Globally embraced as the Festival of Lights, Diwali transcends borders with its radiant celebrations. Let’s take a look at how it is celebrated across the world.
Globally embraced as the Festival of Lights, Diwali transcends borders with its radiant celebrations. Let’s take a look at how it is celebrated across the world.
The jubilant celebration of Diwali — also known as the “Festival of Lights” — marks a high point in the cultural calendar for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists around the world. This festival, rich in tradition and filled with symbolism, is increasingly illuminated within the multicultural mosaic of countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
In the United States, where religious and cultural diversity is a national hallmark, Diwali has begun to carve out its own space in the public sphere. Notably, New York City, a metropolis known for its diverse population, has paved the way by declaring Diwali an official public school holiday starting Nov. 12, 2024.
This move acknowledges the significance of the festival to the city’s South Asian community and sets a precedent for recognizing the plurality of American society.
Although Canada does not officially recognize Diwali as a public holiday, the festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm across provinces.
Cities such as Calgary and Brampton host free events that feature festive lights, cultural programs, and fireworks displays. Community halls and temples become hubs of activity, with Canadians from all walks of life invited to partake in the festivities.
Moving to the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand and Australia‘s growing South Asian communities have brought Diwali to the forefront of cultural celebrations. Public festivals featuring music, dance, and food are abundant. They do not only draw people from the diaspora but also attract a wide range of locals keen to experience and engage with the cultural richness Diwali brings.
For international students experiencing their first Diwali away from home, the festival offers a poignant mix of nostalgia and opportunity. Students often find solace in community gatherings and campus events, where they can light diyas and savor a taste of home with traditional sweets. Many universities and colleges facilitate cultural exchange by organizing Diwali events, which provide a platform for international students to share the essence of the festival with their peers from around the globe.
International students can embrace the festival’s spirit by hosting potluck dinners, encouraging friends from diverse backgrounds to contribute a dish, and thus, creating a global feast. They might also organize storytelling sessions to narrate the tales behind Diwali and hear others’ cultural stories or arrange a crafts night to paint diyas, which serve as a luminous reminder of the light within.
As Diwali’s presence grows internationally, its message of light triumphing over darkness resonates universally, inviting people of all cultures to reflect on its broader significance. The observance of Diwali across different countries underscores the shared human desire for understanding, celebrating community, and fostering inclusivity.
The Festival of Lights, thus, shines beyond its traditional roots, igniting a collective sense of joy and unity in an increasingly interconnected world.
