Colors illuminating the night sky, the aroma of delicious Indian sweets wafting through the air, and the infectious rhythm of traditional music filling the streets! This signals the arrival of Diwali! With its dazzling array of traditions and festivities, this festival has transcended cultures & borders, evolving into a global celebration. Imagine celebrating in the vibrant streets of Singapore, or even on the picturesque beaches of Fiji. The lights, the laughter, the love—it's all there, making Diwali a global extravaganza that you won't want to miss. Here is how Diwali is celebrated around the world, across countries!
1. Nepal
Best Diwali Event in Nepal: Grand Tihar Festival, Kathmandu
When: 10 - 14 November, 2023
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: 12 - 13 November 2023
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: 3 - 11 November 2023
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 2023, Leicester
When: 9 - 14 November, 2023
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, Yangon
When: 12 November, 2023
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: SoluLab Diwali Dhamaka, Johannesburg
When: 20 November, 2023
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 SoluLab Diwali Dhamaka for the festive cheer and to indulge in Indian cuisine!
7. Thailand
Best Diwali Event in Thailand: Diwali Cruise, Bangkok
When: 12 November, 2023
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: 12 November, 2023
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.
