TNFRicha S Kakkar/ TNF
Diwali, India’s cherished Festival of Lights, has gone global! The five-day festival, celebrated with diyas, fireworks, and vibrant colors, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. While traditionally celebrated in India, Diwali has found its way to cities worldwide, drawing people together in joyous, colorful festivities. Here’s a glimpse into some famous global destinations known for their remarkable Diwali celebrations.
- Leicester, United Kingdom – A Radiant Extravaganza
One of the world’s largest Diwali celebrations outside India takes place in Leicester, England. The Diwali festival in Leicester’s Golden Mile is a magnificent spectacle, attracting thousands of people from across the UK and beyond. The celebration kicks off with a grand lights switch-on ceremony on Belgrave Road, where streets are illuminated with dazzling displays, fireworks, and live performances.
Leicester’s Diwali celebration brings together a multicultural crowd, making it a unique event where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Indian culture. With food stalls, cultural performances, and light shows, Leicester’s Diwali truly offers a festive feast for all senses.
- Singapore – A Little India Spectacle
In Singapore, Diwali, or Deepavali as it’s locally known, lights up the Little India neighborhood in extraordinary ways. Known for its stunning light installations and traditional decorations, Little India is transformed into a vibrant, glittering paradise for the Diwali festivities. Streets are lined with intricate rangoli art, vibrant arches, and hanging lights.
Singapore’s Deepavali celebrations also include Indian cultural shows, traditional music performances, and bustling markets filled with festive essentials. For visitors, Little India offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, making Diwali a must-see experience in this multicultural city.
- New York City, USA – Diwali at Times Square
Few events capture the spirit of Diwali in America like the annual Diwali at Times Square in New York City. Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square becomes a glowing hub of Indian culture during the festival, showcasing traditional music, dance performances, and mesmerizing light displays.
Each year, New York’s Indian community comes together to host this grand event, which draws people of all backgrounds. The highlight of Diwali at Times Square is the colorful rangoli displays, Bollywood performances, and even a simulated diya lighting ceremony, allowing New Yorkers and tourists to experience Diwali in the heart of Manhattan.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Festival of Lights in Brickfields
Diwali in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is celebrated with grandeur, especially in the Brickfields neighborhood, also known as Little India. This vibrant area transforms into a sea of lights, decorated with floral garlands, kolams (intricate floor designs), and traditional Indian music. The celebrations often extend to the famous Batu Caves temple, where devotees offer prayers to Lord Murugan, adding a spiritual touch to the festivities.
Kuala Lumpur’s Diwali celebrations showcase a blend of Malaysian and Indian cultures, making it a unique experience. Food stalls offering a variety of Indian delicacies line the streets, and the aroma of traditional sweets fills the air, creating an unforgettable Diwali atmosphere.
- Melbourne, Australia – Federation Square Festivities
Australia’s multicultural city of Melbourne is renowned for its lively Diwali celebrations, especially at Federation Square. Each year, the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria organizes the Diwali event, bringing Indian dance, music, and cuisine to the heart of Melbourne.
With Bollywood performances, cultural stalls, and traditional Indian crafts, Melbourne’s Diwali at Federation Square showcases the rich cultural heritage of India. A spectacular fireworks display caps off the event, illuminating the Melbourne skyline and marking a festive night in this vibrant city.
- Dubai, UAE – A Fusion of Lights and Luxury
In Dubai, Diwali is celebrated in a grand, luxurious fashion, with events held in various parts of the city, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Creek. The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, often lights up in colors and patterns inspired by Diwali, making for a jaw-dropping visual display. Dubai Mall hosts traditional Diwali events, including dance performances, henna art, and festive lights.
Dubai’s Diwali festivities attract visitors from all over the world, offering a unique fusion of Indian culture and Emirati hospitality. Whether enjoying the fireworks at Dubai Festival City or exploring Indian-themed shopping events, Diwali in Dubai promises a luxurious and unforgettable celebration.
- Fiji – A Melting Pot of Diwali Traditions
With a significant Indian population, Diwali is a major festival in Fiji, celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm. Families in Fiji come together to decorate their homes with diyas, cook traditional sweets, and exchange gifts. The unique aspect of Diwali in Fiji is its community-focused celebrations, where entire neighborhoods often come together to celebrate with music, food, and dance.
In the capital city of Suva, Diwali celebrations include fireworks displays, religious events, and cultural shows. The Fijian take on Diwali is deeply rooted in family and community values, making it a heartwarming experience for locals and visitors alike.
The Global Light of Diwali
Diwali’s beauty and significance transcend borders, bringing a piece of India’s
