Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India but it isn’t only India which celebrates Diwali. Various countries including the UK and Britain celebrate Diwali with equal joy and pomp as Indians do.Diwali is celebrated on a large scale in different countries, thanks to large populations of Indians abroad. However, now Diwali makes it be one of the super festivals celebrated not only by Indians but by many local people in various countries.
Check out how different countries celebrate Diwali around the world.
Known as Tihar, Diwali is celebrated for five days in Nepal where Bhai Dooj marks the last day. First three days of Tihar is dedicated in devotion to God in the form of animals like cow, dogs or crows. The fourth day is dedicated to death through the atmosphere and the fifth-day marks to be Bhai Dhooj, where a girl blesses her brothers for prosperity and happiness.
Like India, Diwali celebration in Singapore is as big and spectacular. Diwali celebration in Singapore is one among the brightest in the world. Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the country irrespective of caste and religion. The roads are completely filled with lights, garlands and color aches which made the travellers name this as Little India. Just like India, from children to adults, local Singaporians light crackers in the evening.
Known as a culture rich country, Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated here. Here, the diyas are generally made of banana leaves which hold candles, a coin, and incense. The diyas are then set afloat on a river which makes it quite a spectacular sight for the people to witness.
With almost 43 per cent of population from India, Diwali is one among the festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It holds a special place in the hearts of citizens of the Caribbean nation and the day is officially declared as holiday. The celebration of Diwali extends to nine days with many cultural programs to be observed. Various theatre dramas are done on Hindu religion along with dance celebration. Lord Laxmi is worshiped on this day along with homes and streets adorned with lights. The last day of Diwali sees the massive art of fireworks and lighting here.
Indians form the second largest ethnic group in Britain which makes Diwali a festival celebrated with great pomp and joy. With so many NRI’s staying in Britain, the joy of Diwali starts with lighting crackers. Leicester city is particularly known for its major Diwali celebrations as a large number of people gather there to celebrate the Indian festival.
Diwali is one of the oldest traditions that is celebrated in Guyana since 1853. The festival starts with the exchange of sweets and Lakshmi puja at home. Just like Indians, sweets are exchanged as a form of goodwill and Lakshmi is worshiped for prosperity in homes. Lakshmi Puja is generally arranged in most of the houses in Guyana with a custom of the lighting of crackers in evening. The legends related to the festival are similar to that of India.
In Mauritius, Diwali celebration as an age-old tradition. Beautiful rows of twinkling candles and lamps of all sorts are lit all over the island. Besides celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, the little flickering lights also symbolize the beginning of summer. The main day of the festival is considered to be extremely special and important day for the merchants to make their accounts and balances for the previous year.
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