Colors light up the night sky, lanterns glow till dawn, the scent of delightful Indian sweets fills the air, and the lively beats of traditional music echo in the streets. Yes, it's Diwali! This isn’t just any ordinary festival—Diwali explodes with traditions and joys, crossing borders to become a global celebration. Every Indian household around the world welcomes you with sweets and festivities during this time. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Ram after his victorious battle, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Imagine celebrating Diwali on the vibrant streets of Singapore or on the stunning beaches of Fiji. The lights, the laughter, the love—it's all there, wrapping you in a whirlwind of joy. Here’s a glimpse of how Diwali is celebrated around the world, with each country adding its own beautiful touch!
1. Nepal
Best Diwali Event in Nepal: Grand Tihar Festival, Kathmandu
When: OCtober 30 - November 3, 2024
Diwali, known as Tihar in Nepal, is a significant festival in the country. Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, comes alive during Tihar with colorful decorations, lighting of oil lamps, and elaborate rangoli designs adorning homes and streets. What makes Tihar unique in Nepal is the deep reverence for animals, including dogs, cows, and crows, with each day of the festival dedicated to honoring different animals.
2. Singapore
Best Diwali Event in Singapore: Deepvali in Little India, Singapore
When: October 29 - November 3, 2024
Singapore's Little India district is transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle during Diwali, with colorful lights and decorations strung all over. The popularity of Diwali here is due to the vibrant Indian community that celebrates the festival with fervor. If you're in town at this time, make sure to visit and partake in traditional Indian rituals, cultural performances, and indulge in a wide variety of Indian sweets and snacks!
3. Malaysia
Best Diwali Event in Malaysia: Deepavali Carnival, Kuala Lumpur
When: October 23 - 30, 2024
Deepavali happens to be the Tamil word for Diwali, and owing to the large population Tamilians in Malaysia, locally, the festival is better known as Deepavali! A public holiday in Malaysia, it is celebrated with a bang across the country, but particularly in its multicultural capital, Kuala Lumpur. Brickfields is known for its grand Diwali festivities, featuring cultural events, music, dance, and the lighting of oil lamps.
4. United Kingdom
Best Diwali Event in United Kingdom: Abbey Park - Leicester Diwali 2024, Leicester
When: October 31, 2024
Diwali is celebrated with much enthusiasm in various cities across the United Kingdom, with Leicester being one of the most popular destinations. The city hosts a grand Diwali event with a spectacular Diwali lights switch-on ceremony, cultural performances, and a Diwali village. In fact, all major cities are bound to have celebrations in some shape or form as Diwali is slowly becoming a nationwide celebration. Don't forget to be on the look out for dance parties and food events in the city you're in!
5. Myanmar
Best Diwali Event in Myanmar: Diwali at The Coriander Leaf Restaurant, Yangon
When: October 31, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, has a growing Indian community, and Diwali is celebrated with cultural programs, dance performances, and decorations. If you're in Bangkok this Diwali, you don't want to miss the Diwali Cruise. Festive music and food is expected on the cruise, with dhol expert King Waari & DJ Chai Singh expected to make an experience, what better way to celebrate Diwali than with indulgences over the water!
6. South Africa
Best Diwali Event in South Africa: Gauteng Diwali Festival, Johannesburg
When: October 31 - November 1, 2024
Diwali is a major holiday in South Africa, particularly in Durban, where a significant Indian community resides. The city celebrates Diwali with cultural events, music, traditional Indian dishes, and the lighting of diyas. If you're in Johannesburg at the time, make sure to attend the Gauteng Diwali Festival for the festive cheer and to indulge in Indian cuisine!
7. Thailand
Best Diwali Event in Thailand: Diwali Cruise, Bangkok
When: October 31, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, has a growing Indian community, and Diwali is celebrated with cultural programs, dance performances, and decorations. If you're in Bangkok this Diwali, you don't want to miss the Diwali Cruise. Festive music and food is expected on the cruise, with dhol expert King Waari & DJ Chai Singh expected to make an experience, what better way to celebrate Diwali than with indulgences over the water!
8. Indonesia
Best Diwali Event in Indonesia: Sounds of Diwali, Jakarta
When: To be announced
Hinduism holds significant cultural influence in Indonesia. Bali's unique blend of traditional Balinese animism and Hindu beliefs has resulted in a predominant Hindu population on the island, with numerous temples and religious traditions. Diwali, being a Hindu festival, is celebrated with reverence, reflecting the deep connection between Hinduism and Bali's culture. This celebration underscores the enduring influence of Hinduism on Bali's culture and its role in shaping the island's traditions and celebrations, including Diwali.
9. United States of America
Best Diwali Event in USA: Bay Area Diwali, Cupertino Memorial Park
When: October 12, 2024
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, has found its way across the Atlantic to the bustling streets of the United States. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Houston see grand celebrations with vibrant parades, dazzling fireworks, and fairs offering traditional Indian food, clothes, and accessories. Community centers and Hindu temples host cultural programs, prayer events, and feasts, allowing Indian-Americans and others to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and joyous spirit of this luminous festival.
10. Guyana
Best Diwali Event in Guyana: Diwali Puja in Georgetown, Cupertino Memorial Park
When: October 31, 2024
Guyana’s Diwali is a national event, reflecting the country’s significant East Indian population. Georgetown, the capital, illuminates with rows of flickering diyas and mesmerizing rangoli designs. Families come together to share traditional sweets and participate in energetic cultural performances. The celebration is marked by processions adorned with lights and sometimes even floats, making it a grandiose display of unity and festivity, emphasizing the cultural bridge between India and this South American nation.
