Although Diwali originated in India, its festive spirit shines well beyond the country’s borders. All over the world, you can see doorsteps decorated with rangoli, city centres illuminated by diyas, and communities that have passed on the tradition from one generation to the next. If you’ve ever wondered which countries celebrate Diwali, then keep reading.
Why Diwali Is Celebrated Globally
India’s diaspora is one of the largest in the world. As Indian communities settled across continents over generations, they carried their traditions with them. Today, in places with significant Indian, Hindu, Sikh or Jain communities, Diwali is celebrated through public events or community gatherings.
The festival is not limited to any one religion either, since Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists all have their own reasons for observing it, and therefore the celebrations go beyond what one might anticipate.
Countries That Celebrate Diwali
Here’s where you can witness Diwali being celebrated beyond India’s borders:
Australia
Australia has a growing South Asian community, and cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane regularly host Diwali festivals. These are usually large public events with cultural performances, food stalls, and fireworks. In recent years, local councils and cultural organisations have helped these events grow and made them accessible to people from all backgrounds. Check local event schedules and opening hours before you head out.
Mauritius
Diwali is a public holiday in Mauritius. Nearly 70% of the island’s population traces its roots to India, which means the festival isn’t just a community event but a national one. Homes are decorated with oil lamps, and the island takes on a distinctly festive atmosphere for the duration.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Tamil and South Asian communities celebrate Diwali, locally referred to as Deepavali, which is a gazetted public holiday. Shopping centres put up decorations weeks in advance, and Little India in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang sees large-scale celebrations with traditional music, food, and kolam art.
Britain
The UK has one of the largest Indian diasporas outside of Asia, and Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Cities such as Leicester, London, and Birmingham host major festivities, with Leicester drawing large crowds each year for its famous Diwali lights, cultural performances, and city-centre celebrations.
Why Travel Insurance Matters for Your Diwali Trip Abroad
A Diwali trip abroad can be a memorable experience, and the right travel insurance adds an extra layer of reassurance. Depending on your policy, travel insurance typically covers situations like trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, lost baggage, and flight delays.
Coverage differs from one insurer to the next, so read the policy document carefully. Check the limits, exclusions, and claim steps before you decide. Once you have picked your policy, you can buy international travel insurance online in a few minutes and have it ready before the journey begins.
Conclusion
From Mauritius to Melbourne, Diwali has found its place in corners of the world you might not have expected. Each Diwali-celebrating country brings something a little different to the celebration, shaped by the communities that have called those places home for generations. If experiencing Diwali abroad is on your list, now you know where to start.
FAQs
1. Why is Diwali popular internationally?
Diwali is celebrated in many parts of the world, largely thanks to Indian communities who carried the festival with them as they settled in different countries. It is also celebrated by people from different religious backgrounds, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, each with their own traditions and reasons for marking the occasion.
2. Is Diwali a public holiday in these countries?
It depends on the country. Mauritius and Malaysia officially recognise Diwali as a public holiday. In countries like the UK and Australia, it isn’t a national holiday, but large-scale community events and local government support have made it a visible celebration nonetheless.
3. Are Diwali celebrations similar across these countries?
Lights, sweets, and prayers are an important element of Diwali everywhere, but the way the festival is celebrated in each country is determined by local customs and traditions.
Related Articles
Best Places For A Christmas Vacation
Best Places to Visit in Dubai in December
Famous Music Festivals in the World
Guide to Thai New Year: Songkran Festival of Thailand
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure/policy wordings carefully for detailed information about risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.