Diwali is the greatest Indian festival and the best thing about it is that it is not only celebrated in India but even celebrated in other foreign countries. Yes, people all round the globe celebrate this festival with zest and zeal.
Although the way of celebration differs in different countries, feelings and emotions are the same. Crackers, lights, Diyas, Worshiping God at temples, distributing sweets all around are some common traditions attached to it.
HOW AND WHERE DIWALI IS CELEBRATED
UK (United Kingdom)
The kind of Diwali, the richness of culture, the happiness and charm of celebration in The United Kingdom is no less in vigor than in INDIA. Cleaning homes, lightings, and all other kind of decoration is done, New clothes are worn by people and they get together to enjoy the special ceremony.
Indonesia
The island of BALI has a large no. of Indians living there. The celebration compared to the other parts of the country are less louder, however, it involves the same procedures, decorations, crackers and same festive spirit.
Malaysia
Better known as HARI DIWALI, the festival is celebrated all over the country with a great amount of excitement. Traditional ways are adopted for celebration in MALAYSIA like bathing and then praying in temples. There is a public holiday in the country too.
Fiji
The same kind of excitement can be found in every part of Fiji. The people there, exchange gifts and sweets with their loved ones, clean their houses and beautify them with a number of decorations and lights. Various schools and universities also host Diwali functions and parties.
Nepal
Diwali is known as TIHAR in Nepal. It is celebrated to worship goddess of wealth and the lord of beginnings. Cows and then dogs are given delicious meals. Crackers are burnt and sweets are distributed in the same way.
Sri Lanka
Popularly known as Deepawali in Sri Lanka, it is celebrated for 5 days as Hindu Tamilians are scattered all across the island. The festivities include burning of fireworks, lighting of diyas and having various rituals along with preparation and distribution of various sweets among family and friends.
Australia
The country has an estimated population of 100,000 Indians there, with the majority of them being Hindus. It is evident that the festival will be celebrated with great show and pomp. Carnivals, parties and many more special functions are arranged there. The events mainly are fireworks display, food stalls offering Diwali sweets and musical and dance performances.
Thailand
The country has given a new meaning to Diwali. Well, the celebrations here are with light and not with sound. Well, Diwali is called “Lam Kriyongh” here and main importance is given to lamps and lights. Banana lamps are used for making lamps; they have a candle, an incense and a coin, after lighting which, people leave them in the nearest river. What an amazing experience.
Canada
The Hindu community in Canada is very strong and it goes without saying that the festival holds immense importance there. Once again, the method is very similar; firecracker shows are held, places are decorated and people are full of enthusiasm to celebrate this occasion. During Diwali, Canada looks just like mini-India.
Japan
If you want a unique Diwali experience then you must surely go to Japan. There people celebrate the festival by decorating trees and with colorful lanterns. Even temples and other places of worship are decorated well. For them too, it’s a festival of prosperity and happiness.
Apart from these, there are other countries too wherein there’s holiday for Diwali. Do you want to share with us?