Diwali, or Deepavali, the radiant Festival of Lights, is one of the most anticipated celebrations across the globe. Originating in India, it signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Today, Diwali has transcended borders, thanks to migration and cultural exchange, making its mark far beyond South Asia. In several countries, the festival isn’t just a community event but a full-fledged public holiday, giving millions the chance to gather, rejoice, and illuminate the world in unison.
Countries That Recognize Diwali as a Public Holiday
| Country | Status | Local Name / Special Note |
| India | National | The heartland of Diwali with nationwide holidays. |
| Nepal | National | Celebrated as Tihar, spanning five festive days. |
| Sri Lanka | National (for Tamils) | Deepavali holds prominence among Sri Lankan Tamils. |
| Malaysia | National/Regional | Deepavali is recognized officially, mainly in Tamil communities. |
| Singapore | National | The only Hindu festival that’s a public holiday here. |
| Mauritius | National | A reflection of a strong Indian heritage. |
| Myanmar | National | Officially marked as a government holiday. |
| Fiji | National | Widely celebrated across Indo-Fijian communities. |
| Guyana | National | A day of lights and sweets in South America. |
| Trinidad & Tobago | National | Massive community celebrations across the islands. |
| Suriname | National | Rooted in Indian diaspora traditions. |
Nepal – Tihar, the Festival of Lights and Animals
In Nepal, Diwali takes the form of Tihar, a vibrant five-day festival. Each day is dedicated to honoring animals like crows, dogs, and cows, alongside Goddess Lakshmi. Houses glow with oil lamps, families exchange blessings, and brothers and sisters reaffirm their bond in a special ritual called Bhai Tika. As a national holiday, Tihar brings the entire country to a celebratory pause.
Sri Lanka – Deepavali for Tamil Communities
In Sri Lanka, Deepavali is primarily celebrated by the Tamil population. Recognized as a public holiday, it’s marked with temple visits, oil lamps, fireworks, and traditional sweets. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the spiritual victory of knowledge over ignorance. The festival also emphasizes family togetherness and cultural pride, especially in Tamil-majority areas.
Malaysia & Singapore – A Multicultural Glow
Both Malaysia and Singapore officially recognize Deepavali. In Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur’s Brickfields area (Little India), streets come alive with dazzling lights, kolam designs, and cultural programs. In Singapore, Deepavali is the sole Hindu festival on the public holiday calendar, celebrated with massive decorations along Serangoon Road in Little India, drawing tourists and locals alike into the festivities.
Mauritius – Indian Heritage Illuminated
Mauritius, with its large Indian-origin population, celebrates Diwali as a national holiday. Families decorate homes with lamps, exchange sweets, and perform rituals. Beyond its religious roots, Diwali has become a unifying celebration in Mauritius, with even non-Hindu communities participating in the festival of light.
Fiji – Lights in the Pacific
Diwali in Fiji reflects the traditions of the Indo-Fijian community. Recognized as a national holiday, it features house decorations, rangoli, festive meals, and temple prayers. What makes Fiji’s Diwali unique is its inclusivity — people of all faiths join the celebration, turning it into a vibrant multicultural affair.
Caribbean Nations – Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname
Thanks to significant Indian diaspora communities, Diwali shines bright in the Caribbean. In Guyana, homes and streets are lit with lamps, while families share mithai (sweets). Trinidad & Tobago hosts some of the largest Diwali Nagar (village) celebrations outside India, with cultural shows and grand fairs. Suriname also recognizes Diwali nationally, making South America glow with the festive spirit.
Myanmar – A Lesser-Known Celebration
Though smaller in scale, Myanmar acknowledges Diwali as an official holiday. Indian-origin communities celebrate with lamps, prayers, and family gatherings, keeping the tradition alive despite the relatively small Hindu population.
Summing Up
Diwali’s recognition as a public holiday in countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean reflects both the strength of the Indian diaspora and the universal appeal of light conquering darkness. From Nepal’s animal-honoring Tihar to Fiji’s inclusive festivities and Trinidad’s grand Diwali Nagar, the festival has adapted beautifully across cultures. Its spread demonstrates how traditions transcend borders, becoming symbols of unity and joy. As more countries embrace Diwali, the world continues to shine brighter, one diya at a time.
FAQS
When Is Diwali In 2025?
Diwali falls on Thursday, 31 October 2025, based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
How Is Diwali Celebrated?
With diyas, fireworks, prayers, family gatherings, rangoli, and exchanging sweets to mark light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil.
What To Eat During Diwali?
Traditional sweets (mithai), snacks, festive meals, ladoos, barfi, samosas, and savory treats are commonly enjoyed during Diwali celebrations.
Where To Celebrate Diwali In 2025?
India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, and local diaspora events worldwide.
