Diwali Celebration Abroad: Celebrate the Festival of Lights Globally

Diwali is more than just a festival;  it’s an emotion, a memory, and a connection to home. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For Indians living overseas, the Diwali celebration in foreign countries​ can be bittersweet. While you miss family gatherings, homemade sweets, and fireworks back home, this festival has grown into a global celebration,  observed in more than 20 countries worldwide. In this guide, we’ll explore how many Countries celebrate Diwali​, how the festival is observed internationally, and practical Diwali celebration tips for students, professionals, and families living overseas. Whether you are in the USA, UK, Singapore, or Canada, you can keep the festive spirit alive and make your Diwali unforgettable.

How Many Countries Celebrate Diwali?

Diwali, or Deepavali, unites Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide. Celebrations extend beyond India to over 20 countries, including the USA, UK, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, Canada, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Across these nations, people light lamps, exchange gifts, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.

In some nations, such as Mauritius, Nepal, and Singapore, Diwali is even recognized as a public holiday, making the celebrations just as grand as they are in India. In others, local Indian communities, universities, and cultural organizations take the lead in hosting events, light displays, and gatherings to bring people together.

So, if you are feeling homesick this festive season, remember that you are part of a global Diwali celebration, just in a different location!

Top Countries Celebrating Diwali Abroad

1. United States – Diwali in Times Square

Diwali, one of India’s biggest cultural festivals, is widely celebrated by the Indian diaspora across the United States. Known as the Festival of Lights, it continues to gain recognition in schools, workplaces, and even the White House. Moreover, major cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco host grand celebrations.

• New York: The iconic Times Square Diwali event features Bollywood dance performances, music, and a spectacular diya-lighting ceremony.
  
• California: Bay Area temples organize community pujas, fireworks, and Diwali fairs.
  
• New Jersey: Known for its massive Indian population, NJ sees street fairs, food stalls, and grand cultural shows.
  

2. United Kingdom – Trafalgar Square Diwali

The UK hosts some of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, thanks to its vibrant Indian community.

• London: Trafalgar Square transforms into a festive hub with free cultural performances, rangoli displays, and food stalls.
  
• Leicester: Famous for having one of the biggest Diwali light switch-on events outside India, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
  
• Temples across the country host special Diwali prayers, and local councils decorate streets with lights.
  

3. Singapore – Little India Lights Up

Singapore celebrates Diwali as a national public holiday, making it a perfect place to experience the festival.

• The neighborhood of Little India is decorated with colorful lights, and vibrant markets sell diyas, sweets, and ethnic wear.
  
• Temples hold special prayers, and families open their homes for festive gatherings.
  
• Cultural events and performances take place along Serangoon Road, creating a magical experience for locals and tourists alike.
  

4. Mauritius – A Nationwide Celebration

In Mauritius, a majority of the population actively celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm. Moreover, the festival holds national importance, making it a public holiday that beautifully reflects the country’s vibrant cultural diversity and deep-rooted Indian heritage.

• Families light lamps, share mithai, and burst firecrackers.
  
• Sugarcane fields are decorated with diyas, creating a unique island charm.
  
• The festival emphasizes togetherness, as locals visit neighbors regardless of religion.
  

5. Canada – Student-Friendly Diwali Fairs

In Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, Diwali celebrations bring the Indian community together with melas, dance events, and food festivals.

• Universities host Diwali nights with traditional dance, music, and cultural competitions — perfect for international students.
  
• Community centers and temples distribute free prasad and organize puja ceremonies.
  

6. Australia – Fireworks and Festivities

During the celebrations, Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane come alive with dazzling fireworks and vibrant cultural programs, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere that captivates locals and tourists alike.

• Federation Square in Melbourne hosts Diwali festivals featuring Bollywood music, food stalls, and art installations.
  
• Sydney celebrates with waterfront fireworks and live performances.
  

7. Nepal – Tihar (Diwali with a Twist)

In Nepal, people celebrate Diwali as Tihar, a vibrant five-day festival that honors animals, prosperity, and sibling bonds, while also showcasing lights, traditions, and heartfelt cultural celebrations throughout the country.

• Day 1: Worship crows.
  
• Day 2: Worship dogs (with garlands and treats).
  
• Day 3: Goddess Lakshmi Puja.
  
• Day 4: Govardhan Puja.
  
• Day 5: Bhai Tika (sisters pray for brothers’ long lives).
  

This variation of Diwali offers a deep cultural experience if you are in Nepal during the season.

8. UAE – Dubai’s Grand Diwali Nights

Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations to celebrate Diwali abroad.

• Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall feature special Diwali-themed shows and lights.
  
• Fireworks and Indian food festivals are organized in areas like Global Village.
  
• Malls offer special Diwali discounts — perfect for festival shopping.
  

Other Destinations

You can also experience Diwali celebrations in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), and even parts of South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago, where Indian communities keep the traditions alive.

Diwali Celebration Tips Abroad

• Plan Early: Order diyas, rangoli colors, and ethnic outfits well in advance.
  
• Buy Ingredients Ahead: Stock up on ghee, mithai, and puja samagri from Indian stores or online.
  
• Check Local Rules: Some countries have restrictions on firecrackers – opt for eco-friendly options.
  
• Dress Festively: Wear traditional clothes to make the day feel special.
  
• Join Community Groups: Facebook and WhatsApp groups often share local Diwali event updates.
  

Which Countries Have Declared Diwali a Public Holiday?

• Mauritius – Nationwide holiday with grand celebrations.
  
• Singapore – Public holiday celebrated across Little India.
  
• Fiji – Public holiday celebrated with fireworks and sweets.
  
• Nepal – Celebrated as Tihar with unique traditions.
  
• Malaysia – Deepavali is an official public holiday.
  

More countries, including parts of USA and Canada, are considering making Diwali an official holiday to honor diversity.

Supreme Forex Advantage for Diwali Travelers

If you plan to travel home or abroad for Diwali, Supreme Forex can make your trip smoother:

• Best exchange rates for CHF, USD, CAD, GBP, and other currencies.
  
• Forex cards for safe and cashless shopping.
  
• Doorstep delivery and digital payment options for convenience.
  
• Helps save money during visa fee payments, gifts, and shopping sprees.
  

FAQs

How many countries celebrate Diwali?

Over 20 countries outside India, including Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, the UK, USA, and Canada, celebrate Diwali, uniting Indian communities worldwide in festive spirit.

Which country outside India has Diwali as a public holiday? 

Diwali is a public holiday in countries with large Indian communities, including India, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Myanmar, and South Africa.

How is Diwali celebrated internationally?

Diwali brings people together worldwide as communities light diyas, decorate homes, enjoy fireworks, share sweets, and attend cultural events, spreading joy, unity, and festive spirit across borders.

What is Diwali called in the USA?

In the USA, Indian communities actively celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with prayers, glowing lamps, delicious sweets, lively cultural programs, and vibrant public events that showcase Indian traditions.

Which country does not celebrate Diwali?

Countries with little or no Indian diaspora, like those in South America, Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa, generally don’t celebrate Diwali since the festival lacks cultural or religious significance there.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in New York, London, Singapore, or Dubai, celebrating Diwali abroad can be just as magical as it is in India. The festival is an opportunity to share Indian culture, connect with local communities, and create beautiful new traditions.

Plan ahead, decorate your home, attend community events, and make this Diwali special. And if you’re traveling during the festive season, don’t forget to get your currency exchange sorted with Supreme Forex for a hassle-free experience.

This year, let your Diwali shine bright – no matter where in the world you are.

Also Read –

https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/autumn-festivals-around-the-world/

https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/best-travel-destinations-in-october/

https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/managing-homesickness-while-studying-abroad/