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5 places to experience Diwali around the world
Diwali (also known as Deepavali) or the Festival of Lights is a major festival celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and some Buddhist communities around the world. The celebration is associated with light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil.
Diwali is traditionally observed over five days in October or November. It’s a vibrant, colourful celebration with deep significance for millions of people around the world.
As part of Diwali, people decorate their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and rangoli, colourful patterns created on floors or tabletops using materials such as coloured powders, rice flour and flower petals. People also share food and gather with family and community. These vibrant displays are an important part of Diwali celebrations and can be seen in homes, temples and public spaces.
While India is synonymous with Diwali, the festival is celebrated by communities in all nations. From Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Leicester, San Francisco and Brisbane, these five destinations offer a chance to experience Diwali beyond India.
1. Diwali in Singapore
Where to experience Diwali: Little India
What you'll see: Street decorations, light installations, cultural performances and festive markets
Key experience: Silver Chariot Procession and Sri Mariamman Temple
Head to Little India to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Deepavali in one of Singapore's most vibrant cultural precincts. During the festival, the streets come alive with colourful light displays, elaborate decorations, cultural performances, festive markets and traditional treats. The annual celebrations also feature the Silver Chariot Procession, where worshippers tow a grand, ornate silver cart carrying the presiding deity’s idol through public streets.
For a deeper insight into Singapore's Hindu heritage, visit Sri Mariamman Temple in nearby Chinatown. Founded in 1827, it is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple and is home to Theemithi, an annual fire-walking ceremony that sees thousands of men walk on burning charcoal as a tribute to the goddess Draupadi Amman.
GETTING THERE
2. Diwali in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Where to experience Diwali: Brickfields, Little India
What you'll see: Colourful decorations, lights, rangoli and traditional Indian shops and food
Key experience: Batu Caves
Soak up the atmosphere of Diwali in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur's Little India. The neighbourhood is known for its street bazaars, Indian shops, restaurants, temples and cultural heritage, making it a great place to experience the festival.
During Diwali, look out for colourful decorations, festive lights and intricate rangoli designs, known as kolam in Malaysia. Take the opportunity to browse the area's traditional Indian clothing, jewellery and other goods, then stop for a meal of banana leaf rice, thosai or other South Indian favourites.
Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is another must-see with 272 rainbow steps to the towering golden Lord Murugan statue. The hum of prayer chanting, ringing bells, and traditional offerings from devotees in traditional attire makes for a festive atmosphere.
GETTING THERE
3. Diwali in San Francisco, USA
Where to experience Diwali: The Bay Area's Hindu temples and Indian communities
What you'll see: Temple celebrations, cultural events, food and festive decorations
Key experience: Fremont Hindu Temple
San Francisco and the wider Bay Area are home to a diverse Indian community, with Diwali celebrated through cultural events, temple gatherings, food and community celebrations.
For a more traditional cultural experience, visit Fremont Hindu Temple in nearby Fremont. The Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Cultural Center is dedicated to serving the religious and cultural needs of the local Hindu community and hosts a range of Hindu religious and cultural events throughout the year.
You can also explore the local Indian restaurants and neighbourhoods during Diwali, where festive food and community celebrations offer another way to experience the Festival of Lights in the United States.
GETTING THERE
4. Diwali in Leicester, United Kingdom
Where to experience Diwali: The Golden Mile, Belgrave Road
What you'll see: Illuminated streets, rangoli, cultural celebrations, food and decorated shops
Key experience: Cossington Park fun fair
Diwali is celebrated by Indian communities across the UK, but Leicester has made a name for itself as the host of the biggest celebrations outside of India.
The city's Golden Mile, centred around Belgrave Road, comes alive with thousands of visitors, colourful decorations, restaurants, traditional rangoli art and cultural activities.
At nearby Cossington Park, a one-day family-friendly festival comes alive with glittering illuminations, the Wheel of Light giant ferris wheel and live performances on the main stage.
GETTING THERE
5. Diwali in Brisbane, Australia
Where to experience Diwali: Brisbane City
What you'll see: Indian and multicultural entertainment, food, henna and cultural activities
Key experience: King George Square festival
In our home city, the Indian community comes together each year to celebrate Diwali through festivals and cultural events across the city. Head into Brisbane City to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Indian culture, with celebrations featuring entertainment, food stalls, henna painting and family-friendly activities in King George Square.
Diwali is also a chance to discover Brisbane's Indian food scene, explore cultural events and experience the city through the traditions of one of its vibrant communities.
Diwali FAQs
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is a major festival celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and some Buddhist communities. It is associated with themes including light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil.
When is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali usually falls in October or November, with the exact date changing each year according to the lunar calendar.
How long does Diwali last?
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, although customs and the length of celebrations vary between communities and regions.
Where can I celebrate Diwali outside India?
Major Diwali celebrations take place in cities around the world, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Leicester, San Francisco and Brisbane.
What happens during Diwali?
Celebrations can include lighting diyas (small oil lamps), creating rangoli (traditional Indian floor art where bright patterns are made using coloured sand, rice flour, flower petals, or rocks), decorating homes, attending prayers and cultural events, sharing food and sweets, exchanging gifts and watching fireworks.