The festival of Diwali has assumed a more universal aspect than being just a Hindu festival. It has become synonymous with the culture and celebrations of India. All the people, irrespective of their religious and economic background, celebrate Diwali with zeal and enthusiasm as the festival that signifies the victory of good over evil. It is believed that the evil spirits are destroyed ashes by the fireworks and there are jubilations and feasts all around. It is celebrated joyously all over the country. It is the festival that marks wealth and prosperity. Deepawali is celebrated in almost all the regions of India and is looked upon as the beginning of New Year.

Apart from India, Diwali is celebrated worldwide. The hindus in Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Britain, Indonesia, Singapore, Africa, Australia and even Southern America are known to celebrate Diwali.

We have presented Diwali celebrations in some of the countries here:

In Mauritius:

About 63% population in Mauritius has Indian origins and 80% of them are Hindus. So, Hindu festivals are a common sight there. Here, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Lord Rama as king after his return from 14 years of exile. Much like India, earthen lamps are lighted here in rows, sometimes, making beautiful images of these lamps that look beautiful when the lamps are lighted in the darkness of the night. Goddes Lakshmi is worshipped and crackers and fireworks are burnt to ward off the evil spirits.

In Nepal:

The only Hindu Kingdom of the world, Diwali is known as 'Tihar' in Nepal. Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped here. On the 1st day of the 5-day long festival, the cows are revered as Goddess Lakshmi and are fed with cooked rice. On the 2nd day, dogs are revered as the carrier of Bhairava and are fed with delicious food, especially prepared for them. On the 3rd day, houses are illuminated and decorated with lights and lamps and delicacies are prepared and fireworks and crackers are the favorites of the day. On the 4th day, prayers and offerings are made to Yama, the Hindu God of Death, to please him and be blessed by him with long life. On the 5th and the last day, Bhaiya Dooj is celebrated in which sisters pray for long life and prosperity of their brothers.

In Malaysia:

Malaysia has about 8% Hindu population who celebrate Hari Diwali that symbolizes triumph of good over evil. Malaysian people start off with the traditional oil bath of South India and then visit the temples and pray. Small earthen lamps with coconut oil are lit to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana. Diwali is celebrated in most parts of Malaysia except in the regions of Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan.

In Indonesia:

Most of the Indonesian population follows Islam and Hindus constitute only 2% of the population. However, the island of Bali is famous for Diwali celebration as majority of its populations consists of Indians. The rituals and the celebrations are mostly similar to India.