Imagine the night sky lit up with colorful lights, the sweet smell of Indian desserts drifting in the air, and lively traditional music filling the streets. This is Diwali, a festival that brings joy and brightness to people’s lives!
You might think that Diwali is only celebrated in India with grand celebrations. But that’s not true! Diwali has traveled far and wide and is now celebrated in many places around the world.
From parts of South America to different spots in Asia, people celebrate Diwali with as much enthusiasm as they do in India.
So, if you’re dreaming of a holiday and want to join in the Diwali festivities, consider visiting these amazing places where the festival is celebrated with great joy.
It’s a chance to experience Diwali in new and exciting ways!
Nepal
In Nepal, there is a special festival called Tihar, which is like Diwali in India. In Kathmandu, the capital city, the whole place becomes magical during Tihar. People decorate their homes and streets with bright colors and lights. They also create beautiful rangoli designs on the ground, which are colorful patterns made from flower petals and powder.
What makes Tihar extra special in Nepal is the deep love for animals. Each day of the festival is dedicated to honoring different animals. For example, people celebrate dogs, cows, and even crows. It’s a time to show respect and love for these animals, making the festival feel warm and caring.
Singapore
In Singapore’s Little India, something amazing happens during Diwali. The whole area becomes a magical place filled with bright, colorful lights and beautiful decorations. Diwali is a very special time here because the Indian community loves to celebrate it with great excitement.
If you’re in Little India during Diwali, you should definitely visit. You can join in traditional Indian rituals, watch exciting cultural performances, and enjoy a lot of delicious Indian sweets and snacks!
Malaysia
In Malaysia, there is a festival called Deepavali. This is the Tamil word for Diwali. Because many Tamilians live in Malaysia, people there mostly call it Deepavali. It is a public holiday, and people celebrate it with a lot of excitement all over the country.
The city of Kuala Lumpur, which is very diverse, has big celebrations for Deepavali. In an area called Brickfields, the festival is especially grand. There are cultural events, music, and dance. People also light up lots of oil lamps, making everything bright and beautiful. It’s a time full of joy and celebration.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, people celebrate Diwali with a lot of excitement. Leicester is one of the most famous places for this festival. The city has a big Diwali event with a special lights ceremony, fun cultural performances, and a Diwali village.
Other big cities also join in the celebrations. Diwali is becoming popular all over the country. So, if you are in any city during Diwali, watch out for dance parties and tasty food events!
Bangkok
In Bangkok, Thailand, people from India are growing in number. They love celebrating Diwali, which is a big festival. During Diwali, there are special cultural programs, dance performances, and lots of beautiful decorations.
If you are in Bangkok during Diwali, you should check out the Diwali Cruise. On this cruise, you will enjoy festive music and delicious food. The cruise will have dhol and DJ, who will make the celebration extra special. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Diwali with great music and food while cruising on the water!
South Africa
In South Africa, Diwali is a big holiday, especially in Durban, where many Indian people live. In Durban, people celebrate Diwali with special events. They enjoy music, eat traditional Indian food, and light diyas, which are small oil lamps.
If you are in Johannesburg during Diwali, you should go to the SoluLab Diwali Dhamaka. It’s a fun event where you can feel the festive spirit and taste delicious Indian food!
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, many Indians live and celebrate Diwali with great joy. The city lights up with colorful decorations, cultural programs, and dance performances.
This year, if you are in Hong Kong for Diwali, you should join the Diwali Cruise. On this special cruise, you can enjoy festive music and delicious food while floating on the water. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Diwali with fun and indulgence on the water!
Indonesia
In Indonesia, especially in Bali, Hinduism is very important. The people in Bali mix their old beliefs with Hindu ideas, which makes Hinduism a big part of their lives. There are many Hindu temples in Bali, and the people follow many Hindu traditions.
One special Hindu festival is Diwali. In Bali, people celebrate Diwali with great respect. This festival shows how deeply Hinduism is tied to the culture of Bali. The way people celebrate Diwali and other traditions in Bali highlights how Hinduism continues to shape their way of life.
Caribbean
In Trinidad and Tobago, people from the community come together to celebrate Diwali. They have a big party with lots of fun activities. There are stage performances where actors put on skits showing Hindu culture and the joy of Diwali.
The smell of delicious food fills the air, making the celebration even more special. It’s a great place to celebrate Diwali, just like in India.
Australia
Australia has many people from India, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. In Melbourne, there’s a big Diwali celebration at Federation Square. It’s the largest Diwali event in Australia.
At this celebration, you can see amazing fireworks lighting up the sky. There are also live performances, including traditional Indian dances and cultural shows. Diwali in Melbourne is a fantastic experience, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to celebrate Diwali outside of India.
United States of America
In the USA, there are many cities with big Indian communities. They celebrate Diwali with great excitement.
In places like New Jersey, Illinois, Texas, and California, temples have special Diwali nights. During these events, priests do traditional prayers and then everyone enjoys a delicious vegetarian dinner.
Fiji
In Fiji, Diwali is celebrated with great excitement, just like in India.
People get ready for the festival by buying new clothes, beautiful decorations, and lots of sweets. Schools and universities in Fiji also join in the fun by hosting Diwali parties. Isn’t that interesting?
Guyana
In South America, there is a country called Guyana. In Guyana, people celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, just like in India. This special celebration started in Guyana in the early 1980s.
On Diwali, everyone in Guyana gets a national holiday. It’s a time for joy and togetherness. People decorate their homes with colorful lights and candles to create a warm, festive atmosphere. They also prepare and share delicious sweets with friends and family.
Diwali in Guyana is a vibrant and important festival, bringing people together and celebrating the spirit of light and positivity. The customs and joy of the festival in Guyana reflect the traditions and celebrations of Diwali in India.
Mauritius
On Diwali, people get a public holiday. This special day is mostly celebrated by Hindus, who make up half of the people in the country.
To make the day feel festive, people light up earthen lamps outside their homes. This adds a warm and joyful glow to the celebrations.
Thailand
In Thailand, people celebrate a festival called Loi Krathong. This festival happens on the full moon day of the 12th month of the Thai calendar. “Loi Krathong” means “to float a basket.”
During this festival, people create beautiful baskets with flowers, candles, and incense. They float these baskets on rivers and lakes while making wishes. The sky lights up with stunning fireworks, and there are boat parades and cultural shows. It’s a time for joy, with everyone coming together to celebrate under the bright full moon.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Diwali is known as Deepawali. It is a very special and big celebration here. People prepare a lot for this festival.
Deepawali is the most popular festival in Sri Lanka. Hindu Tamilians celebrate it for five days. They enjoy with lights, sweets, and fun activities during these days.
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