India (Commonwealth Union)_ On this joyous occasion of Diwali, the Commonwealth Union is extending warm and heartfelt wishes to all our readers. May the Festival of Lights illuminate your lives with prosperity, happiness, and the triumph of good over evil. May the spirit of unity that binds us in the Commonwealth continue to foster understanding, diversity, and shared celebrations. Wishing you and your loved ones a Diwali filled with light, love, and the beauty of cultural richness. Happy Diwali!
Diwali stands as one of the most globally recognized festivals, signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil in the Hindu tradition. Falling on the Amavasya Tithi of Kartik Month, this year, the Festival of Lights is set to be observed on November 12. While deeply rooted in India, Diwali is joyously commemorated across the world, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Let’s delve into how Diwali is celebrated in various countries around the globe.
India
In India, Diwali is a major traditional festival marked by vibrant celebrations. Preparations begin weeks in advance, with people cleaning and adorning their homes. The festival day is characterized by lighting oil lamps and diyas, bursting fireworks, and exchanging gifts and sweets among family and friends. It’s a time for families to unite, offer special prayers, and visit temples to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Also read: BOLLYWOOD HOTTIES DAZZLE AT MANISH MALHOTHRA’S DIWALI PARTY!
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Hindus observe Diwali with fervent prayers and traditional oil lamps. Families illuminate their homes with diyas, engaging in religious reflection and fostering unity within the community.
United Kingdom
The British Indian community celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm, with Leicester notably hosting one of the grand Diwali celebrations outside of India. The city center comes alive with a grand procession featuring traditional music, dance performances, and a stunning display of lights.
Australia
In Australia, the Indian community marks Diwali with public events in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, featuring elaborate decorations, dance performances, Indian cuisine, and cultural activities fostering community unity.
Trinidad and Tobago
In this Caribbean nation, the Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian communities celebrate Diwali with the lighting of diyas, colorful rangoli, and traditional sweet preparations, fostering cultural celebration and togetherness.
ALSO READ: MUKESH AMBANI GIFTS INDIA’S MOST EXPENSIVE CAR TO NITA AMBANI AHEAD OF DIWALI!
South Africa
The Indian community in South Africa, especially in Durban, celebrates Diwali with fervor, engaging in prayers, cultural events, and the lighting of oil lamps, reflecting the rich Indian heritage in the country.
Fiji
With a substantial Hindu population, Fiji marks Diwali as a public holiday, celebrating the festival with passion and zeal similar to India. The Fiji people observe the festival with high spirit and goodwill, following all traditional rituals.
Mauritius
On this multicultural island, the festival of Diwali is celebrated by a large Hindu and non-Hindu population and observed as a public holiday. With high Hindu population, diwali is a major festival in this island nation.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, Diwali, known as Hari Diwali or Green Diwali, prohibits fireworks, compensating with brightly lit diyas due to the ban. Though Islam is the official religion here, Diwali is a public holiday, yet the festival is prominently celebrated.
Singapore
Celebrated in Singapore as Deepavali, a significant Hindu festival of lights, ‘Little India’ becomes the focal point for festivities without the use of fireworks, bringing together people of Indian descent.
United States and Canada
Indian communities in North America celebrate Diwali with increasing recognition. Major cities organize vibrant events with decorations, dance performances, authentic Indian cuisine, and colorful firework displays, and even the White House has hosted Diwali celebrations, emphasizing its significance.
Nepal
In Nepal, Diwali, known as Tihar or Deepawali, spans five days, each dedicated to honoring different animals, highlighting the bond between animals and humans. The last day, Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tika, holds particular significance, emphasizing the bond between brothers and sisters.
Indonesia
While not possessing a significant Indian population, the island of Bali celebrates Diwali with rituals similar to those in India, involving crackers, lantern releases, and other traditional practices.
Diwali unites people worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and serving as a beacon of joy, unity, and the victory of good over evil. The diversity and inclusivity of its global celebrations showcase cultural harmony, making Diwali a shining example of unity amid diversity.
