One of the most celebrated festivals of the country, Diwali, is finally here. A period marked by prosperity and bliss for all, Diwali is truly a gala affair. While performing pooja and worshipping the gods are an integral part of celebrating Diwali, there is much more to this festival than this. If you are not in India or at home during this time of the year, don’t be upset as you can celebrate this festival in many other parts of the world.
Some of the places where you will find grand Diwali celebrations are:
Singapore
Diwali celebrations in Singapore are one of the best in the world. All the Hindu families residing in this country decorate their homes with bright lights, exchange gifts, offer prayers, and greet each other. To get the real feel of the festival when in Singapore, head towards Little India. The streets of this market are transformed into a paradise with stunning lights and colourful rangolis. Also, don’t forget to take a ride on the Diwali-themed metro train started by the Singapore Government this festive season.
Venue: Little India
Date: 29th October (Public Holiday)
Timings: Evening after 6
How to Get there: Little India and Farrer Park are the nearest MRT stations. Bus services 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 131, 139, 147, 857 & NR6 pass through Little India via Serangoon Road.
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Australia
Australia, the beautiful island country, has a large Indian population. The Hindu Council of Australia, representing all Australian Hindus, has been celebrating Diwali — the festival of lights, for the past 15 years now. If you are in Australia, you will not fall short of places to visit for the celebrations. The most prominent celebrations are going to take place in Melbourne and Sydney.
Venue: Parramatta Park
Date: October 23 (Parramatta)
Timings: 11:30 am to 9 pm
How to get there: The nearest metro station to Parramatta Park is the Hawkesbury Rd Metro Station.
Dubai
Yes, the City of Sheikhs also celebrates Diwali with much extravagance and fervour. There is a skylighting show of crackers and festive fanfare during Diwali. A cosmopolitan paradise for tourists, Dubai provides an all embracing experience in terms of sightseeing and gastronomy. There are many events and experiences organized for the occasion of Diwali. Plus, Dubai is the right place for your shopping excursions on the eve of Dhanteras.
Observe Diwali fanfare at: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Emirates Tower
London
Just as in India, the United Kingdom celebrates the ‘Festival of Light’ –Diwali– with high energy levels and zeal. Visit the Trafalgar Square in London to attend the Annual Free Public Event organised every year on this auspicious occasion. This year’s festival celebration includes a number of stage performances, live music, beautiful decorations, fun-filled activities, and food stalls serving delicious regional delicacies. Other than this, you can also celebrate Diwali at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Observe Diwali Fanfare at: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London, NW10 8LD
Malaysia
If you are in Malaysia this festive season and missing your home, don’t be upset as the country has a lot on offer for Diwali. As the festive day is declared as an official holiday, you can plan to decorate your houses and plan family reunions. To soak in the festival spirit, pay a visit to the beautiful Little India. The streets are decorated like a fantasyland with beautiful lights, kolam and flowers. This place is ideal to shop for sarees, bangles, and other valuables to gift your loved ones. Afterall, Diwali is all about spreading happiness and positivity. Be a part of the Diwali Celebrations in South East Asia and have a blast this festive season.
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Venue: Little India
Date: 30th October
Time: Anytime of the day
How to get there: Nearest metro station is the RapidKL Metro Station Masjid Jamek. Little India is walking distance from here.
Nepal
Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is a landlocked country with an abundance of natural beauty. Be it honeymooners, adventurists, or spiritual seekers, Nepal has something to offer to everyone. Known as Tihar, Diwali is the second biggest festival in Nepal. A 5-day long puja ceremony is a celebration of Diwali and Buddhism. It being one of the countries that provide visa free entry adds to the advantage of Indian travellers who only need a valid passport to arrive in Nepal.
Observe Diwali fanfare at: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Nagarkot
South Africa
Akshay Kumar is spending #Diwali2016 in Cape Town, South Africa (according to the Internet birdie). Sounds idyllic, right? Having the largest community of Indians after USA, South Africa celebrates Diwali with much pomposity and grandeur. There are Diwali fests organized in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Given a country as beautiful as South Africa, it would be a carnival to celebrate Diwali at a destination that offers everything at one place be it adventure, nature sightseeing, or cultural experiences.
Observe Diwali fanfare at: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town
Indonesia
With its amazing history and culture, Indonesia is one of the countries that respect Indian festivals and traditions. Diwali is among the most revered local festivals here and is celebrated in same manner as it is celebrated in India. What makes Indonesia an amazing place to celebrate Diwali is the motley of experiences it has to offer. Be it engaging in the water activities on the popular beaches or watching sunrise over the volcanic mountains or its jungle sheltering elephants, Indonesia is an exotic destination to celebrate Diwali in a unique way.
Observe Diwali fanfare at: Bali, Gili Islands
Why burn crackers this Diwali when you can celebrate in a million better ways, travelling around the world, having new experiences. Make this Diwali eco-friendly, going places, making merry memories. Celebrate it with gifts, festive gourmet, and a healthy dose of wanderlust.
