Diwali traditions across the globe and where to enjoy them
Celebrate the start of Diwali with a deep dive into the festival’s most interesting traditions and find the best spots to experience them in person.
Today marks the start of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and cities across Asia, Australasia, and beyond are being adorned in diyas (lanterns) and rangoli patterns in preparation for the next five days of celebrations. For many, though, Diwali remains a bit of an enigma. Whether you’re after an introduction to this enchanting annual celebration or planning ahead to witness the festivities abroad in 2026, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Diwali?
The enchanting ‘Festival of Light’ is a time for Hindus across the world to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and new beginnings. Taking place over five days, the celebration revolves around religious ceremonies, traditional crafts, and colourful light displays.
What does it celebrate?
Though it started as a Hindu festival in India, celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, Diwali is now widely celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across the world. Today, it is more broadly observed as the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
How is it celebrated?
While traditions vary by region, you can expect a few international staples no matter where you are in the world. Fireworks displays are a common sight and can range from private family gatherings to larger scale events and complement the colourful lanterns that are often placed around the house. You might also see traditional foods, from sweet gulab jamuns and halwa (pudding) to pani puri (hollow fried balls filled with spiced vegetables).
What are the best spots to experience Diwali abroad?
While events and celebrations can be found across every continent, it’s no secret that some of the best spots to experience the festivities can be found across India and Southeast Asia.
Observing Sikh traditions in Amritsar
As the home of the Golden Temple, one of the most significant Sikh religious sites, Amritsar celebrates Diwali in a slightly different way. With Hindu festivities coinciding with the Sikh Bandi Chhor Divas (Liberation Day), celebrations are often even more lively and showcase the city’s diverse cultures in a truly unique way.
Seeing the diyas in Kathmandu
India isn’t the only place to enjoy the Diwali festivities and nearby Nepal is a great choice for soaking up the celebrations. Kathmandu, the country’s historic capital, is particularly impressive for its colourful lanterns, and you can see its major royal palaces and temples lit by hundreds of candles every evening. For a more immersive experience, be sure to visit nearby Patan for its communal processions, fireworks displays, and colourful, street-side patterns.
Joining public celebrations in New Delhi
For a larger-scale introduction to Diwali, look no further than India’s cosmopolitan capital, Delhi. With city-wide processions, frequent Ramlila performances, which re-enact the Ramayana’s Hindu myths, and enormous fireworks displays, the city hosts some of the liveliest celebrations throughout the festival of lights. While here, be sure to visit the Chandni Chowk markets for a traditional Indian treat and some souvenir shopping.
Experiencing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
Though it’s not technically held during Diwali, Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali celebrations, which take place 15 days after the original festival, are a sight to behold in their own right. Centred around the sacred River Ganges, this impressive event sees over one million lamps lit on the city’s ghats and floating on the water itself.
Book your own Diwali-inspired adventure with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’re keen to experience the festival’s time-honoured traditions in person, or would simply prefer an introduction to Asia, our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help. Give them a call to get the ball rolling on your next wish-list escape or browse our full range of itineraries on our dedicated destinations page.
