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In India, Diwali is a grand five-day festival, which includes Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
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New Delhi: The festival of Diwali (Diwali 2025) is known as the Festival of Lights. This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. On this day, people light lamps, distribute sweets, and worship Lakshmi and Ganesha. This festival holds special significance in India, and the glow of diyas can be seen everywhere.
But did you know that the light of Diwali is not limited to India, but also spreads across many other countries around the world? Yes, the festival of Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show in many countries other than India. Let's find out which countries celebrate Diwali besides India.
Diwali Festival in India
In India, Diwali is a grand five-day festival, which includes Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Cleaning houses, making rangoli, lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers, distributing sweets, and worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesha are its main rituals. Different states in India celebrate Diwali differently.
Nepal as Tihar
In Nepal, Diwali is known as 'Tihar' and is a five-day festival. It begins with Kaag Tihar (worship of crows), followed by Kukur Tihar (worship of dogs), then cow worship, and finally, the main day, Lakshmi Puja. On the final day, 'Bhai Tika' holds special significance, where sisters pray for their brothers' long life and happiness.
Sri Lanka and Mauritius
In Sri Lanka, especially among the Tamil community, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. Diyas are also lit here and traditional sweets are prepared. Mauritius has a significant population of people of Indian origin. Therefore, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm here too. People here begin preparations for this festival weeks in advance and celebrate it with great enthusiasm.
Singapore and Malaysia
Diwali is also a major festival in Singapore and Malaysia, especially for the Hindu community. Singapore's 'Little India' is illuminated with lights and decorations during Diwali. In Malaysia, it is called 'Hari Deepawali'. People wake up early in the morning, take oil baths, pray, and visit their family and friends.
Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana Caribbean
Diwali is a major festival in Fiji, where approximately 40% of the population is of Indian origin. People decorate their homes with diyas and colorful bulbs and enjoy fireworks. Similarly, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Caribbean countries of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
United Kingdom, United States, and Canada
In Western countries like the UK, USA, and Canada, a large number of Indian immigrants have started the tradition of celebrating Diwali. The Diwali parade in Leicester is considered one of the largest Diwali celebrations in the world. Many political leaders from these countries also extend greetings and participate in community events on this occasion.
Australia and New Zealand
Diwali celebrations are also held on a large scale in the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne, and in New Zealand. Local governments often collaborate on these events, making the festival a multicultural celebration.
