Diwali: How Festival of Lights is Celebrated Outside India

Indonesia’s island of Bali is famous for its Diwali celebrations. The people of Indian descent here follow the same rituals as in India. 

Diwali, is a public holiday in the island country, and holds same significance among people of Indian descent. 

This multicultural island has a large number of Hindus who along with non-Hindus celebrate the joyous festival of Diwali. It is observed as a public holiday here. 

In Malaysia, Diwali is popularly called ‘Hari Diwali’ meaning ‘Green Diwali’ due to the ban on fireworks in the country.

Diwali is one of the prominent festivals in Sri Lanka. Though a home to Ravana, who is not as demonised here as he is elsewhere in the world, Lord Ram is worshipped all across Sri Lanka. 

In Nepal, Diwali is known as ‘Tihar’ and carries on for five days. In this festival, people not only worship gods but the animals too. 

People of Indian descent come together to celebrate the festival of lights, however, without crackers.