The festival of Diwali is being celebrated in India, which is the biggest festival of this country. For this, people from every section of the society, from children to the elderly, wait eagerly. People are buying new clothes in this festival. They are buying colorful lights and bringing them home to decorate their homes. In a way, it is also a means of erasing all the old grudges and starting a new relationship. On the special occasion of Diwali, people distribute sweets to each other. Hug each other. Along with worshiping God, people enjoy this festival by bursting fireworks. Preparations for this have already been completed. Cleaning has been done in the houses. A packed crowd is seen in the market from morning till evening. Flowers, colorful lights, firecrackers, lamps, clothes and other decorative items are being purchased. Various types of dishes are also prepared in this festival. Sweets are prepared especially to give to the guests.
It is considered a symbol of unity. The festival in India lasts for five days and includes Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Main Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. However, Diwali is not celebrated only in India, but in other countries also this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp. Let us know in detail…
In Nepal it is called Tihar and it also lasts for five days. In Nepal, Kag Tihar i.e. worship of crows is celebrated on the first day, Kukur Tihar i.e. worship of dogs is celebrated on the second day, then cow is worshiped, and on the fourth day the main Diwali or Lakshmi Puja is celebrated. Bhai Tika has special significance on the last day, when sisters wish for the long life and prosperity of their brothers.
Diwali is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. In Sri Lanka, especially the Tamil community celebrates it with great pomp. Diyas are lit in every house and sweets are prepared. Mauritius has a large population of people of Indian origin, hence Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm there too. People start preparations weeks in advance and celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm.
Diwali is also a major festival in Singapore and Malaysia. The lights and decorations in Singapore’s Little India area during Diwali are worth seeing. In Malaysia it is called Green Diwali. People wake up early in the morning, take bath with oil, pray and celebrate by meeting family and friends.
About 40% of the population in Fiji is of Indian origin. Diwali is celebrated there with great pomp. People decorate their houses with lamps and colorful bulbs and enjoy fireworks. Diwali is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Caribbean countries Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana.
The importance of Diwali is increasing in western countries also. A large number of Indian immigrants in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada have started the tradition of celebrating Diwali. The Diwali Parade in Leicester is considered to be one of the largest Diwali celebrations in the world. In these countries, political leaders also extend good wishes on this occasion and participate in community programs.
Diwali is also celebrated on a large scale in Australia and New Zealand. In cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, local governments cooperate in organizing the event. Due to this, this festival is not limited to only the Hindu community, but takes the form of a multi-cultural festival.
