Diwali beyond borders: How nine countries celebrate the festival of lights

As Diwali lights up homes across India, the festival’s glow extends far beyond its borders. The Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, is now a global celebration that unites cultures in joy, family, and faith.
Apart from India, nine other countries also celebrate the festival of lights with equal fervor and joy.

Diwali beyond India

Nepal celebrates it as Tihar, a five-day festival honoring gods, animals, and family ties. Each day carries special rituals, from worshipping cows to celebrating the bond between siblings.

In Sri Lanka, Deepavali is observed mainly by the Tamil community with temple visits, sweets, and lamps, marking forgiveness and new beginnings.

In Myanmar, Diwali follows the Hindu solar calendar, with families lighting diyas, praying, and sharing sweets in close-knit gatherings.

Mauritius, home to a large Hindu population, glows as families decorate homes, exchange sweets, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

In Guyana, Diwali is a national holiday marking the Hindu New Year, with homes illuminated in devotion.

Trinidad and Tobago celebrate the festival with grandeur, blending music, food, and lights that highlight the islands’ Indian roots and multicultural unity.

In Suriname, the festival promotes togetherness through prayers, community events, and charity.

In Malaysia and Singapore, Diwali—or Deepavali—is a public holiday marked by oil baths, temple visits, and colorful light displays, especially in Singapore’s Little India.

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Across these nine nations, Diwali shines as a global symbol of peace, unity, and shared celebration.