While Diwali continues to be the biggest festival celebrated in India, there are other countries that celebrate it as well. Here are five countries that celebrate Diwali in their own unique way.
- Nepal: In Nepal (and the Indian regions of Sikkim and Gorkhaland), Diwali is also known as Tihar or Yamapanchak, and falls between the months of October and November. Just like in India, in Nepal too, diyos (as lamps are known there) are lit inside and outside homes. However, unlike in India, in Nepal, the celebrations for Tihar includes the worship of the four creatures associated with Yama, the god of death. The first day of Tihar, called Kaag (meaning “crow”) celebrates ravens and crows which are believed to be the messengers of Yama. They are offered grains of rice, seeds and sweets, and in worshipping them this way, devotees hope to appease them and ward of grief and death in the coming year.
The second day of Tihar is known as Kukur (meaning “dog”) Tihar. The day celebrates the special relationship between man and dog, and pet as well as stray dogs are worshipped with a tika on their foreheads, flower garlands around their necks, and special treats to eat.
The third day of Tihar, considered the most important, is called Gai (meaning “cow”) Tihar, and is also the day of Lakshmi Puja. The cow is considered to be an especially sacred animal amongst Hindus, and it is worshipped for its docility, and its generosity. They are offered treats to eat and are worshipped with a tilak on their head and flower garlands around their necks. The third day is also the day when Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into homes which are, in turn, cleaned and decorated to welcome Her. In the evenings, young girls go around the neighbourhood dancing in a tradition called bhailo, and are offered small foods and sweets or small amounts of money as rewards.
The fourth day of Tihar is called Goru (meaning “ox”) Puja where the ox is celebrated for its manual labour. Certain sects also perform Govardhan Puja where they worship the holy Govardhan Mountain.
The fifth and final day of Tihar is called Bhai Tika, and it is a celebration of the irreplaceable bond between brother and sister. Celebrated across the country with much fanfare, Bhai Tika is celebrated by both brothers and sisters placing a tika on each other’s foreheads and includes the exchange of gifts.
- Mauritius: The gorgeous island of Mauritius is transformed into an even more beautiful sight when it’s lit up and twinkling for Diwali. As is the norm all over the world, even in Mauritius the houses are cleaned – sometimes repainted – and decorated with flowers and dozens of lamps and lights; even the beaches are dotted with dozens of lamps! People create lovely rangolis and deck up in new clothes and finery. Most important remain the pujas to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the exchange of gifts and sweets, and the bursting of firecrackers.
- Malaysia: In this multicultural country, with Hinduism being the 4th largest religion, Diwali is celebrated with euphoria in Malaysia. Along with people’s homes, even the enormous shopping malls and stores around the country are decorated vividly. The kolam or rangoli is especially important here and can be seen decorating each house. Diwali in Malaysia is celebrated as Hari Diwali meaning Green Diwali due to the ban on fireworks and crackers in Malaysia. Aside from this, the new clothes, the delicious sweets and snacks, the family gatherings and the exchange of gifts, are all practiced with much pomp and festivity.
- Singapore: A tourist capital for huge crowds from around the world, Singapore is stunning during Diwali. Little India in Singapore where most of the Indian diaspora live is decked up and heaving with celebrations during Diwali. The streets and stores dazzle with lights and the restaurants serve incredible, rich delicacies specially prepared for those celebrating Diwali. The Heritage Centre has several cultural dance performances for public viewing and the Hindu temples have a vibrant, infectious fervour around them that the people thronging to them catch too.
- United Kingdom: The huge Hindu, Sikh, and Jain populations in the UK celebrate Diwali with much pomp. There is a Diwali Opening Ceremony held in Trafalgar Square where over a hundred dazzling dancers awe the spectators with their performances. The main square is also opened to the public for those who wish to play garba and celebrate Diwali by dancing with their friends and family. People plan Diwali parties in their homes where they get together in their Diwali finery, decorate their homes with lamps and flowers, paint their hands with henna, and cook up and enjoy enormous, delicious feasts. All of this, of course, ends with a fantastic firework display in the back garden, with all the gathered guests looking skywards to enjoy the beautiful display.
