Diwali in foreign land: 12 International Destinations where Diwali is Celebrated

Diwali is the most extravagant festival amongst all Hindu’s festivals. The country glitter with lights and it gives one more reason to meet folks. For many it’s time to be with family but there are few who prefers a quick escape during the holidays. So, if you are in these 12 countries you can have the best of both the worlds – celebrate Diwali with a little cultural twist and explore a new destination!! 

LONG LIVE THE TRAVEL BUG J

1. Nepal

Our neighbor celebrates 5 days of festival which is similar to what happens in India but with a difference. They call Diwali as “Tihar” where Day 1 is for worshipping the Cows, Day 2 for Dogs, Day 3 is all about lights and crackers, Day 4 to pray the God of death – Yam and Day 5 is Bhaiya Dooj.

Image Source: TheHindu

2. Indonesia

The population of Hindus present in Bali is in great numbers hence you can feel the festivity in the beautiful island. The people in Bali decorate their houses, burn lamps and lights and pray on Diwali. There cannot be a better time to visit Bali.

Image Source: villa blog

3. Sri Lanka

India’s neighbor down south shares the India’s history because of ‘Ramayana’. It is said that there are still traces left in Sri Lanka which proves Ramayana happened. Though Diwali is not celebrated in a traditional way but people light oil lamps and visit each other for splendid meals.

Image Source: srilanka.se

4. Thailand

Yes, not just for exotic beaches, enjoyable nightlife and picturesque locales, visit Thailand for the beautiful festival of Diwali or ‘Lam Kriyongh’ as they call it. People make diya’s with banana leaf and make it float in the river after placing candles in it. The tradition for flying lanterns is also popular.  

Image Source: ktshores

5. Singapore

Singapore too enjoys Diwali sans cracker. It has 18 Hindu temples and a place call “Little India” where you can find many Indian restaurants as well. The streets are lit up and the festival is enjoyed with family and friends.

Image Source: wikipedia

6. Japan

The sky radiates with thousands of flying lanterns and people hang lanterns and other hangings in the orchards and trees. The Diwali in Japan is very different from India as boating is preferred on that day and song & dance activities can be seen everywhere.

Image Source: panrimo

7. Mauritius

With a large Hindu population and own version of Ramayana, Mauritius celebrates Diwali in a grand way. For the country, Diwali is celebrated as Lord Krishna killed the Demon Narkasuran on this day. The rest of the celebrations is similar to what we do in India.

Image Source: demotix

8. Malaysia

‘Hari Diwali’ is celebrated in Malaysia in South Indian tradition of oil bathing before they offer the final prayers. Even though the Hindu population is less than 10%, Diwali is still celebrated across the country in a grandeur way.

Image Source: internet

9. Myanmar

Touching our eastern border is the country of Myanmar. It has Hindu population because of its proximity to India. They too follow the solar calendar and celebrate Diwali as we do in India with addition of traditional song and dance performances.

Image Source: mediacache

10. Guyana

With 33% of Indian population, this country in northeast cost of South America started Diwali celebrations way back in 1853 with migrating Indian. Loads of food, lights and meeting people marks the celebration of Diwali.

Image Source: Flickr KPillay

11. Britain

The Indians are the second largest ethnic minority in Britain. The occasion starts with visiting the temples to pray Goddess Lakshmi which they make especially for Diwali. The lamps and Diyas are lighted, sweets are made, tempting dinner is served and conch shell is blown during the prayer session of Lakshmi.

Image Source: rikbasra.com

12. South Africa

Indian South Africans form the largest group of Indian descent born outside India. Of the one million Indian immigrants, 65% are Hindus and that’s why all Hindu festivals are celebrated there, Diwali being a major one. In 2007, a book claimed the country to be celebrating 100^th Year of Diwali.

Image Source: Flickr TheAge