Not Just India, Diwali Is Celebrated In These 7 Countries Too!
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is the most popular Hindu festival celebrated all over the world. It is a five-day festival that marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in India, but it is also celebrated in many other countries around the world.
Here are seven countries apart from India that celebrate Diwali:
1. Fiji
Fiji has a large Indian diaspora, and Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country. Fijians celebrate Diwali with traditional rituals and festivities, including lighting diyas, decorating their homes with flowers and lights, and exchanging gifts. Diwali is celebrated as public holiday in Fiji.
2. Mauritius
Diwali is a public holiday in Mauritius, and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the Hindu community, which forms over half of the country’s population. Mauritians celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and candles outside their homes, drawing colorful rangolis (floor patterns) on their entrances, and exchanging gifts with friends and family. One of the most unique features of Diwali celebrations in Mauritius is the use of firecrackers. Mauritians love firecrackers, and they set them off throughout the night on Diwali. The sky is lit up with a dazzling display of colors and sounds, and it is a truly spectacular sight to behold. ‘ Lakshmi Pooja is also performed on Diwali in Mauritius.
3. Srilanka
Diwali is also a major festival in Sri Lanka, where it is known as Deepawali. Deepawali is celebrated by the Hindu Tamil community, which forms about 12% of the country’s population. Sri Lankans celebrate Deepawali with traditional rituals and festivities, including lighting diyas, decorating their homes with flowers and lights, and exchanging gifts. They also visit temples to pray to the goddess Lakshmi. One of the most popular Diwali traditions in Sri Lanka is the “oil lamp competition.” In this competition, people from all over the country create elaborate and beautiful oil lamps. The lamps are then displayed in public places, and people vote for their favorite lamps. The winners of the competition are awarded prizes.
4. Nepal
Diwali is a national holiday in Nepal, and it is celebrated with great pomp and splendor by all Nepalese, regardless of their religion. Diwali in Nepal is known as Tihar, and it is celebrated over five days. Each day of Tihar has its own significance and traditions. On the first day, Nepalese worship Kaag (crow), the messenger of Yama, the god of death. On the second day, they worship Kukur (dog), the guardian of the house. On the third day, they worship Gai (cow), the mother goddess. On the fourth day, they worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On the fifth day, they worship Bhai Tika, the brotherhood bond. Tihar is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Nepalese exchange gifts, eat delicious food, and enjoy cultural performances. Diwali is a truly special festival in Nepal, and it is a time for joy and celebration.

5. Thailand
Diwali is known as Lam Kriyongh in Thailand, and it is celebrated with great fanfare. Thais celebrate Lam Kriyongh by lighting lanterns and floating them on rivers and lakes. They also decorate their homes with flowers and lights, and visit temples to pray. Here is a festival of light and water, and it is celebrated to thank the goddess of water for her abundance.
6. Malaysia
Diwali is a public holiday in Malaysia, and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the Hindu community, which forms over 7% of the country’s population. Malaysians celebrate Hari Diwali with traditional rituals and festivities, including Lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and candles outside their homes, Drawing colorful rangolis (floor patterns) on their entrances, Exchanging gifts with friends and family and Performing the Lakshmi puja (worship of the goddess Lakshmi).
The open house tradition: On Diwali day, many Hindu families open their homes to friends and neighbors of all faiths. This is a time for people to come together and celebrate the festival, regardless of their religion or background.
7. USA
Diwali is also celebrated by the large Indian diaspora in the United States. American Hindus celebrate Diwali with traditional rituals and festivities. Pensylvannia state even has a holiday on Diwali. Some of the most popular Diwali celebrations in the United States include:
i. The Diwali Mela in New York City is one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. It features a variety of cultural performances, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
ii. The Diwali on the Potomac celebration in Washington, D.C. is another popular event. It features a fireworks display over the Potomac River, as well as cultural performances and food vendors.
iii. The Diwali festival at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey is one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States. It attracts thousands of visitors each year for its Diwali celebrations.
Diwali is a festival of joy, hope, and new beginnings. It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, as well as in many other countries around the world. Diwali is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, good will always triumph over evil.
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