The festival of Diwali is around the corner, and preparations, decorations, and shopping are in full bloom. This festival is the most revered event among Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities but we can witness that no one can avoid becoming a part of the festival, be it any other community or culture. In India, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and grandeur with a flavor of religious fervor.

The festival seems to be traveling across borders, becoming a worldwide phenomenon as ‘the festival of lights. With the growing cultural and ethnic diversity, the festival is celebrated in many countries, with more related to family bonding, fun, and celebration among family members. Let’s see how it is celebrated in different countries:

London, UK:

The population .of Hindus, and Sikhs in London are over half a million, thus Diwali becomes the major celebration in the UK. At Trafalgar Square, sometimes on a weekend before Diwali, thousands of people gather at the city’s heart Trafalgar Square and enjoy loads of live music, dance, delicious food stalls, rangoli art, and many things. This year, the Diwali celebrations will be held on 23^rd October.

South Africa:

The culture in South Africa is a confluence of a variety of cultures. The number of Indian migrants in the country is very significant and most of them are concentrated in the eastern regions of the Natal and Transvaal area. Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals among these people, the ways of celebration are the same as in India.

Mauritius:

Mauritius has a 63% Indian population among them, 80% are Hindus. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, the victory of Rama over Ravana, who abducted Rama’s wife Sita. The tradition of welcoming Rama by lighting rows of lamps after he killed Ravana. People buy new clothes, clean their houses, and on the festival’s night, they light lamps, enjoy sweets and fireworks with family and friends.

Malaysia:

In Malaysia, On the day of Diwali, people observe a public holiday. Most Malaysian people are Tamil, so the festival follows the South India pattern of celebration where Krishna killed Narakasura who tortured people. Among Malaysian people, Diwali is called Hari Diwali. The festival includes lighting diyas, praying in the temples, and enjoying with family and friends.

Nepal:

Diwali is the second most celebrated festival in Nepal after Dussehra. It is known as Tihar, a five-day celebration in Nepal and the country observes a long week holiday during the festival.  

It is also known as Yamapanchak, as people pray to Lord Yama, the God of death. Animals like, cows, dogs, and oxen are also worshipped to bring happiness and good fortunes at home. People wear new clothes, light clay lamps, make rangolis and enjoy with family and friends.

Trinidad and Tobago: The islands situated in the Caribbean islands have a good Indian population. 43% of the 1.3 million population are ethnic Indians. The country has a traditional way of celebration, but with some political hue as well, the Ministers of the government also take part in the celebration.