Diwali transcended the frontiers of India. The spirited, jovial nature of this celebration extends beyond national boundaries, with many other nations now observing diwali. At its core, however, Diwali’s fundamental meaning remains unchanged – that is, that of light conquering darkness and good prevailing over evil. At the same time, different countries have developed their own unique ways of celebrating this holiday through such colorful examples of cultural adaptation as Now, let’s tour across the globe and visit other countrys festivals for the Diwali.
Diwali in India: The Epicenter of Celebration
In India, Diwali is a major event for which people illuminate their houses with oil lanterns (diyas) and candles, and make beautifully drawn colorful rangoli patterns. Lakshmi Puja, lighting up of diyas, sweets feast and savoury dishes eaten together by family. The night is illuminated by fireworks that are sparkled all over with the flicker of light and the din of sound.
Diwali in Nepal: Tihar Festival
The Tihar festival is celebrated in Nepal for five days. They also worship each animal for a different day like a crow, dog, cow, and oxen. Third day is called Bhai Tika- when sibling apply tikas on elder brother’s forehead and give him flowers of marigold and offering prayer for his good health.
Diwali in Sri Lanka: Festival of Lights
The Tamil Hindu community in Sri Lanka celebrates Diwali. They use kolam (rangoli) in their houses and they also illuminate oil lamps. The light is on for the temples and devoted souls run for blessings of gods.
Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago: A Fusion of Cultures
In Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is one of the national holidays as it combines different Indian and Caribbean traditions. Culture is portrayed through songs, dances, food, lighting of Diyas, etc.
Diwali in Malaysia: Festival of Lights
Diwali is a popular festival celebrated by Malaysians with great fervour. It a public holiday known as Hari Deepavali. The Indians go to temples, light their oil lamps, give presents as well as eat some special sweets and snacks.E Kolam (rangoli) competitions are one of the attractions which highlight the creation of complex designs upon the floor.
Diwali in Singapore: A National Celebration
In Singapore, official events are organized on Diwali for the Little India district and it becomes decorated with festivity. It turns bright at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple where everyone meets together during the festivity. The cultural shows, delicacy of Indian food, and the oil-lighting ceremonies form the essence of any celebration.
Diwali in the United Kingdom: A Multicultural Affair
Vibrant Diwali festivals are staged in the UK, which has a sizable Indian and South Asian diaspora. In case of Leicester, one can hardly find a city with another diwali festival outside India. There are numerous activities as well such as Diwali parade, cultural shows, beautiful firework displays and numerous food stalls featuring diversified cuisines.
Diwali in the United States
Diwali is celebrated by the Indian communities in the US specially in cities with large Indian disapora Such festive events usually feature culture shows involving traditional dance and songs, also, illumination of lamps and candles in the evening.
Diwali in Canada: A Cultural Showcase
The celebration of Diwali reflects the diversity of Canadian cultural landscape. In big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are some of the most impressive festivities in Canada with displays of culture, dances, and Indian food.
Diwali in Australia: A Growing Presence
The culture and tradition of celebrating Diwali are getting popular in Australian cities having large numbers of Indians. Cultural shows, dance concerts and typical Indian meals are hallmarks of this festival. Festive decorations often light up public spaces.
Diwali in Fiji: A Multicultural Experience
The Indo-Fijian community celebrates this in Fiji with other cultures now becoming participants in this festival. One lights up oil lanterns, makes salah-t, and gives presents in exchange for the other. It is during this festival that the society is able to show a harmonization of many cultures that exist in Fiji.
Diwali in South Africa: A Heritage of Unity
The South African Indian community celebrate Diwali in South Africa as a time for families to come together to hold prayers and light oil lamps. This event mirrors their cultural heritage; it also offers unity and sharing among the people of that area.
Diwali in Mauritius: A Melting Pot of Traditions
As it is the case with Mauritius whose population is varied, Diwali is celebrated by the people with great zeal and enthusiasm. The celebration takes place on this day, it is a public holiday where people light oil lamps, visit temples, watch traditional dances, cook special desserts and other snack food.
Diwali in Guyana: A Time for Reflection
The indo guyanese community celebrates diwali in Guyana.>:]< Oil lamp lightening, prayers, and sharing of sweets mark this fest. This is when family members come together to reflect, give thanks, and eat!
Diwali in Pakistan: A Resilient Tradition
The people of Pakistan especially those who constitute the Sindh province celebrate Diwali, which is mainly done by their Hindu community. They celebrate this occasion by visiting temples, prayers, and also light oil lamps. However, they are some challenges but the ritual is not deterred by them.
The globalization of Diwali’s journey symbolizes that it has a message for all humans, which is light, hope, and unity. The crux of Diwali is however common despite the diversity in custom and tradition. It is a festivity which celebrates light’s triumph over darkness, prevailing good over badness and draws all people of different race under one celebration of delight and revival.