Diwali Celebrations Around The World

The festive spirit of Diwali is not only confined to India and her people. But with Hindus being a part of the population of many other countries, Diwali is celebrated with same craze among them as well. Distance from their motherland does not take them far away from their native culture, rather makes them more eager to celebrate their festivals

With the world turning into a global village, we find that an element of secularism has added. While Indians celebrate festivals of almost every religion, similarly, in other countries too the Indian festival have made a profound space for themselves. After all, Diwali is an occasion that fills warmth of love and brotherhood in everyone's heart.



The festival of light, Diwali glorifies the triumph of goodness truth over the darkness of evil. The message is universal. In the contemporary world when a number of countries are striving to attain peace and harmony from the threat of terror, the significance of the message of Diwali gains much more momentum than ever. Everyone is involved in development from all the fronts of their country and their people. But, there are some negative elements existing on this earth who wouldn't let the process of growth run amidst peace. Diwali comes as a warning to them that goodness is inevitable to prevail thereby destroying evil of any kind.

• Diwali In Nepal, Diwali Celebrations In Nepal
• Diwali Celebrations In Indonesia
• Diwali Celebrations In US
• Diwali Celebrations In UK
• Diwali Celebrations In Guyana

Commemorating the same spirit, various functions are organized, usually at a community level so as to celebrate the festival of Diwali to it's fullest. They organize Diwali Melas or Diwali Milans, where puja rituals are performed in the same traditional manner and then comes the turn of Diwali jollifications. Cultural programs are arranged so as to revive the Hindu tradition on foreign land. Generally, these functions are arranged by Hindus residing in the country, where their friends belonging to other religion too participate. This helps to spread the beautiful message of Diwali to every nook and corner of the world.

Diwali In Nepal, Diwali Celebrations In Nepal

Diwali Celebrations In Nepal

Nepal is the only Hindu country on the map of the world. It celebrates the festival of Diwali by the name of Tihar. Being an all Hindu country, people of Nepal have immense faith in the beliefs and philosophies in Hindu treatise and scriptures. Like most of the regions in India, Diwali holds a special place in the hearts of the natives of the country. The rituals in Nepal consist of offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha as well. But,the five days of Diwali festivities has a different flavor altogether. They observe a different set of rituals on the festive days.



First Day

The fifteenth night, which is a no moon one of Karthika marks the beginning of the festivities for the Hindu community all across the world. The first day is devoted to offering prayers to cows. Cows hold immense importance in the hearts of Hindus. She has been kept at a pedestrian equal to that of Goddess. For the particular occasion, she is taken as the representation of Goddess Lakshmi and is fed with cooked rice. A standard puja is performed of her thereby giving her the status of a divine mother.

Second Day

The second of five days is dedicated to performing prayers to Dogs. In Hindu mythology, dogs are believed to be the carrier of Goddess Bhairava. Prayers are offered to them and then their arti is performed. To commemorate dogs, they are anointed with tilak (a vermilion spot) and are fed with specially made delicacies for them.

Third Day

It is the big day for the natives of Nepal too. The festival of Diwali is observed on the same day. Grand prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. The tradition of exchanging gifts, playing cards and bursting firecrackers is highly prevalent in Nepal too. The celebrations are on their peak and people are rejoicing with joy. Ostentatious decorations can be seen all over.

Fourth Day

The day is devoted to commemorate the God of Death, Yamaraja. By the ritual of lighting the lamp called Yamadeepdaan, the Lord is appeased by people so that he keep showering his blessings on them.

Fifth Day

Bhai Tika, known as Bhai Dooj in India, is observed on the fifth and the concluding festive day of Diwali celebrations. It is a festival glorifying the pious bond of brother and sister. Girls put the vermilion spot on her brother's forehead and perform his arti. The day plays a significant role in strengthening the familial bonds.

So, Nepal, just like India is immersed into celebrations during the Diwali season. The most awaited festival for Hindus brings for them a bright hope of joy, success and happiness ahead.

Diwali Celebrations In Indonesia

Indonesia has been derived from two of the Greek words 'Indo' and 'Nesos'. The former means Indian and the latter means an island. One definition that emerges out of it is that it is the island of Indians. But, the majority of natives of the country follow the religion of Islam and only 2% of the population consists of Hindus. But, the celebrations of an important festival like Diwali cannot be skipped out even by a little population of Hindus.



The beautiful island of Bali is the place where most of the Hindus of Indonesia reside. And thus, it becomes the hub of the jubilations and commemorations of the Hindu festivals. Diwali too is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm here thereby exhibiting the richness of Hindu religion and culture. It is an occasion that brings all Indonesian Hindus at one place and doubles the joys of the festivity. Grand Diwali melas and milans are organized by them to revere the occasion. The Melas are full of swings, shows by puppeteers, jugglers and clowns. Moreover, they get to buy many Indian products in Diwali fests and fairs. Cultural programs are organized so that they get the opportunity to revive their traditions and customs the same way as they were in their native land.

The celebrations echo that of Indian celebrations. The elaborate melas provide a perfect set up for jubilations. First Puja rituals are performed and then the chirpy Diwali activities are done. Firecrackers add to zing in the the cheerful atmosphere. It is the time when Hindus living in Indonesia feel closer to their native land as Diwali revives their culture and traditions in a foreign land.

Diwali Celebrations In US

Celebrations of Diwali In USA

Though, only 0.5% of Hindus constitute of the total population of United States Of America, yet the impact of Hinduism is great in the country. With so many temples and Gurudwaaras in various parts of the country, the religion is deepening it's roots all the more. And Diwali, being the most important festival for different religions (like Sikhs and Jains) of India is bound to be celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora, irrelevant of the place they are living in.



Earlier, the celebrations of the festival of Diwali were confined to homes of these Indians, but gradually it shifted to banquet halls, stadiums and finally encircled within it's charm are the White House, City Halls and State Capitols. Special arrangements at Temples and Gurudwaaras are done so that people feel completely at home and can enjoy the festival to it's full. From countrysides to metropolises such as New York and West Coast, Diwali Melas are organized at grand levels. It acts as a convener to commute people of Indian origin to share there happiness. The Indo-American population is soaked into the jubilations. These Melas harbor sheer Indian culture and tradition where people can perform all the rituals of Diwali, be it performing puja or bursting firecrackers. The beautiful decorations containing religious and auspicious symbols of Hindus make the aura more appropriate for festivities.

Celebrations at community level like in Indianapolise is another way of celebrating the festival of Diwali. The cultural functions, Puja ceremonies, religious services like charity and distribution of food (langar), traditional style feasts and a lot more activities make the festival all the more mesmerizing. As Diwali brings along a range of festivities such as Dussehra, Navaratri and Durga Puja they only enhance their joy and make the celebrations longer.

Not only the ethnicity and beauty of the celebrations of Diwali bring Hindus closer to the land of their origin, but also binds them with the natives of that country in a harmonious bond of love and fellowship.

Diwali Celebrations In UK

Diwali Celebrations In Britain

The meaning and significance of the Diwali celebrations remains the same even for the Indians living in Britain. The festival of lights is revered with full vigor and exuberance. In Britain, the Autumn brings the festivities of Diwali that falls around the month of October-November according to the Gregorian calendar. Catch a glimpse of Diwali celebrations in Britain as we take you to the roads of Britain where jubilations are on their highest point:

Leicester

Being an area densely populated with the people of Indian origin, the festival of Diwali is quite a big event in the city. Big and small buildings, roads, temples etc are decorated with lights and flower strings. One can find the traditional celebrations of Diwali in local Temples and Gurudwaraas. Decorating houses, wearing new clothes, performing puja rituals and bursting firecrackers, be it any ceremony of Diwali, the enthusiasm of the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains of Leicester is worth witnessing.

Trafalgar Square

This place is famous for the celebrations of Diwali and most importantly they are arranged by the Mayor of the city. Situated at the heart of London, Trafalgar displays the Indian culture, traditions, heritage and customs to their best. The decorations on the occasion are enriched with auspicious and religious symbols typical to India such as lotus, om, swastika, dancing peacock and others. The beginning of the jubilation are marked by releasing colorful balloons high in the sky. Lanterns floating in the ponds look magnificent too.

Indian music and Indian settings give a warm feeling to the aura. Cultural events are the highlight of the day. Plays enacting the religious and mythical stories are performed and Indian regional dances are certainly a cherry on the cake. Prayers are offered to idols of a gigantic size of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

So, with all these vivacious celebrations, it is clear how much significant the festival of Diwali is for the Anglo-Indians.

Diwali Celebrations In Guyana

Over 33% of the population of Guyana consists of Hindus. Going back to the history of the country formerly called as British Guyana, we find that most of the Indian population of the country migrated to Guyana in the year 1853. With such a huge number of Indians living in Guyana, it is obvious that Diwali is one of the prominent festivals. There is no particular place where the intensity of celebrations is high as the populations of Indians is spread in a uniform manner all across.

Rituals And Celebrations

Like in India, the celebrations in Guyana start with the festival of Dussehra. Diyas, candles and lanterns of all kinds and types are adorning the houses as well as temples of the country. It is one of overriding events of the country at that particular time.

The day starts with an early bathe and homes are cleaned so as to pave way for Goddess Lakshmi to their dwelling place. Then a visit to the local temple is payed by members of all Hindu families. It is there all the puja rituals are performed. Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha and to Goddess Lakshmi. The purpose of the prayers remain the same, that is to ask the Almighty for health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. Soon after the prayers are over, traditional Indian mithais (sweets) are distributed. Sweets like peda, burfi, laddu and others are loved by people of Guyana. The distribution of sweets among loved ones has strings attached to the custom of the natives of Guyana as well. Their hospitable nature is well conveyed through it. Moreover, the tradition of wearing new clothes is associated with the rejuvenation of soul within human beings.

The region of Guyana is going through a cold weather phase during Diwali. But with the fervor they rejoice, is not least near to the dampness. Moreover, the warmth oil lamps and candles provide are enough to create the divine atmosphere around.

Diwali Tattoo, Ganesha Tattoo, Diwali Tattoo Art, Diwali Body Tattoo

Find the latest design of Diwali tattoo on the body which are world famous. Girls love to use heena tattoo (Mahandi) and boys love Lord shiva, vishnu, ganesh tattoo. The Tattoo world offers the best teen spirit of indian festival all over the world.

Diwali Stamps, Diwali Postal Stamps, Diwali Collectable Stamp

This is a big matter for ancient hindu culture that USPS has not approved diwali stamp on international posts. The thing must be in notice that USPS has stamps for other festivals too like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Eid, and Chinese New Year but why not Diwali. USPS needs 500000 signatures to have the Diwali stamp to include it in the international festivals stamp list.

So Join hands and help in nominating the Grand festival of Diwali in the list of USPS postal stamp category.

Diwali in India, Diwali 2009 in India, Indian Diwali festival, Celebrations of Diwali in India

Diwali in India : The complete historic guide of Indian Diwali festival and celebrations of Diwali in India and nabour countries.

The season of festivities embarks it's journey with the advent of Dussehra. The tradition of ostentatious Ram Lila arrangements is quite peculiar to the culture of India. It is a dramatized depiction of the Ramayana and commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Since the festival of Dussehra, Diwali Melas start mushrooming all around the town. They offer celebrations at grand level with big swings, food stalls, shows by jugglers, puppeteers and clowns. There are henna stalls and competitions for cultural programs as well that creates the aura of a carnival.

North India being the center of business community, for people living here, Diwali marks the beginning of the financial new year. They offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi to make the upcoming year full of monetary gains, prosperity and peace. For Lakshmi Pujan, silver coins are first dipped in unboiled milk and then offered on the feet of the deity. All the devotees perform arti of Goddess Lakshmi at the conclusion of the Puja rituals.

• Diwali in India, Diwali 2009 in India, Indian Diwa...
• Diwali in Delhi,Delhi Diwali Festival,Diwali celeb...
• Diwali in Tamil Nadu, Diwali Celebrations Of Tamil...
• Diwali in Bihar,Diwali celebrations in Bihar, Diwa...
• Diwali in Andhra Pradesh, Celebrations of Diwali I...

Thus, Diwali celebrations in India are unique and beautiful in their own way. If you are in Delhi during the Diwali season, you can experience the vibrancy of it by yourself.

Diwali in Delhi,Delhi Diwali Festival,Diwali celebrations in Delhi

Diwali in Delhi : The information about the Delhi Diwali festival and Diwali celebrations in Delhi..

Delhi represents a fusion of the entire North India culture. The festival of Diwali is celebrated with great zeal, pomp and show. There is an atmosphere of fun and frolic, which is set way before the festival comes. From President house, Parliament, Prime-Minster's residence, ancient monuments, temples to homes, every building is under the shining veil of lights of myriad colors.




Amongst the grand preparations of Diwali shopping is the foremost activity that Delhites love to indulge into. The famous shopping hubs of the city are Chandni Chawk, Kamla Market, Karol Bagh etc, which are jam-packed during the festive season of Diwali. They offer innumerable Diwali gift options that you will sit scratching your head there in the confusion of what to buy and what not. The flocking of a large crowd at the marketplace is the sign of prosperity of the buyers as well as of the shopkeepers who will earn a lot of money by selling their goods at such a large amount.

Diwali in Tamil Nadu, Diwali Celebrations Of Tamil Nadu, Diwali Festival in Tamil Nadu

Diwali Celebrations Of Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is widely known by the name of Naraka Chaturdasi and the month in which it is celebrated is called Thula. The festivities of Diwali start with the cleansing of homes, decorations with Kolam and then applying lime on the floor with four to five kumkum dots. The lights are twinkling all around through diyas, candles and other electric bulbs. The five days of Diwali are termed with different regional names. The names of the festivals in those five days are given following in a respective manner:




1.Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi, Dhantrayodashi, Yamadeepdaan

2.Naraka Chaturdasi

3.Kaumadi Mahostavam, Karthigi Deepam, Balindra Puja

4.Bali Pratipada

5.Yama Dwitheya, Bhatri Ditya




An oil bathe before the first crack of dawn marks the beginning of the auspicious day of Diwali. The head of the family applies sesame oil to the rest of the members of the family starting with the youngest one. As soon as every body is ready in their new clothes, they have lehiyan, a bitter herbal mixture. Not just it is customary to eat Lehiyan on the festive day, but the herbal mixture helps to prevent indigestion usually caused by overeating of festive food. The breakfast contains the traditional South Indian sweet dish called as Murukku along with their staple food idli or dosa. The afternoons are dedicated to the decorations and performing puja rituals. And finally comes the evening when the mirth of celebrations is flaunted with great fervor.



There is an important belief associated with the tradition of bursting firecrackers by South Indains on this day. It is a symbol of destruction of the demon Narakasura. Certain community members in the region perform Pithru Tharpanan and in order to do it, they have to go for a second oil bathe. Another famous custom of natives of Tamil Nadu is to visit the home of their newly wed daughter and present to the couple lots of crackers.



With varied sects and communities in India, the celebrations of Diwali have got a unique dimension to it.

Diwali in Bihar,Diwali celebrations in Bihar, Diwali Festival of Bihar

Diwali in Bihar : All information about the Diwali celebrations in Bihar, Diwali Festival of Bihar

Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Bihar celebrates the festival of Diwali in the raw and rugged manner as the tradition goes by. For the entire Diwali season, Ganges becomes their dwelling place. All Diwali rituals are performed here and thus, with the color of festivity the banks of the holy river look like a fantasy land.


The custom of buying utensils at the occasion of Dhanteras prior to the Diwali day, is a must among the native people of Bihar. The day of Dhanteras is associated with the legendary story of Samudra Manthan (churning of sea). People commemorate the emergence of Dhanvantri amidst the violent tides of the ocean. The rituals consist of observing fast throughout the day, which is broken in the dawn with traditional Indian dishes like puris, mitha khaja etc. In between the festival of Dhanteras and Diwali comes Choti Diwali, which is set for the preparations of the D-day. Cleansing of houses and decorating them with flowers, Rangolis and lights are completed. Crackers on a smaller scale are burst as well.




It is Diwali, when a flock of people start their day by taking bath with the nectarous water of Ganga. After they take an early bathe, prayers are offered to the Almighty. Kheel, batashe, khilone, sweetmeat etc are used as the object of offering and then are distributed among the devotees. Eating unripe coconut and having beetle is customary among them. People of Bihar still use farm products like paddy and grass baskets as gift items.

With their unique customs, traditions and rituals, it is more than apparent that Diwali celebrations in Bihar have retained the old traditional values and essence to a larger extent. Only one week after is the famous Chhath Puja, which brings once more the same enthusiasm as that of Diwali.

Diwali in Andhra Pradesh, Celebrations of Diwali In Andhra Pradesh, Diwali Celebrations In Andhra Pradesh

Know all about the celebration of Diwali in Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Diwali, Diwali Festival Andhra Pradesh!!!

Diwali Celebrations in South India

Another South Indian state drenched into the festivities of the festival of Diwali. The ancient place as Andhra Pradesh is, Diwali is celebrated in the most traditional way possible. Unlike the rituals and customs of Northern India region, the festivities of Diwali start right with the beginning of the Diwali day. The major center of jubilations in Andhra Pradesh is the city Hydrabad. Known for it's rich and amalgamated culture and heritage, the celebrations of Diwali are unique and beautiful.

Killing of demon Narakasura Tradition

The ritual of taking oil bathe and applying sesame oil is shared by all South Indian states. One of the major components of Diwali decorations there is Rangoli, which is termed as Kolam. The tradition of bursting firecrackers symbolize the killing of demon Narakasura. They believe that while dying Narakasura was asked about his last wish by Lord Krishna. On this he said that he wants to live one more day in the most grand way possible and Diwali was celebrated. Thus, for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Diwali is a festival to be observed with royalty. This is probably the reason of extensive shopping spree during the season.

Decorating Home, temples and streets with lights

The houses, temples, offices, roadways and even ancient monuments are well decorated with lights and the place looks like newly wed bride. The markets offer a myriad variety of products during Diwali as there is a high demand of fancy saris, jewelry, gift items, ornaments and other households items. Even the market places are beautified to attract lots and lots of buyers. The significance behind decorating the markets is to welcome the customer, whom shopkeepers consider a Godlike figure. From remote rural areas to the the center of Andhra Pradesh, every place is immersed into happiness and jollifications.

Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi

Other than performing prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and bursting firecrackers, there are certain peculiar customs and traditions of Diwali in Andhra Pradesh. During the puja rituals, giving bathe to the buffaloes is mandatory there. As soon as the prayers are over and celebrations stretch to the roads, making paper figures with lots of colors and glitters on it. This custom is done at a community level, usually during Diwali melas or Diwali milans. Many more programs are organized to celebrate the occasion in a grand manner.

Whatever may be the mode of exhibiting joy, the message of Diwali remains the same, that is to imbibe the spirit of goodness thereby relieving our soul from all kinds of vices.