Barack Obama may have been the first US president to celebrate Diwali personally at the White House in 2009, lighting the first-ever diya in the Oval Office seven years later in 2016, but the festival of lights has been becoming mainstream in countries such as the US for many years now.
“I was proud to be the first president to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India
“This year (2016), I was honoured to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office—a lamp that symbolises how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future presidents will continue,” the then President had said on the White House Facebook page, which became viral on social media.
The tradition has indeed been continued. Obama’s successor Donald Trump hosted Diwali celebrations at the White House during his tenure. Last year, the Bidens hosted the largest Diwali celebration ever held in the White House, with 200 guests in attendance. The US president lit a diya and also highlighted the day’s significance.
“The ongoing story of America, a story that is firmly stamped in the Indian American and South Asian American experience, that’s why we’re here today,” US President Joe Biden had said in a speech.
Similarly, in the UK, Indian-origin Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave London’s No. 10 Downing Street a festive twist when he lit it with diyas just days after he was named the new premier of the island nation around Diwali last year.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is now celebrated with great pomp and splendour, not just in the Indian subcontinent but in many countries across the world, marking the ‘victory of good over evil, light over darkness’. There may be an interplay of traditions such as the lighting of diyas, indulging in sweet treats, gifting and bonding over music and dance—and the origin stories may be different (for instance, in Nepal, the festival is known as Tihar or Yama Panchak and is celebrated over five days by worshipping animals)—but Diwali has made the world a single, united community and a brighter place to live in.
United States of America
In the US, Diwali has been increasingly gaining prominence over the years—reflecting on the growing importance of India in the global arena that the then president Barack Obama recognised by personally celebrating Diwali for the first time in the White House in 2009.
In June, New York City decided to add Diwali to its list of public school holidays in recognition of the growth of the city’s South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, as per city mayor Eric Adams. “This is a city that’s continuously changing, continuously welcoming communities from all over the world,” Adams had said in announcing that Diwali will join celebrations including Rosh Hashana and Lunar New Year as a day off for students. “Our school calendar must reflect the new reality on the ground.” Over 2,00,000 New York residents celebrate Diwali, according to New York City officials.
This was just over a month after a prominent American lawmaker introduced a Bill in the US Congress
The Diwali Day Act, when passed by the Congress and signed into law by the president, would make the festival of lights the 12th federally recognised holiday in the US.
Currently, schools and offices of some private companies are closed on Diwali in Pennsylvania and Houston. In fact, Pennsylvania was the first US state to declare Diwali an official state holiday.
New York City schools chancellor David Banks said declaring a Diwali holiday for school children across the city is “less about the fact that schools will be closed in recognition of Diwali, but more about the fact that minds will be opened because of what we are going to teach them about Diwali and about the history”. “I’m happy for all the children and the families and the communities around New York City who are going to learn more about the depth and the heritage and the history of this community,” Banks was quoted as saying in a media report.
With over 130 Indian-Americans holding key positions in the administration of President Joe Biden and 4 million Indian origin citizens residing in the US, the festival is also a reminder of unity amid the cultural diversity. Last year, Biden even planned a Diwali party in the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband.
The Indian diaspora celebrates Diwali mainly in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami, Atlanta
In fact, images of Diwali celebrations are becoming an essential feature on American social calendars and Instagram feeds over the past couple of years. On October 28, for instance, The Pierre hotel on the Upper East Side played host to a group of business and entertainment leaders of South Asian descent, as they kicked off the Diwali season in New York in feathered lehengas, bedazzled saris and gold-stitched sherwanis at the All That Glitters Diwali Ball, as per The New York Times.
The party, which drew about 300 people, is in its fourth year. The hosts included Indra Nooyi, the former chief executive of PepsiCo, among others.
United Kingdom
For the United Kingdom, last year’s Diwali was special. The festival coincided with the time when Rishi Sunak was named Britain’s new premier, ending a period of suspense that saw the resignation of Liz Truss, who had replaced scandal-dogged Boris Johnson only six weeks ago. Sunak, who had brought a lot of cheer to the people of India for his origins rooted to the country, took to social media to share a glimpse of his festive celebration.
“Brilliant to drop into tonight’s Diwali reception in No10. I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and our grandchildren can light their Diyas and look to the future with hope. Happy #Diwali everyone!,” he wrote.
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Sunak—then UK’s chancellor of the exchequer—had lit up diyas on Downing Street during Diwali.
However, in the UK, Diwali is not just a Downing Street phenomenon. “Diwali is a global event including the UK where Indian culture is ever more a part of British life
Cities such as Leicester and Birmingham celebrate Diwali in a grand manner. These places have a large number of Indian communities who like to witness the festivities as elaborately as in India, if not more. The temples and centres of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a spiritual, volunteer-driven fellowship, around the UK and Europe are known for their Diwali celebrations as thousands of worshippers and members of the local community of all faiths and backgrounds come together to experience the vibrant sounds, flavours and colours of the festival.
Since the Indian community is widespread in the UK, Punjabi and Hindu groups organise functions over the weekends before and after Diwali. There is a mass gathering of 200-500 people dancing, performing on stage, singing and feasting together. These gatherings are ticketed and are mostly sold out a few months in advance. Called Little Punjab or Little India, West London’s Southall district has been a South Asian hub since the 1950s, where many Indians celebrate Diwali.
“I prefer to visit the gurdwara in Southall first thing in the morning. In the evening, my kids and I decorate the entrance of the house with rangoli. Kids love to make rangolis with colours and stencils. Many of our English friends like to come along, dress up in Indian attire and enjoy the party and Indian food. Mostly, all gurdwaras and temples celebrate Diwali on the day with kirtans or puja bhajans but they also organise fireworks over the weekend,” says Aastha Gill, a homemaker based in London who prefers to cook home-made delicacies such as halwa, kheer, kaju barfi and chhole bhature for her visiting friends and family members.
However, unlike in India, Diwali is just another day in the UK as it is not an official holiday and is the reason why Gill misses the charm of the festival like she used to in India over two decades ago. “Even though London is a melting pot of cultures, Diwali and the festive celebrations here are subtle as compared to India. Even if it falls on a working day, we try to take a day off. But if there are important meetings or conferences, there is no other option but to be at work,” adds Gill.
Meanwhile, like Times Square in the US, London’s iconic Trafalgar Square also comes alive with thousands of people celebrating Diwali every year. This year, over 200 brightly-attired dancers dazzled the main square, followed by a public garba dance, on October 29. It also had an exciting line-up of music, dance and performances on the main stage from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, among others, say reports.
Saudi Arabia
Being one of the highest expatriate populations, Indians play a fundamental role in the cultural fabric of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Indians comprise around 10-13 % of the country’s population, numbering close to 3 million.
Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of Asia Pacific markets, Saudi Tourism Authority, says, “Communities celebrate Diwali within and outside of their homes, with lights, traditional food, music and fireworks. I have always been fascinated with Diwali. When I visited Delhi last year, I interacted with a few of my Indian friends to celebrate this festival. It was enlightening as I got to be a part of the family celebrations which involved exchange of food, lighting of firecrackers and spending quality time with the loved ones.”
As per Aldabbagh, the Indian culture is immensely respected for its culture and food back home in his country. “We have several Indian restaurants such as Maharaja East by Vineet, Anardana Indian Restaurant, Farzi Cafe and Zafran Indian Bistro in Riyadh celebrating the festival, creating special delicacies for Diwali. This year, the festival falls during the Riyadh Season in October or November, which is one of the world’s largest winter entertainment events. Many Indian expats dance to the tunes of Bollywood
The culinary similarities between Arab and Indian cuisines add to the festivities. From the use of diverse spices in curries to fluffy bread—not to forget, delectable desserts—the list is endless. Both countries have a culinary culture that’s deeply rooted in history and tradition. “Over the years, Indians living in Saudi have borrowed elements from both cultures, giving rise to a wide range of vibrant fusion dishes. Multiple Indian restaurants in Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities curate special Diwali menus, inviting communities to enjoy scrumptious food and bond over the happiness that comes with festivities,” says Aldabbagh, adding that the Hindu residents of Saudi light up their homes for Diwali, invite friends and families to their house to spread the joys and celebrate the festival of lights with the kingdom’s other inhabitants.
Nepal
Just like in India, Diwali is celebrated with much fanfare in Nepal, where 81.19% of the people are Hindus, as per the 2021 census. “Diwali is called Tihar and is celebrated just like in India. Rangolis are made, but the designs can be somewhat different. Homes are decorated, Lakshmi Puja is held, and so do card parties,” says Jaipur-based Priyasha Khandelwal, who grew up in Nepal.
While a larger part of the celebrations is the same, some subtle differences exist.
For example, dogs are worshipped on the second day of this five-day festival. Called Kukur Tihar, dogs are fed, garlanded and worshipped on this day. Interestingly, crows are worshipped on the first day. “The celebrations begin with the adoration of crows and dogs. Leaf dishes of rice, incense and light are set out for the dark messenger, while dogs are worshipped and offered goodies,” says the Nepal Tourism Board on its website.
Following that, Lakshmi Puja takes place. “The goddess of wealth is welcomed to people’s homes by making a path of footprints leading into the house. All lights are kept on and the doors and windows kept open to let in the goddess,” says the tourism board.
Nepal is also home to a huge Indian diaspora, especially from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. “The Indian community is significant there, and we celebrate it exactly like we do it in India,” says Khandelwal, whose family members live in Kathmandu.
“However, one thing that is distinct there is something called Deusi/Bhailo,” she highlights. It is a tradition where children and young adults perform Deusi/Bhailo by singing and dancing, as they go from house to house. The house owner, in return, offers them money
Just like in India, the festivities end with Bhai Tika, during which the sisters put tika on their brothers’ forehead.
Singapore
Also home to a sizable Indian diaspora is the southeast Asian nation of Singapore, which also observes a public holiday on Diwali. Little India, an ethnic district, gets decked up with lights and decorations as the air gets filled with the aroma of food. As people shop for traditional clothing, accessories, decorative items and gifts, several food stalls and restaurants become hotspots for Indian sweets and savoury dishes.
Lights, rangolis and Lakshmi Puja dominate festivities as several organisations also hold Diwali-themed events and activities.
For Tanushree Sinha, an India-born entrepreneur who has been living in Singapore for over three years, it is the multicultural intermingling that adds much flair to the festivities. “Every year on Diwali eve, we invite our Chinese, Korean and German neighbours for sweets and traditional home-cooked Indian food. The enthusiasm with which they participate is so beautiful. They are always intrigued to know more about our customs and traditions,” she says, adding that Singapore’s multicultural and diverse society has had some impact on the festivities as “the celebrations here extend beyond the Indian community. The cultural exchange that occurs during Diwali is an exemplary display of harmony and unity.”
Diwali in Singapore is all about fun and activity, sans the crackers. “You won’t hear the sound of crackers here as the use of firecrackers during Diwali is restricted. Instead, all the focus is on the lighting of diyas, decorations, cultural performances and other festive aspects. This allows for a safer and more environment-friendly way to celebrate the festival of lights,” Sinha adds.
Europe
for Jennifer Vishnoi, who has been living in Vienna, Austria, for the past six years, Diwali is a great time to connect with her cultural heritage while living in a foreign country, reinforce family bonds, and take part in traditions that have been passed down through generations.
“There is a big event in Lugner City Mall in Vienna. People from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate the festival of lights. The city’s cultural organisations organise dance and music programmes to share traditions with the broader community. Local restaurants set up stalls for Indian food during the event. Some groups host private gatherings to celebrate Diwali,” says Vishnoi.
In several cities across Europe such as Vienna, Diwali is a community-driven festival for the 50,000-odd Indian residents living in the capital city of Austria.
Elsewhere in Europe, last year, the German government celebrated Diwali for the first time in the Parliament House of Frankfurt with a pooja, followed by a lighting ceremony.
Canada
Brampton, a Greater Toronto Area habitation of Canada, may have banned crackers this year on Diwali but the spirit of the festival refuses to die down. The city is planning to organise a Diwali Mela this year. While most banks in Canada offer four days of religious leave to let individuals take the day off on festivals of their ethnicity, religion or country, Diwali in Toronto is all about the food and festivities.
There is a popular grocery store called Desi Mandi, which is a one-stop shop for all Diwali essentials. Around the festival, Desi Mandi converts half of its store into a big display of products related to Diwali.
“There is a huge mandap created in most Indian stores with trays full of sweets. In fact, on Diwali and the following day, gurdwaras around the town have boxes full of mithai for devotees, some brought as offerings by devotees, besides the usual langar,” says Delhi-based entrepreneur Sanjiv Kataria, who visits his son and other family members living in Toronto to celebrate Diwali every year.
Diwali is celebrated with a lot of festive fervour in Toronto. Most people like to party and organise get-togethers with family and friends.
Damini Sandhu, who runs Pharmasave Pharmacy in Hamilton in the Greater Toronto Area, says, “People enjoy parties, eat sweets and exchange goodies. The localities inhabited by Indians are lit up. There is Bollywood music and dance, and families pray together at home. Many companies now know the relevance of festivals like Diwali and give time off to those who want to celebrate.”
Elsewhere
Much like India and Nepal, Diwali is an official holiday in Sri Lanka, where Hindus make up 12% of the population, as per the 2019 census. On this day, devotees pray and light oil lamps as they mark the start of the new year, as per the Hindu calendar.
The festival of lights is also celebrated in Indonesia, especially in the province of Bali, where over 85% of the residents are Hindus. Malaysia, too, observes an official holiday on Diwali during which the devotees light lamps and pray to goddess Lakshmi.
The Middle-East, too, is home to millions of Indians, many being Hindus. In the UAE, people flock to buy gold on Dhanteras, celebrated on the first day, as people decorate homes and pray. Some places also witness Bollywood-themed performances and light shows.
In South Africa, where persons of Indian or other Asian heritage account for 2.5% of the total population, Diwali is a major festival. Approximately, half of the ethnic Indian population are Hindus, and a majority reside in KwaZulu-Natal Province. As such, the spotlight falls on the Durban Diwali Festival, the flagship event of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), held every year in Durban, the largest city of KwaZulu-Natal.
This year, the festival is being celebrated on November 3, 4 and 5 at the Suncoast Parking Site, as per SAHMS. “Diwali is a time of great joy, peace and blessings. To the Hindu community, Diwali signifies the triumph of righteousness over evil, the return of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and Lakshman from 14 years of exile beautifully depicted in the Ramayan and going back to time immemorial,” says the official website of SAHMS.