How Diwali is Celebrated Around the World

How Diwali is Celebrated Around the World

Cultural Impact

As the glow of Diwali spreads far beyond India, this festival of lights has transformed into a truly global celebration. What began thousands of years ago as a sacred Hindu festival has become a universal symbol of hope, joy, and togetherness, bringing people of all faiths and backgrounds together to celebrate light conquering darkness.

From bustling cities in the UK to tropical islands in the Caribbean, Diwali’s spirit now shines in every corner of the world — uniting communities through music, food, colour, and love.
 


Browse Fireworks for Diwali

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30 pcs Gold spraklers (18') Perfect for Weddings Birthday Parties Halloween Bonfire Night Christmas and New Year - 6 Packs (30 Sparklers)
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Gold sparklers; Sparkler Length 46cm (18") including handle; Burn Time: 100 seconds each sparkler
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Diwali in the United Kingdom

The UK is home to one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, thanks to its vibrant South Asian communities.

Leicester is famous for hosting spectacular Diwali events on its Golden Mile, where tens of thousands of people gather each year for the switch-on of the Diwali lights, live performances, and grand fireworks displays. The celebration is so large that it attracts visitors from across Europe!

London also marks Diwali in style, with events at Trafalgar Square featuring music, dance, food stalls, and cultural performances. The event is open to everyone, symbolising how Diwali has become a celebration of unity in a multicultural society.

Across towns and cities, from Birmingham and Manchester to Glasgow and Cardiff, communities come together in temples, community halls, and homes to share sweets, light diyas, and celebrate with friends and neighbours.

In the UK, Diwali isn’t just an Indian festival anymore, it’s a cherished part of the national calendar, representing diversity and inclusion at its best.

Diwali in the United Kingdom

Diwali in Singapore

In Singapore, Diwali (known locally as Deepavali) is a public holiday and one of the most colourful events of the year. The heart of the celebration beats in Little India, where the streets come alive with dazzling lights, intricate rangoli art, and lively markets selling traditional clothes, jewellery, and sweets.

Temples such as the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are beautifully decorated, and the entire district becomes a mesmerising display of Indian culture that draws visitors from around the world.

Diwali in Singapore

Diwali in Malaysia

In Malaysia, where it is also a national holiday, Deepavali is celebrated mainly by the country’s large Tamil community. Families clean their homes, light oil lamps, and prepare delicious feasts.

Open houses — known locally as Rumah Terbuka Deepavali — are a lovely Malaysian tradition where families invite friends and neighbours of all backgrounds to join in the festivities. This spirit of sharing and inclusivity perfectly captures the essence of Diwali.

Diwali in Malaysia

Diwali in Fiji

In Fiji, Diwali is a public holiday celebrated by Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Schools and offices decorate their buildings with diyas and colourful lights, and communities host cultural performances and feasts.

It’s common to see people of all religions visiting each other’s homes during the festival — a true reflection of Fiji’s warm and multicultural spirit.

Diwali in Fiji

Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean, is another country where Diwali is a national holiday. The festival was brought there by Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century and has since become a cornerstone of the island’s culture.

Each year, the Divali Nagar (Diwali Village) hosts week-long cultural events featuring music, dance, exhibitions, and food. On Diwali night, the entire country glows with rows of flickering diyas — a magical sight that shows how the festival’s light can transcend oceans and generations.

Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago

Diwali in Mauritius

In Mauritius, where more than half the population has Indian heritage, Diwali is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. Families light lamps, share sweets like ladoos and barfis, and decorate their homes beautifully.

Fireworks illuminate the island skies, and even government buildings are lit up — showing how deeply rooted the festival is in the country’s national identity.

Diwali in Mauritius

Diwali in Nepal

In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival similar in spirit but with its own unique customs. Each day is dedicated to honouring different beings — crows, dogs, cows, and even brothers.

On Kukur Tihar, dogs are worshipped and adorned with flower garlands as symbols of loyalty and protection.

On Bhai Tika, sisters bless their brothers for long life and happiness.

The streets of Kathmandu shine with oil lamps and electric lights, creating a mesmerising atmosphere that captures the heart of Diwali’s meaning — respect, love, and gratitude.

Diwali in Nepal

Diwali in the United States

In the United States, Diwali is now celebrated in cities from New York to San Francisco. Iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Niagara Falls have been lit up in saffron, white, and green — the colours of India’s flag — to mark the occasion.

Universities, schools, and workplaces hold Diwali-themed events, reflecting the growing recognition of the festival’s cultural and spiritual importance.

Diwali in the USA

Interesting Facts About Global Diwali Celebrations

  • The United Nations has officially recognised Diwali, with special observances held at its headquarters in New York.
  • In Canada, Diwali is celebrated across provinces, with grand festivities in Toronto and Vancouver.
  • Australia lights up landmarks like the Sydney Opera House during Diwali celebrations.
  • In Dubai, the festival is celebrated in style in shopping malls and communities, often alongside UAE National Day decorations.
  • In South Africa, Diwali has become an important event for the Indian community, featuring open-air performances and temple ceremonies.

A Global Festival of Light

From Ayodhya to London, from Singapore to San Francisco, Diwali’s glow now reaches across continents. It is a time when people, regardless of nationality or faith, come together to celebrate light, kindness, and hope.

In every flickering lamp, there’s a shared message — that no matter where we live, the light within us has the power to brighten the world.


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