Countries That Celebrate Diwali with the Same Gusto as India

Diwali, the festival of lights, marking the victory of good over evil, is not only one of the biggest festivals to be celebrated in India but has now found enthusiastic participants around the world. Attracting people with colourful and vibrant rituals attached to it, the festival is not only restricted to the Indian Diaspora abroad but extends arms to even locals in different countries. Here are top countries that will celebrate Diwali with India on the 7^th November, 2018:

Singapore

Singapore has an entire district dedicated to culture, customs and traditions of India. Called the Little India, this district is at the centre of Diwali celebrations in the country. The entire district pops out with hundreds of colourful lights and imaginative ‘rangoli’ patterns, formed using colours or flowers. A Diwali Festival Village, selling everything from glittering decorations, peacock feathers, festive clothing and flower garlands is set up and the restaurants present their special Diwali feasts to patrons. Don’t miss attending the mesmerising Fire Walking Ceremony that is held inside Sri Mariamman Temple a week before the festival.

Dubai

Given the large presence of the Indian community, Diwali is huge in Dubai. Amongst the countless things that one can do in Dubai around Diwali, our top pick is spending time with the family at the Dubai Parks and Resorts where the festivities range from dance and music performances as well as light and fountain shows to Diwali-centric Rangoli competitions (traditional Indian decoration and patterns). A shopping haven, Dubai is even more delightful during Diwali when huge discounts are available on the purchase of jewellery, electronics and much more.

Mauritius

The festival of Diwali is a public holiday in Mauritius where a large number of Hindus celebrate the festival with people from other ethnicities. Like Singapore, Mauritius also has an area – Little India Brickfields -dedicated to everything Indian. A visit to the area around the festival earns one views of stunning decorations as well as a chance to shop for traditional Indian clothing and accessories. The major temples of Mauritius, including Sri Kondaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, are more alluring than usual with festive prayers and decorations rendering them more vibrant. Beautiful Diwali decorations can also be seen at the major malls in the city -Pavilion KL, The Gardens Mall, and Suria KLCC.

USA

The festival of Diwali also lights up America with its myriad colours. Over the past few years, the celebrations have gone mainstream, with popular American landmarks such as Times Square and Disneyland catching up on the festivities. India’s cultural diversity, heritage and arts can be learnt more about at Times Square through a range of events leading up to the festival. These include music and dance performances, food festivals and fairs where one can shop for traditional Indian craft. A Bollywood-themed lunch and dance party is how Disneyland celebrated Diwali last year.

Australia

Sydney and Melbourne are two of the major Australian cities where the festival is celebrated with a great zeal. The “Diwali- Victorian Festival of Lights” is one of the major festival highlights from Melbourne where food stalls, traditional and multicultural performances keep the atmosphere buzzing. Diwali-related celebrations have also been witnessed at Sydney’s Harris Park where people from different communities come together to dance, sing and eat in celebration of India.