Happy Diwali! Festivities celebrated in these countries

Happy Diwali! Festivities celebrated in these countriesOn Sunday 12 November, more than a billion people in various countries in the world are celebrating Diwali. See which ones here.

by Lorne Philpot

12-11-2023 23:16

in Culture

Diwali festivities take place in numerous countries aross the globe. Image: Unsplash

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India as well as for the many South Asians who live in other countries.

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While Diwali has its roots in India, it is also widely celebrated in countries such as South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Canada and the United States. In a some of these nations, it also holds the status of a national holiday.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS The word Diwali comes from the word Deepavali, which translates to a row of lights .

Also known as the festival of lights Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over dark, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance .

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While it is largely known as a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated across other religions including Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Diwali festivities take place in numerous countries aross the globe. Image: Unsplash

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS According to tradition, those who celebrate will light rows of clay oil lamps outside their homes.

The festival often also includes firework displays bringing light, colour and excitement to the celebration.

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Different communities have unique ways of celebrating Diwali, but all of them include plenty of lights and fireworks, feasting on good food, wearing new, fine clothes, and praying.

FESTIVITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE Diwali celebrations will take place in a number of countries outside of India, where there are sizable communities of Hindu beliefs.

SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is home to an estimated 570 000 Hindu followers. The country has the largest concentration of Hindus in Africa after Mauritius.

Large numbers of Hindus arrived in South Africa in the 19th century, mostly as labourers.

Although the Hindus in South Africa came from different regions of India and spoke different languages, Diwali is the most important festival for most South African Hindus.

Diwali is a major attraction in Durban, where public festivities are held along the beachfront.

Diwali festivities take place in numerous countries aross the globe. Image: Unsplash

MAURITIUS This is another country where Hindus make up nearly half the population, and will celebrate Diwali with much enthusiasm.

Clay lamps will light up many parts of the island, creating a magical atmosphere.

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SRI LANKA Diwali holds great significance in Sri Lanka, where it goes on for five days.

The festivities include the lighting of oil lamps, fireworks, and traditional ceremonies.

NEPAL Also known locally as Tihar, Nepal celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm.

This involves gifting, decorating with lights, and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.

SINGAPORE Singapore comes alive with vibrant celebrations. This small island state with a diverse population has a sizable number of Hindu people.

Undoubtedly, Singapore commemorates this festival with great enthusiasm.

INDONESIA Diwali is a big celebration in this country, with traditions mirroring those in India.

It is also a public holiday, allowing people to connect and enjoy the festival of lights.

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MALAYSIA In Malaysia, Diwali is commonly referred to as Hari Diwali'. This translates to Green Diwali' because the country has prohibited fireworks.

However, vibrant diyas (lights) and lamps make up for the absence of fireworks.

Festival of lights

THAILAND In Thailand, Diwali is known as Lam Kriyongh, which closely resembles celebrations in India.

It occurs on the day of the full moon, of the 12th month, in the Thai calendar and features spectacular fireworks displays.

UNITED KINGDOM Festivities will take place in cities across the United Kingdom. There are an estimated 1.45 million Indians in the UK.

These communities will host grand Diwali celebrations in the UK. These festivities are almost as elaborate as those in India.

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