10 Countries That Celebrate Diwali Like India

Diwali here is a big deal. Almost all the rituals performed here during this festival are similar to those of India, and are a treat to witness. Since Diwali is also a public holiday, people get time to greet and meet people, and enjoy the festival of lights to the fullest.

Owing to the huge population of Indians in Fiji, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. And since it’s a public holiday, people take part by organising parties, and engaging in exchanging gifts.

Since the Hindu community comprises almost 50 percent of Mauritius' population, Diwali is celebrated with much fervour and excitement. People place clay oil lamps in front of their houses, and the island nation turns into a fairyland during this time.

Diwali in Malaysia is known as Hari Diwali, while the rituals too are a bit different from those that are followed in India. On this day, people start with oil bathing in the morning, and then head to temples to offer prayers. Since the sale of crackers is banned in Malaysia, people here celebrate this festival by exchanging sweets, gifts, and good wishes.

Sri Lanka also celebrates Diwali with much enthusiasm, and it is one of the most-loved festivals of the country. Since this festival bears special significance, it’s a public holiday for the country. People light small lamps to ward off evil spirits, as it is believed that lamps symbolise hope for a brighter future.

Also known as Tihar in Nepal, Nepal celebrates this festival with much fervour. The festivities include exchanging gifts, decorating the houses with lights, and offering prayers to Goddess lakshmi. Aslo, the festival of lights is Nepal's second biggest festival after Dashain.

If you are in Singapore during Diwali time, you will witness how this destination lights up during this time, just like India. There is no doubt that this country too celebrates this festival with much fervour and enthusiasm.

Although Diwali doesn’t come with a nationwide holiday in Canada, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get the feel of it when here. It is celebrated across many towns and cities, and people eagerly come forward to participate in this festival of lights.

There are many cities, especially Leichester and Birminghal, in the United Kingdom that celebrate Diwali in a grand manner. This is because these areas have a huge number of Indian communities settled there. If you are there, you will witness that festivities here are almost as elaborate as India, if not the same.

Diwali is celebrated in Thailand as Lam Kriyongh, and the festival is almost similar to that of Diwali celebrations. It’s celebrated on the full moon day of the 12th month, as per the Thai calendar. If you ever happen to be in Thailand during this time, you will be amazed to witness the extravagant display of fireworks there.