Diwali 2023: Deepavali, another name for Diwali, is one of the most extensively observed holidays worldwide. This important Hindu holiday celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. However, Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya Tithi of Kartik Month, according to the Hindu Panchang. The date of this year’s Festival of Lights is November 12. Despite having its origins in India, Diwali is widely observed worldwide, spanning all societal and religious divides with great enthusiasm. But let’s investigate Diwali’s global celebrations in more detail.
Hindus in India celebrate Diwali, a traditional holiday, with great fervor and happiness. Weeks in advance, people start cleaning and decorating their homes in preparation. On Diwali, people exchange gifts and candies with friends and family, light oil lamps and diyas, and set off fireworks. Families gather during this time to offer special prayers, visit temples, and ask Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for guidance and blessings.
Diwali is referred to as Tihar or Deepawali in Nepal. Over the course of the five days of the festival, various animals, including crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, are honored on each day. It’s a special occasion that emphasizes the relationship between people and animals. The last day, known as Bhai Dooj or Bhai Tika, is especially important because it highlights the love and adoration shared by sisters and brothers.
Hindus in Sri Lanka commemorate Diwali with elaborate prayers and traditional oil lamps. Families visit temples to seek divine blessings and light diyas throughout their homes. In Sri Lanka, Diwali is a time for communal togetherness and introspection.
In Singapore and Malaysia, two countries with sizable Indian diasporas, Diwali is observed as a public holiday. However, the streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, such as elaborate rangoli patterns. Traditional Indian food, cultural performances, and a joyous atmosphere that permeates the area are all part of the celebrations.
The British Indian community celebrates Diwali with great zeal. Leicester is renowned for being the location of one of the biggest Diwali celebrations held outside of India. But a grand procession through the city center with traditional music and dance performances and a breathtaking light show that lights up the entire area is the event’s centerpiece.
Indian communities celebrate Diwali, which is becoming more and more well-known in North America. But big cities celebrate Diwali with colorful fireworks, food stalls selling real Indian food, dance performances, and decorations. Although Diwali is so important that it has even been known to be celebrated at the White House.
Australia’s Indian community celebrates Diwali with public events held in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The community comes together to celebrate the Festival of Lights through a variety of cultural events, traditional Indian cuisine, dance performances, and extravagant decorations.
The Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian communities celebrate Diwali in this Caribbean country. During the festival, diyas are lit, colorful rangoli is used to decorate homes, and traditional sweets are made. Families and friends should get together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage during this time.
The Indian population in South Africa celebrates Diwali with tremendous enthusiasm. In Durban, a city with a sizable Indian population, Diwali celebrations are especially elaborate. Prayers, cultural activities, and the lighting of oil lamps are used to celebrate the festival, which creates a cozy and colorful ambiance that honors the nation’s rich Indian heritage.
The festival of lights, Diwali, unites people from all backgrounds and cultures and transcends national boundaries. But it is a season of happiness, harmony, and the victory of right over wrong. However, Diwali is a beautiful example of cultural harmony because of the way it is celebrated around the world, which reflects the diversity and inclusivity of this beautiful festival.