Diwali is celebrated in almost all the regions of India. Apart from India, the
festival is celebrated worldwide. It has become synonymous with the culture and
celebrations of India. People in different parts of the world celebrate Diwali
with zeal and enthusiasm. They consider the festival as the one that signifies
the victory of good over the evil. It is believed that the evil spirits are
destroyed into ashes by the fireworks. On the occasion, there are jubilations
and feasts all around. The Hindus in Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, Myanmar, Malaysia,
Nepal, Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Britain,
Indonesia, Singapore, Africa, Australia and even Southern America are known to
celebrate Diwali. In the following lines, we have given information on worldwide
Deepavali celebrations.
Diwali Celebrations Around The World
Diwali In India
Diwali is a five-day extravaganza in India. Diwali celebrations in India is
marked by multi-colored display of Rangoli designs at the entranceway of
residents, special pooja ceremonies, lines of colorful and sparkling lights and
earthen lamps (diyas), exchange of sweets and gifts, fireworks and lots of
shopping. Every home in the country shines with the glow of the dazzling lights
and candles that are lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali.
Diwali In UK
In Britain, people indulge themselves in spring-cleaning their home. They wear
new clothes and decorate their homes with fancy lights. The British city of
Leicester is notable for the Diwali extravaganza. The official switch-on
ceremony is the highlight of Diwali celebrations in Leicester. Thousands of
people witness the ceremony.
Diwali In USA
Diwali celebrations in USA are akin to that witnessed in India. In USA, houses
are decorated with earthen lamps. Spectacular display of sparkling electronic
lights is the highlight of the celebrations. Colorful rangoli are also
displayed. People in USA gather in the evenings, at a community hall nearby,
where cultural events are organized. Fire crackers are burst and Diwali sweets
and snacks are distributed among the family and friends.
Diwali In Australia
Diwali in Australia is marked by magnificent display of fireworks. The
population of Australia, with Indian origin, celebrates the festival with much
pomp and gaiety. Indians living in Australia use the opportunity to showcase
their unity in diversity and the rich cultural heritage of India. They
illuminate their homes with colorful lights and diyas.
Diwali In Mauritius
About 63% population in Mauritius has Indian origins and 80% of them are Hindus.
Therefore, the celebration of Hindu festivals is a common sight in Mauritius.
Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, after 14 years of
exile. Much like India, earthen lamps are lit in rows, in Mauritius. Goddess
Lakshmi is worshipped and crackers are burst to ward off the evil spirits
Diwali In Nepal
In Nepal, Diwali is known as 'Tihar' and celebrated for five days, in
October/November. On the first day, cows are worshipped and given offerings. On
the second day, dogs are revered and offered special food. On the third day,
Diwali celebrations in Nepal are similar to that in India, with lights, lamps
and social activities. On the fourth day Yama, the Lord of Death, is worshipped
and appeased. On the fifth and final day, brothers and sisters meet and exchange
gifts.
Diwali In Malaysia
Diwali is celebrated in most parts of Malaysia, except in the regions of Sarawak
and Federal Territory of Labuan. Nearly 8% of the population of Malaysia
comprises of Hindus, who celebrate 'Hari Diwali' that symbolizes the triumph of
good over evil. Malaysian people start their Diwali celebrations with the
traditional oil bath, visit the temples and offer prayers. Small earthen lamps
with coconut oil are lit to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the
demon-king Ravana.
Diwali In Indonesia
Although majority of the Indonesian population follows Islam - Hindus constitute
only 2% of the population - Diwali is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. The
island of Bali is famous for Diwali celebrations, as majority of the Indians are
concentrated there. They celebrate the festival by following rituals that are
native to India. The celebrations in the country are similar to that of India.
Diwali In Trinidad
Diwali celebrations in Trinidad are marked by the colorful display of fireworks.
Since 1966, the festival is celebrated for nine days and culminated with a
national holiday. Indian classical music performances, Hindu devotional song
renditions, dance shows are organized during the festival. People clad
themselves in ethnic Indian attire, to take part in the merrymaking.
Diwali In Singapore
Serangoon Road in Singapore is famous for Diwali celebrations. This is the place
where maximum people of Indian origin reside. During Diwali, the streets in
Singapore are filled with families, who are busy shopping for the festival. The
archways are decorated with flowers and garlands. Diyas are also lit. People
visit Hindu temples in Singapore to offer prayers.
Diwali In Fiji
The people belonging to the Indo Fijian community decorate their homes with
flashing lights. Apart from Hindus in the island nation, non-Hindus also take
part in the festivities. Crackers are burst by children, who take part in
various extracurricular activities held in their schools. Exchange of sweets and
fireworks are part of the merrymaking. The diyas, candles and electric lights
are lit in the evening. The celebrations are culminated by feasting.
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