Diwali, popularly known as the “Festival of Lights”, is not just confined to India where it originated. Across continents, from the skyscrapers of Dubai to the bustling streets of London’s Trafalgar Square, the festival takes on various forms and meanings, all while maintaining its core essence—a celebration of light over darkness, good over evil.
The name Diwali is a colloquial form of the word Deepavali, which translates to a ‘row of lamps’. In India, this festival traditionally lasts five days, each day having its own unique set of rituals and significance. Millions of earthen lamps, or diyas, flicker on balconies and window sills, lighting up the night sky. However, the festival isn’t just about lighting lamps. It has a multiplicity of meanings for different cultures and religious groups, and its impact is palpable across the globe.
In Malaysia, known for its multi-ethnic society, Diwali is called Hari Diwali. Unlike India, the rituals here focus on an early morning oil bath followed by temple visits for prayers. Dubai, a city that’s no stranger to opulence, marks Diwali with grandeur. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, becomes the centrepiece of celebrations with jaw-dropping light and sound shows. Fireworks also burst over popular locations like Dubai Creek and The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, capturing the essence of Diwali in every sparkling explosion.
Singapore’s Little India is a spectacle in itself around Deepavali, which is a public holiday in the country. The streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, floral arrangements, and a plethora of lights, making it an Instagrammer’s paradise. In Nepal, the festival takes on a different tone. Known as Tihar, it lasts for five days and honors various beings including cattle, dogs, and crows. The Bhailo and Deusi traditions involve people singing and dancing from house to house, symbolising community and shared joy.
The United Kingdom, with its significant South Asian diaspora, hosts some of the most lavish celebrations outside of the Indian subcontinent. London’s Trafalgar Square turns into a hotspot of cultural activity with performances, food stalls, and an outpour of community gatherings. Jainism and Sikhism, religions born in India, have their own unique interpretations of Diwali. For Jains, it marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, achieved Nirvana. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chorh Divas, focusing on the release of Guru Hargobind from prison in 1619.
In India itself, the way Diwali is celebrated can change every few hundred miles. Northern India mainly celebrates the return of Lord Rama from his 14-year exile, complete with an array of colourful lanterns and other vibrant decorations. Southern India shifts the focus towards Lord Krishna, marking his victory over the evil Lord Indra. In the spiritual city of Varanasi, thousands of coloured diyas float on the river Ganges as the evening turns into a mystical experience.
The beauty of Diwali lies in its universal appeal. Whether you’re lighting a diya, watching fireworks, or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, the festival brings a sense of unity that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It serves as a poignant reminder that despite our differences, the human yearning for light, love, and community is a constant that shines brightly, quite literally, around the world.
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