A visual story: From north India to US and Fiji, how Diwali is celebrated all around the world

Diwali today is one of the most famous festivals and many countries across the globe have started celebrating it. This year, according to the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on October 24, 2022. While diyas, fairy-lights, lamps, firecrackers and rangoli are common sights on Diwali, the Hindu festival is celebrated in different ways all around the globe.

Take a look at how this festival is celebrated in various parts of India and in other countries:

1. North India: For the people of north India, Diwali is associated with the return of the Hindu God Lord Ram with his wife Sita and brother Laxman to Ayodhya after being exiled for 14 years. Hence, this festival is about celebrating the triumph of good over evil; and symbolises hope for millions of Indians. 

2. West Bengal: For West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as the festival of Goddess Kali, known as Kali Puja. 

This is combined with late-night worshipping of Goddess Kali and Kali Puja pandals in various areas. Rangoli is drawn and the night of Diwali is believed to be the night of the ancestors where diyas are lit to guide their souls on their way to heaven - a practice followed in rural Bengal even in contemporary time. 

3. Odisha: For Odisha, Diwali is generally associated with new business and trade ventures. Buying of properties, the opening of offices and shops, and special occasions like marriages are considered auspicious.

 

4. Goa and South India: Diwali is known as Narak Chaturdashi in Goa, The Hindu literature narrates that the asura Narakasur was killed on this day by Krishna and Satyabhama. Effigies of evil Naraksur is filled with crackers and set fire to celebrate this festival.  

For southern India, the festival's name remains the same, however, it differs in the celebrations. In the south, one day before Naraka Chaturdashi, the oven is cleaned, then smeared with lime, religious symbols are drawn on it, filled with water and then used on the main day for oil bath.

Rangoli, which is considered one of the auspicious parts of Diwali, is made with colours in northern India, in the south people decorate their houses with kolam designs.  

Now, let's see how different countries celebrate Diwali: 

USA: The United States introduced the 'Deepavali Day Act' on Wednesday, October 3, 2021, making Diwali a federal holiday in the country. The country also organises community parades, dinners, and fireworks to celebrate the festival. 

Fiji: Diwali is a national holiday in this country, and the festival is accompanied by light shows, a lot of firecrackers, as well as parties.  

Dubai: Diwali is widely observed in Dubai. Some schools and offices give holidays to celebrate this festival.

Singapore: Diwali is also a national holiday in the country. From concerts to lavish shows, Singapore also celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm. 

• The United Kingdom: The UK has one of the largest Indian diaspora populations and is also known for hosting the largest Diwali celebrations around the globe

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• Nepal: It is no doubt that India's neighbour celebrates Diwali. In fact, Diwali is known as Tihar in Nepal and is celebrated complete five days by the Hindus and Buddhists there.