Amazing Diwali Celebrations Around the World

Image: Telegraph.co.uk

To the uninitiated, Diwali is the five-day festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. As we've seen in our Hari Raya Around the World article, celebrations aren't always the same. From South America to the streets of Leicester, here's how people around the world are lighting up their towns in celebration for the Hindu New Year. 

Image: Keno George

The sovereign state on the northern mainland of South America has been celebrating Deepavali since 1853 as legend has it. Besides the usual festivities of eating and merriment, the Guyanese also partake in motorcades in several cities. Vehicles are pimped out in lights and decorations like carnival floats during a parade. People then walk down the streets accompanying the motorcade. 

Image: HindustanTimes.com

Abandoned widows in Vrindavan and Varanasi were shunned by society and were forbidden to celebrate anything. Now with the help of a local organisation, this stigma has shifted. In 2013, Sulabh International in Vrindavan organised the first ever public celebration for these widows and public opinion has since shifted. Here they are on the banks of the river Yamuna offering prayers. 

Image: Danial Shah

The inhabitants of your dream honeymoon destination is predominantly Hindu and the celebration takes a stab at the Christmas lights market in America. Houses in Triolet are lit up and residents take to the streets to visit their neighbours during the holidays. Some to spread holiday cheer, but most just want  to compare who has the biggest brightest bulbs. 

Image: TheGuardian.com

The celebration in this city is only second to the ones they have in India and is the biggest outside of India. Celebrations are held at the main road or the Golden Mile at Leicester and more than 35,000 people attend. The festivities begin in the morning with dancing and workshops and continues into the night where the lights truly shine. 

Image: Facebook @ Diwali at Times Square

Diwali in Times Square was happened for the first time in 2013 and featured the talents of Ranbir Kapoor. It was accompanied by live performances and food. This year's itinerary included a free concert from Bollywood stars, cultural performances, food and drinks, and shopping. Entrance is completely free. If you ever find yourself in New York around Diwali, head there. 

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