Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. While Diwali has deep-rooted traditions and customs in India, it has also transcended borders and become a global celebration. In this blog, we will explore the essence of Diwali celebrated in India and other countries, delving into the traditions, cultural significance, and the unifying spirit of this festival of lights.
Diwali in India is a multi-day festival that typically lasts for five days. The main day of Diwali is celebrated on the third day, which coincides with the new moon night of the Hindu lunar month Kartika. In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11th.
Deepotsav, celebrated in the town of Ayodhya, holds a special place in the Diwali celebrations of India. Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, and Deepotsav is an annual extravaganza that reenacts the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. The entire town is adorned with millions of earthen lamps, creating a mesmerising and ethereal atmosphere. In 2018, Ayodhya even made it to the Guinness World Records for the largest display of oil lamps.
People from all corners of India visit Ayodhya during Deepotsav to witness this grand spectacle. The festival involves a series of events, including cultural programs, processions, and the main event of lighting lamps. It is a magical experience to witness the entire town illuminated by the warm glow of these lamps.
Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Each region has its unique customs and rituals. The essence of Diwali, however, remains the same – the triumph of good over evil and the importance of inner light.
In North India, Diwali is celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Rama, and people light lamps to welcome him. In West Bengal and the eastern parts of India, it is celebrated as Kali Puja, dedicated to the goddess Kali. In Southern India, Diwali marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
Key aspects of Diwali celebrations in India include lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, decorating homes with rangoli (colourful patterns made from coloured powders), exchanging gifts and sweets, and performing pujas (religious rituals). Families come together, and people visit their friends and relatives to exchange greetings and blessings.
Diwali Around Globe
Diwali is not limited to the boundaries of India. It is celebrated with equal fervor and enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora and people of various cultural backgrounds in countries around the world. Let’s explore how different nations embrace Diwali.
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London, UK
Diwali in London is a magnificent celebration that brings together the city’s diverse population in a dazzling display of lights, colors, and culture. From the vibrant festivities at Trafalgar Square, where the Mayor of London organizes annual Diwali celebrations, to the stunning light installations and lantern displays that adorn the streets, the city comes alive with the spirit of the festival. London’s Indian community plays a pivotal role in making Diwali a grand affair, with Diwali bazaars offering a wide array of traditional clothing, jewelry, and festive decorations. As the city joins in the celebration of light over darkness, Diwali in London reflects the city’s multicultural spirit, embracing the traditions and values of this cherished festival.
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Bali, Indonesia
Diwali in Bali, the Indonesian island known for its rich Hindu heritage, is a vibrant and joyous occasion. Here, the festival is celebrated with great fervor by the Balinese Hindus, who fill the temples with offerings, light oil lamps, and decorate their homes with colorful rangoli patterns. The island resonates with the sounds of traditional music and dance, and the aroma of incense fills the air. The significance of Diwali in Bali lies not only in the religious rituals but also in the strong sense of community and togetherness it fosters. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity as the Balinese Hindus come together to commemorate the triumph of good over evil and the light that dispels darkness.
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Malaysia
Diwali in Malaysia, known locally as Hari Diwali, is a festive and vibrant celebration that transcends cultural boundaries. The festival is celebrated not only by the Indian community but also by Malaysians from various backgrounds who come together to share in the joy of Diwali. Streets are adorned with colorful lights, and homes are beautifully decorated with oil lamps and colorful kolam (rangoli) patterns. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of firecrackers, traditional music, and the delightful aroma of Indian sweets and savories. It’s a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and partake in the delicious cuisine, making it a truly multicultural and inclusive celebration that symbolizes the unity of Malaysia’s diverse population.
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Fiji
Diwali in Fiji is an enchanting blend of culture, tradition, and unity. Celebrated primarily by the Fijian-Indian community, this festival holds a special place in the nation’s cultural mosaic. The festivities in Fiji last for days, with homes adorned with colorful decorations, oil lamps, and vibrant rangoli patterns. Families come together to perform traditional rituals, share delicious Indian sweets, and exchange gifts. The spirit of Diwali is not confined to the Indian community alone; it resonates throughout the Fijian society, with people from all backgrounds joining in the celebration. The colorful fireworks that light up the Fijian skies symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and the entire nation comes alive with the joyous sounds of celebration, transcending cultural boundaries and embracing the spirit of unity.
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Nepal
In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as “Tihar,” a unique and mesmerizing festival that honors animals and nature. Lasting for five days, each day of Tihar holds its own special significance. The first day is dedicated to crows, seen as messengers of death. On the second day, dogs, regarded as protectors, are venerated with garlands and treats. The third day is a celebration of cows, considered sacred in Hinduism. On the fourth day, offerings are made to oxen, who are vital to agriculture in Nepal. The fifth and final day is when the spotlight shines on the bond between brothers and sisters. Throughout Tihar, homes are beautifully decorated with colorful rangoli patterns, and oil lamps are lit to illuminate the festivities. Tihar’s unique and meaningful traditions showcase Nepal’s rich cultural diversity and deep reverence for the natural world.
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Guyana, South America
In Guyana, a small but culturally diverse nation in South America, Diwali is celebrated with remarkable enthusiasm and pride. The festival holds special significance for the Indo-Guyanese community, who commemorate the triumph of light over darkness by lighting oil lamps, decorating their homes, and offering prayers to the deities. The spirit of Diwali extends beyond the Indian community, as the entire nation joins in the celebrations, making it a national holiday. The festival is marked by the sounds of firecrackers, the sweet aroma of Indian sweets, and the sight of beautifully adorned homes and temples. Diwali in Guyana is not just a celebration of the Indian cultural heritage but a testament to the country’s unity in diversity, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups, making it a truly multicultural and inclusive celebration.
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Srilanka
In Sri Lanka, Diwali, locally known as “Deepavali,” is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country. The festival’s essence, like in many other parts of the world, revolves around the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. Sri Lankan homes are adorned with colorful oil lamps, and intricate kolam patterns adorn the doorsteps. Families come together to offer prayers, exchange gifts, and savor traditional sweets and savories. Deepavali in Sri Lanka is not limited to the Hindu community alone; it’s a festival that unites people of all backgrounds. As the island nation lights up with the glow of lamps and the sound of firecrackers, Deepavali symbolizes the spirit of unity, love, and togetherness that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
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Thailand
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Mauritius
In the island nation of Mauritius, Diwali is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and is one of the most widely observed festivals among the Hindu community, which comprises over 50% of the country’s population. The festival is marked by the illumination of countless oil lamps, both in homes and in temples, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light. Families come together to offer prayers, exchange gifts, and indulge in traditional Indian sweets. What sets Diwali celebrations in Mauritius apart is the warm and inclusive nature of the festivities. It’s a time when communities, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, join in the merriment and extend their greetings to one another. Diwali in Mauritius is not only a cultural celebration but also a testimony to the harmonious coexistence of different ethnic groups, showcasing the nation’s cultural diversity and spirit of unity.
Apart from these countries, the Indian diaspora celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm from Dubai to New York and beyond. The festival has become a global phenomenon, uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds in the celebration of light and joy.
Diwali is a festival that transcends borders and brings people together, irrespective of their cultural or religious backgrounds. It is a celebration of light, hope, and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali encourages people to light the lamp of knowledge and dispel the darkness of ignorance. It is a time for introspection, self-improvement, and a renewed commitment to living a life filled with compassion, kindness, and love.
The unifying spirit of Diwali is beautifully captured in the following video
Diwali, the festival of lights, transcends borders and unites people in a celebration of hope, love, and unity. Whether you’re in the sacred town of Ayodhya, the vibrant streets of London, or the tranquil beaches of Bali, the essence of Diwali remains unchanged. It’s a time to spread joy and embrace diversity. Just as Diwali illuminates our lives, let Geniefie Trip Planner light the path to your perfect celebration. Discover the magic of this global festival with Geniefie and share happiness worldwide.
Happy Diwali! 🪔✨🌍