9 countries other than India that celebrate Diwali

Every year, when fireworks light up the sky and homes glow with diyas, Diwali brings people together across the world. Known as the festival of lights, it celebrates hope, happiness, and the victory of good over evil. Though it began in India, Diwali is now celebrated in many parts of the world, beautifully uniting cultures through light, family, and festivity. It’s a time of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal, when hearts shine as brightly as the lamps that illuminate every home, spreading joy and warmth everywhere around.

In Nepal, Diwali is called Tihar and is celebrated for five days. It happens around the New Moon in the month of Kartik and honours gods, animals, and family bonds. Each day has a special meaning– from worshipping cows to celebrating the love between brothers and sisters. Homes shine with oil lamps, and people enjoy music, dance, and festive food.

In Sri Lanka, Deepavali is primarily observed by the Tamil community and is recognized as a public holiday. Over several days, families light oil lamps, prepare traditional sweets, and visit temples. The festival is considered a time for forgiveness, new beginnings, and inviting light and positivity into life. Celebrations are marked by joy, family togetherness, and a deep sense of cultural pride.

In Myanmar, Diwali is celebrated based on the Hindu solar calendar. Families come together for prayers, light diyas, and exchange sweets. Schools and offices usually close, so everyone can enjoy the festival. Though the celebrations are smaller, they are just as warm and meaningful.

Mauritius, home to one of the largest Hindu populations outside India, celebrates Diwali as a national festival. People clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, and cook traditional dishes. Families visit each other and share sweets, while the island glows beautifully at night, showing its deep Indian roots.

In Guyana, Diwali is a national holiday and one of the most loved festivals. Families pray, light diyas, and enjoy special meals together. For many, it also marks the start of the Hindu New Year. The bright lights across the country reflect how Indian traditions have become part of everyday life in Guyana.

Diwali came to Trinidad and Tobago with Indian workers in the 1800s and is now one of the biggest cultural festivals there. Families decorate their homes, light lamps, and celebrate with food, music, and gatherings. It’s a time to reconnect with family and celebrate shared roots. The festival also brings together people of all backgrounds, showing the country’s diverse culture.

In Suriname, Diwali is celebrated with devotion and love. Families light diyas, pray, and share meals with neighbours and friends. Many offices and community groups hold events and charity drives, spreading happiness and kindness beyond homes.

In Malaysia, Diwali– called Deepavali– is a public holiday in most states. The day begins with an oil bath and prayers, followed by temple visits and family gatherings. Homes and streets are filled with diyas and colourful lights, and sweets are shared with everyone. The festival brings people together and shows unity in diversity.

In Singapore, Diwali has been a public holiday since 1929. Families light diyas, visit temples, and celebrate with prayers and festive meals. Little India becomes the centre of celebrations, covered in colourful lights and decorations. The festival shows how Indian traditions continue to shine in Singapore’s multicultural society.