Diwali across the world: Celebrating light, heritage and humanity

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, may have originated in India, but its glow now illuminates homes and streets across continents. For the Indian diaspora, Diwali is an affirmation of identity, culture, and continuity; for people of other cultures, it symbolizes universal values of hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Today, from Asia to the Americas, Africa to Europe, Diwali has become a global celebration of light and humanity.
Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
In Singapore, Deepavali is a public holiday, and Little India becomes a glittering spectacle. Streets are decorated with arches of colorful lights, and cultural programs, rangoli workshops, and traditional music fill the city. Temples like Sri Veeramakaliamman host special poojas, while families perform Lakshmi Puja at home.
Malaysia celebrates Deepavali with equal fervor, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Public spaces are decorated with lights, and temples like Sri Mahamariamman attract devotees from across the region. Families exchange sweets, light diyas, and host open houses, reflecting both devotion and multicultural hospitality.
In Bali, Indonesia, where a Hindu minority thrives, Diwali is celebrated as Hari Raya Deepavali, with private home rituals, temple offerings, and community gatherings. Though smaller in scale, the celebrations focus on inner purification, lighting diyas, and cultural continuity.
Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands
In the UK, Diwali is a major cultural event, particularly in Leicester, London, and Birmingham. Trafalgar Square hosts large public celebrations with fireworks, food stalls, and dance performances. Leicester’s Belgrave Road becomes a hub for the Indian diaspora, with rangoli competitions and traditional sweets.
In France, especially in Paris and Lyon, Diwali is celebrated in temples and community halls. Indian cultural associations organize music, dance, and food festivals, often open to the public to share Indian traditions with the French community.
In Germany, cities like Berlin and Frankfurt host Diwali events in temples and cultural centers. The celebrations focus on cultural exchange, with storytelling, arts workshops, and performances introducing non-Indian communities to Diwali’s symbolism.
The Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, observes Diwali through Indian cultural associations. Public performances, workshops on rangoli and diya decoration, and communal meals allow both Indian expatriates and locals to experience the festival’s vibrancy.
North America: United States and Canada
In the United States, Diwali has grown into a major multicultural celebration. Cities like New York, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago host large community gatherings, combining rituals, cultural performances, and educational activities. Public parks, temples, and community centers light up with diyas and lanterns, and eco-friendly fireworks are increasingly used to align with sustainability. Schools incorporate Diwali storytelling and crafts to teach children about its legends and universal lessons.
In Canada, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal see expansive celebrations. The Vaisakhi Nagar and local temples organize fairs, cultural programs, and charity drives. In Toronto, public spaces feature Diwali-themed lighting installations, reflecting both Indian heritage and multicultural inclusion.
Africa: South Africa,
Kenya, and Mauritius
South Africa has a rich tradition of Diwali among its Indian community. Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria host elaborate celebrations, with homes and temples illuminated by thousands of diyas. Cultural performances, charity drives, and family feasts highlight both traditional rituals and community cohesion.
In Kenya, the Indian community in Nairobi and Mombasa celebrates Diwali with temple rituals, family gatherings, and communal meals. Light decorations and fireworks mark the festival, while schools and cultural centers introduce local communities to its significance.
Mauritius celebrates Diwali as a national holiday, with streets, temples, and homes adorned with oil lamps and rangolis. Public displays, fireworks, and cultural events make it a festival of national pride, blending Indian traditions with Mauritian identity.
Caribbean: Trinidad & Tobago,
Guyana, and Suriname
In Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname, Diwali is a national holiday, reflecting centuries of Indian heritage in the Caribbean. Homes are decorated with diyas and candles, temples host pujas, and community celebrations include music, dance, and fairs. Local flavors often merge with traditional Indian sweets and foods, creating a unique fusion that celebrates both ancestry and the local culture.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane celebrate Diwali with public events at temples, cultural centers, and community parks. Street fairs, performances, and workshops engage both the Indian diaspora and the wider Australian community. Families light diyas, perform Lakshmi Puja, and organize charitable events, emphasizing the festival’s themes of generosity and renewal.
In New Zealand, Auckland and Wellington see celebrations in temples and community halls. Diwali events here combine rituals, cultural performances, and educational programs to share Indian traditions with non-Indian residents.
The Global Message of Diwali
What unites Diwali celebrations worldwide is the festival’s universal message: light conquers darkness, knowledge triumphs over ignorance, and goodness overcomes adversity. Beyond ritual and religion, Diwali fosters community, generosity, and mindfulness. Charity drives, interfaith gatherings, and public cultural programs emphasize shared human values, allowing Diwali to transcend borders and cultures.
Modern adaptations – LED lamps, eco-friendly fireworks, and sustainable rangoli – ensure that Diwali remains relevant and environmentally conscious, without losing the essence of the festival.