Picture this: hordes of people dressed in vibrant colors and sparkling jewelry, all gathered together to dance and sing through illuminated streets. They’re covered in bright lights and intricate floral decorations while the aroma of incense and the sound of live dhol (Indian hand drums) waft through the air. For five glorious days, this is how millions of people all across the globe celebrate the spectacular holiday of Diwali. Legend has it that Diwali (or Deepavali) was first celebrated to mark Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, destroying the evil demon Ravana upon his return. Lord Rama’s people welcomed him home by lighting diyas (small oil lamps) all over the city so that he would see them from the sky as he flew in. As a result, Diwali is known as the festival of lights and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over dark, and knowledge over ignorance. Today people celebrate Diwali by exchanging gifts, feasting on mithai (traditional sweets), staging lively dance performances, igniting fireworks, and adorning households with rangoli (intricate designs made with flower petals, ground chalk, and colored rice). The crown jewel of festivities, however, is the lighting of diyas on the third day of the festival to commemorate Lord Rama’s return, just as the people of Ayodhya did. Diwali is a time for both reflection and jubilation. Just as the Hindu people have spread out all over the world, so too has Diwali. Here’s a look at some unexpected places around the world where Diwali celebrations reign supreme! So starting looking for some cheap international flights to these festive celebrations and see for yourself! United Kingdom [Above image “Diwali London 2015 – 03” by Garry Knight on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]South Asians are the second-largest immigrant population in Great Britain. People from all walks of life and different religions travel to the UK to celebrate this joyous occasion, indulging in lavish feasts, shopping, and of course magnificent parades! Over the past decade, national and civic leaders — including the newly ascendant King Charles III — have attended Diwali festivals. The city of Leicester currently hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Trinidad and Tobago [Above image “UWI HINDU SOCIETY DIVALI 2016” by anax44 on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]In Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is a community event, celebrated throughout all of the islands. What makes the Islands’ version of Diwali unlike any other across the globe is the Diwali Nagar, or “Village of the Festival of Lights,” and event that takes place in Chaguanas, Trinidad. Expect a night jampacked with entertainment, as the stage lights up with live dance and music performances that are so grand you’ll be wondering if you stepped into a Bollywood movie. The stage is also graced with folk theatre performances featuring skits and plays depicting Lord Ram’s story and many other scenes from Hindu epics. Thousands of people participate in the island-wide festivities and after a week of feasting, dancing, singing, dressing up, and lighting diyas, the celebrations are completed with fireworks, ending Diwali with a bang… literally! You may also enjoy: Where to Celebrate Diwali Like a Local! Sri Lanka Imagine all the exciting festivities mentioned above, then add on a distinctive island twist. That’s what Diwali is like in Sri Lanka. Diwali customs here are similar in many ways to the celebratory traditions of Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. Indulge in Singhalese cuisine as locals usher in the festival of lights with colorful ceremonies and rituals performed on the shore after dark. Fiji Known as Deepavali, the Fiji Diwali festival is a widely celebrated event, so much so that it’s actually a public holiday. Immigrant Indians in Fiji often regard Deepavali as even grander than those in India. Activities and events begin at least a week before the actual day. A unique feature of Fijian Deepavali is the multicultural aspect of the holiday. Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Muslims take part in all of the Deepavali rituals and traditions and celebrate Deepavali with friends and family, regardless of their religious practices. Australia [Above image “Diwali Fireworks, Melbourne” by Chris Phutully on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]With a large Indian population in Australia, cities like Sydney and Melbourne see massive Diwali celebrations that only grow in both scale and arrangements with each passing year. Most notably, Diwali at Federation Square in Melbourne has grown to become one of the largest celebrations in Australia. From a magnificent display of fireworks to nonstop live entertainment complete with both classical Indian and Bollywood dances, Diwali in Australia is a grandiose celebration! Where are you celebrating Diwali this year? Let us know in the comments below!
