Diwali around the world: The night sky lights up with colourful fireworks, and the houses glow with earthen lamps at dusk. People create beautiful rangolis outside their homes, and sweets are exchanged while delicious and traditional food is cooked in every household. Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India. However, the festival is not limited to the borders of this country. There are many other countries that celebrate this festival of lights just like India does. Let’s have a look at some of the countries where Diwali is celebrated with the same enthusiasm.
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How is Diwali Celebrated Around the World?
Diwali isn’t just limited to India anymore. Thanks to global communities, Diwali around the world is now a major celebration in many countries with vibrant South Asian populations. Here’s a quick look at how students experience Diwali in different countries:
Indonesia
Indonesia not only celebrates Diwali with great pomp and show, but it is also a national holiday in the country during this time. If you are travelling to Indonesia during this festival and get homesick, then you need not worry. This country celebrates Diwali just like Indi,a and you can also engage in fireworks and light up diyas and enjoy the festival away from home. Indonesia has a great influence of Hinduism and thus this festival is one of the major festivals in the country.
Also Read: Check out this blog on stunning Diwali decoration ideas to transcend your space into light and positivity.
Malaysia
Known as Deepavali in Malaysia, this festival is a major festival in the country owing to the huge population of Tamilians there. Diwali is a national holiday in Malaysia as well, and the country celebrates this festival with equal enthusiasm and excitement. As the influence of Tamilians is huge, people start their day with oil bathing and offer their prayers in the temples nearby. Since the usage of crackers is not allowed in Malaysia, it is simply celebrated by exchanging gifts and sweets and decorating homes with diyas and rangolis.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, the land of Ravana, also celebrates Diwali with great fervour. Who would have thought that Diwali is a huge deal in Sri Lanka as well? The Tamil community is scattered throughout the country; hence, this festival is celebrated just like in India. Young kids line up outside the firecracker shop, and the homes are decorated with candles and earthen lamps. However, Sri Lanka doesn’t celebrate the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana, but it celebrates the victory of good over evil. People dress up gorgeously and offer prayers in the temples.
Singapore
Singapore wonderfully celebrates Diwali, and the country lights up just like India after dusk. The ‘Little India’ in Singapore is especially a mesmerising sight. With colourful Diwali lights everywhere, this festival holds a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans. If you happen to be in Singapore during Diwal,i don’t miss out on the cultural performances and make sure to take part in the traditional rituals. Also, have a digene handy with you because you might need it after enjoying all the sweets and rich Indian delicacies.
United Kingdom
Leceister and Birmingham are the two major destinations that celebrate the festival of Diwali on a large scale. Leicester is one of the prominent cities for Diwali celebrations, and you can witness cultural performances and a Diwali village as well. The UK has a substantial number of Indians, and the major cities celebrate the festival in one way or another. Diwali has become a nationwide celebration in the UK. Although Diwali is not yet a national holiday in the country, people celebrate it with great excitement. Make sure to participate in the dance parties and events happening in your city to make the most of this grand festival.
Top Countries That Celebrate Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals around the world. From vibrant fireworks and delicious food to cultural events and religious rituals, here’s a table of countries where Diwali around the world is celebrated in style:
| Country | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|
| India | The heart of Diwali celebrations |
| Nepal | Known as “Tihar,” with unique animal worship rituals |
| Sri Lanka | Cultural performances and traditional feasts |
| USA | Growing Indian diaspora with large Diwali festivals |
| UK | Leicester hosts Europe’s biggest Diwali festival |
| Canada | University campuses actively celebrate Diwali |
| Australia | Public holiday events in some cities |
| Malaysia | National Deepavali holiday with public celebrations |
| Singapore | Streets lit up in vibrant colors for a month |
| South Africa | Community events and cultural Diwali shows |
Also Read: This will blow your mind! Check out these interesting facts about Diwali.
How to Celebrate Diwali as a Student Abroad
Feeling homesick during Diwali is completely normal, especially when you’re away from home for studies. But don’t worry! You can still make the festival special and enjoy the spirit of Diwali, no matter where you are. Here’s how students abroad can celebrate Diwali and keep the traditions alive:
- Join Local Diwali Events: Look out for Diwali parties and cultural programs organized by universities, Indian Student Associations, or nearby temples. These events are a great way to meet new people and celebrate together.
- Cook a Diwali Feast: Gather your roommates or friends and try making some classic Diwali treats like samosas, gulab jamun, or biryani. Cooking together can be a fun bonding activity.
- Decorate Your Room: Brighten up your space with fairy lights, candles, diyas, and a small rangoli at the entrance. These little touches make your dorm or apartment feel festive and cozy.
- Host a Virtual Celebration: Missing your family? Plan a video call and celebrate Diwali online. Share meals, show off your decorations, and light diyas together from different parts of the world.
- Share the Culture: Introduce Diwali to your international friends! Invite them to join the festivities, explain the traditions, and enjoy the food. It’s a fun way to spread happiness and cultural exchange.
Diwali Events at Top Universities Around the World
Many popular universities abroad organize grand Diwali parties. Check your university’s event calendar — you might be surprised at how big Diwali is on campus. Here’s a quick look at the Diwali events at Top Universities around the world.
| University | Event Highlights |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Diwali Gala with dance and dinner |
| University of Melbourne | Cultural performances and food |
| New York University (NYU) | DJ nights and festive dinners |
| University of Oxford | Diwali puja and talent shows |
| National University of Singapore | Deepavali lights and fairs |
Celebrating Diwali around the world as a student may feel different, but it’s still special. Wherever you go, you’ll find people who share your culture or are excited to learn about it. So don’t hold back! Light up your space, cook your favorite dishes, and invite new friends into your world.
This was all about the Diwali around the world. For booking the best student accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
FAQs
Diwali Around the World means how different countries celebrate this festival. It is a popular Hindu festival, but many cultures now enjoy it. Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore host big Diwali events. Students abroad can join these celebrations and feel at home.
For eco-friendly Diwali decorations, you can use old newspapers to make paper lanterns, you can use organic colours for rangoli, etc.
Although major cities in the UK celebrate Diwali on a grand scale, it is not yet a national holiday.
In countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, etc. Diwali celebrations often include large community events, temple visits and cultural performances.
Some of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India occur in countries like the USA, the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, etc.
Traditional sweets like laddus, barfis, jalebis, etc., are enjoyed around the world during Diwali.
You can find Diwali Around the World events through your university, local Indian communities, or social media. Cities with large Indian populations like New York, London, and Sydney have public Diwali festivals with music, dance, and food stalls.
Yes, many universities support Diwali Around the World. Student groups often organize cultural programs, traditional meals, and dance performances. These events help international students feel comfortable and share Indian culture with others.
During Diwali Around the World, people enjoy Indian sweets like laddoos, barfi, and gulab jamun. Savory snacks such as samosas and pakoras are common too. Some countries add their local flavors, making the food experience unique.
Diwali Around the World helps students stay connected to their roots while studying far from home. It offers a chance to celebrate, reduce homesickness, and share Indian culture with international friends. It makes studying abroad more enjoyable.
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