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

Go Pandal Hopping this Durga Puja: Where to go in these 5 cities?

Festivity is in the air. The colours, the lights, the cheerful mood and the craze for loads of food and shopping makes this month a much awaited time in the whole year. Durga Puja is celebrated in whole of India with a lot of gaiety and grandeur. Larger than life idols of Durga, uniquely decorated Pandals, music and performances will take over all the cities.

So, where to go for the Puja fun this time of the year? We bring a list of 3 Pandals each from the following 5 cities, where you can explore the essence of Durga Puja in 2015.

Delhi

1. Chittarnjan Park (C.R Park)

Delhi’s very own “Mini Kolkata” in South Delhi, is host to some of the best Pandals. The ambience, authentic food, costume, music, language - everything will make you feel you are in Kolkata. It has multiple Pandals and you can hop from one to another in a day.

2. Kashmere Gate

The oldest Durga Puja Pandal in Delhi, which is happening since 1909, the celebrations here are more traditional. Situated in the North Delhi, go hear for classic Bengali cuisines and religious activities.

3.  New Delhi Kali Bari

In the heart of Delhi, the celebrations started in 1925 which continues till date. The Mandir Marg Kali Bari is known of its Dhaaki(Dholak) performance during the evening anjali(aarti) for which spectators come from all across India and abroad.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Kolkata

1. Suruchi Sangha (New Alipore)

It is the award winning Pandal in the “City of Joy” on two occasions for the “most well decorated Pandals”. Known for its creativity, the uniqueness lies in depicting the idol as different state theme symbolizing different cultures in India. They have already done Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, this year the theme state is Tamil Nadu.

2.  Jodhpur Park (Jadhavpur Thana)

The Pandals here are famous for wide variety of culture themes. The huge magnitude at which it is done, makes it “Not to miss” every year. The first of its kind idol made on a 3D printer out of biodegradable materials was the highlight in 2014.

3. Bagbazaar (Bagbazaar launch ghat)

In an era, when lakhs and crores are being spent on the decorations of the Pandals, the Bagbazaar Pandal is still known for its minimalism and lack of grandiose decorations. A visit to this Pandal will take you back in the time when the only thing that mattered was simplicity.

Mumbai

1. North Mumbai Sarbojanin Durgotsav (Juhu)

In its 68^th year now, it was founded by the “Mukherjee” family and hence the Pandal is famous for the celebrity quotient. Friends and family of Bollywood’s beloved Kajol, Rani Mukherjee etc. attend the feast. It is a 5 days celebration at the Tulip Star hotel (from 18^th Oct) and witness many celebrity performances so, if you want to spot your favourite superstar along with being spiritual, then head to Juhu.

2. Shivaji Park (Dadar)

For over 80 years old, in the oldest Pandal in Mumbai, the highlight is the food court. You can pick a wide range of things from Bengali food & sweets to Bengali Sarees and Artefacts even though the Pandal is not too big or ostentatious but have a unique theme each year. This year the Pandal is modelled on the famous Kalighat temple in Kolkata.

3. Ramkrishna Mission Puja (Khar)

The traditional kumara puja is performed here, in which a 8 year old girl is dressed as Goddess Durga on Ashtmi and is made to sit on the throne. Thousands of people worship her with flowers and seek her blessings. Authentic bhog is served here in the afternoon.

Image Source: Rediff

Bangalore

1. Sri Sri Durga Puja (RBANM School ground, Sivanchetti Gardens)

In its 66^th year, the Puja organised by Bengalee Association Bangalore, this one is not just the biggest in the city but amongst the top 5 in India. With the expected footfall of over 25,000 people every day, it is going to be a splendid affair.

2. Sammad 2015 (Mangala Kalyana Mantapa, South Bangalore)

5 days of non-stop music, dance and band performances, this is going to be the most pleasurable Puja Pandal. Along with mouth-watering food and majestic idols, who minds some entertainment.

3. UTSAV Durgapuja (JP Nagar)

The major attraction is the cultural program. Utsav team comes up with innovative programs which are amalgamations of Bengali culture with Indian and Global culture to celebrate the arrival of goddess amongst people from all religions, regions and walks of life.

Image source: www.urbanbinge.com

Pune

1. .Kali Bari (Khadki)

The first puja was held in 1940s and the Kali Bari Samiti was established in 1980 and since then the puja is held in the temple. Every year artists from Kolkata work on the Durga idols. A lot of hard work is put in for a variety of Bengali cuisines and numerous performances.

2. .Nandanik Kalyani Nagar Puja (Koregaon Park)

Nandanik is a group of like-minded people united by the common cause of community building and supporting the physically challenged. Aarti, pushpanjali, bhojan and culture programs will be the highlights from 18^th – 23^rd October followed by Laksmi Puja on 26^th October.

3. Banga Bharati Durga Puja (Pimpri)

Established in 1976, Banga Bharati is association of people across Pimpri Chinchwad. From Panchmi (18^th October) to Sindoor Utsav (23^rd October), there will be daily dose of culture programs with bhog and aarti. Look forward to the delicacies from Bengal being served here.

Image Source: http://punedurgapujas.blogspot.in/