New Delhi: One of the biggest festivals of India, Diwali, is celebrated with various variations. It symbolises victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Not just in India, Diwali is also celebrated around the world, with a lot of fervour and enthusiasm. On the occasion of Diwali, let us know how the festival is celebrated across the world.
Deepavali 2024: How the world celebrates the Festival of Lights?
Nepal
In Nepal, Deepawali is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival honouring animals like cows, dogs, oxen, and crows. It celebrates the bond between humans and animals. The festival’s main day is called Laxmi Puja, which is for the goddess of wealth. People decorate their homes with lights and create rangolis to invite prosperity. They pray for their families’ well-being and enjoy fireworks during the celebration. The last day is Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tikka, symbolising the love between siblings.
Jaffna, Sri Lanka
In Jaffna, Sri Lanka, the Tamil community celebrates Diwali with enthusiasm. While the celebrations are more low-key than in other places, they centre around family homes and kovils, especially the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. In preparation, families clean their homes for weeks, a ritual called suthu kandu. During the festival, people decorate their homes with diyas and light firecrackers. Look out for traditional sweets and festival foods like Pongal rice and paniyaram, which are nutty, deep-fried balls made from rice flour, gram flour, toasted coconut, and jaggery (palm sugar).
Fiji
Diwali was celebrated in Fiji in 1879 when Indians arrived as indentured labourers. It is now a national holiday enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. Islanders light diyas and candles and enjoy feasting and fireworks. In Suva, the capital, a market features cultural performances. The streets and temples of Nadi and Lautoka are filled with lights and rangoli patterns.
Trafalgar Square, London
Trafalgar Square in London hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in Europe. This free event, organised by the Mayor of London, includes workshops, music, and dance performances. In 2024, expect to see Garba, Bhangra, Odissi, and Lavani dances and activities where you can learn to tie a turban or drape a saree, practice yoga, and play kho kho (similar to tag).
Leicester, UK
Leicester, England, has one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India. The main activities occur on Belgrave Road, known as the “Golden Mile.” There are street performers and the annual “Wheel of Light” (a festive Ferris wheel). In 2024, the Cossington Recreation Ground will feature a Diwali Village with food, rides, laser shows, an LED light installation, live performances, and fireworks.
Melbourne, Australia
In Australia, Melbourne and Sydney celebrate Diwali on a grand scale. The biggest celebration occurs at Melbourne’s Federation Square, which Celebrate India organises. The day-long event includes music, dance performances (from classical to Bollywood), a bazaar, Indian street food, circus acts, fireworks, and craft workshops. In 2024, an interactive Ram Darbar will be showcasing the story behind Diwali.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In Malaysia, Hari Diwali is a holiday in most areas. The Brickfields neighbourhood’s Little India is the best place to experience the festivities. Here, you can find a market with traditional items, special menus at restaurants, and impressive fireworks displays. Many people worship at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and Batu Caves.
Little India, Singapore
Little India in Singapore transforms during Diwali. The celebrations start early, as the streets get decorated with lights. Each year has a theme; this year’s theme is “family unity.” The Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association organises cultural programs, walks, tours, cooking demos, a treasure hunt, bus tours, workshops, and a busy Deepavali Festival Village.
Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago
Diwali lasts nine days in Trinidad and Tobago and is a major cultural event. The National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) runs the festivities at Divali Nagar, which covers 27 acres in Chaguanas. Activities include daily song and dance performances, folk art presentations, contests, clothing markets, and a food market featuring Indian and Indo-Trinidadian dishes. The 2024 theme is “Building Homes and Families”, which emphasises the importance of family.
