the story of Diwali to life and deepening the cultural experience for attendees.
Malaysia
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Diwali, known locally as Hari Diwali, is celebrated in vibrant style, especially in the Brickfields neighborhood’s Little India. This area comes alive with markets selling traditional Indian decor and festive items, while local restaurants offer Diwali-special menus. Crowds of devotees gather at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and Batu Caves, while fireworks fill the night sky, highlighting the festive spirit of the holiday. Diwali in Malaysia is a public holiday in many regions, giving residents the opportunity to celebrate and immerse themselves in this cultural event.
South Africa
Diwali celebrations in South Africa have transformed into a vibrant multicultural festival, drawing tens of thousands from diverse communities. The Durban Diwali Festival, organized by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), featured cultural activities, food stalls, and yoga sessions, highlighting its national significance. In Pretoria, over 7,000 attendees celebrated in Laudium, with Sanjay Govind of the Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj emphasizing the need for coexistence and selflessness. Consul General Mahesh Kumar hosted a celebration in Johannesburg, where current and former mayors, including Kabelo Gwamanda, appreciated the event’s cultural richness. The festivities concluded with a call for global support from singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka, reinforcing Diwali’s message of unity and shared heritage.
Trinidad and Tobago
The National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) hosts the nine-day Diwali celebration in Trinidad and Tobago, a major cultural event, at Divali Nagar, a 27-acre site in Chaguanas. The event includes daily performances of song, dance, and folk art, along with contests, a market with Indian clothing, and a food fair featuring Indian and Indo-Trinidadian cuisines. In 2024, the theme “Building Homes and Families” emphasizes the cultural importance of family. Divali Nagar’s vibrant, community-centered festivities capture the essence of Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sri Lanka
In Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Diwali is a cherished celebration among the Tamil community, with festivities centered around family and tradition. Families prepare for Diwali by thoroughly cleaning their homes, a ritual known as suthu kandu. On Diwali, families decorate with diyas, set off firecrackers, and enjoy traditional foods like pongal rice and paniyaram, a deep-fried snack of rice flour, gram flour, coconut, and jaggery. Celebrations in Jaffna are often more intimate and centered around family gatherings.
