List of Countries That Celebrate Diwali Around the World

List of Countries That Celebrate Diwali Around the World

Explore how countries across the world—from Nepal and Singapore to the USA and Guyana—celebrate Diwali with lights, sweets, and joy.
Each nation adds its own cultural flavor to the Festival of Lights, spreading happiness and togetherness worldwide.

Posted by Akansha Arora | Last updated on October 21st, 2025, 12:00 pm

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✨ The Global Celebration of Diwali

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. Symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, it originated in India but has spread across the globe. Today, people from different cultures and religions celebrate Diwali with lamps, prayers, sweets, and festive gatherings.

Let’s take a look at the countries where Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

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🪔 Countries That Celebrate Diwali

• Nepal

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• United Kingdom

• Myanmar

• South Africa

• Thailand

• Indonesia

• United States

• Guyana

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🇳🇵 Nepal

In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar and is celebrated with equal passion. Homes across Kathmandu glow with diyas and vibrant rangolis.
Each day of Tihar is dedicated to honoring different beings—crows, cows, dogs, and Goddess Laxmi—reflecting Nepal’s respect for life and nature.

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🇸🇬 Singapore

During Diwali, Little India in Singapore becomes a dazzling hub of lights, music, and festivities. Streets are decorated with colorful arches and lamps, while cultural shows, Indian sweets, and prayers fill the air with joy. Both locals and tourists join in to celebrate harmony and unity.

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🇲🇾 Malaysia

In Malaysia, Diwali is called Deepavali and is a national public holiday. The Brickfields area in Kuala Lumpur becomes the heart of celebration, where people light oil lamps, visit temples, and share festive meals. Traditional music, dances, and delicious food create a lively and joyful atmosphere.

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom

The UK, particularly Leicester, hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India. The city’s famous light switch-on ceremony and fireworks attract thousands of visitors each year. Streets come alive with dance performances, Indian food stalls, and a vibrant festive spirit.

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🇲🇲 Myanmar

In Myanmar, the Indian community celebrates Diwali with devotion and joy. In Yangon, temples and restaurants organize cultural programs, prayers, and feasts. The festival strengthens the bond of friendship and faith among communities.

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🇿🇦 South Africa

South Africa’s Indian community, especially in Durban and Johannesburg, celebrates Diwali with grandeur. The Gauteng Diwali Festival features fireworks, food stalls, live music, and dance performances. Cities illuminate with colorful lights, representing the triumph of hope and unity.

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🇹🇭 Thailand

In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, Diwali is celebrated with a special twist. The Diwali Cruise along the river offers guests Indian food, traditional music, and fireworks — blending Indian festivities with Thai elegance for a truly magical evening.

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🇮🇩 Indonesia

In Bali, Indonesia, where Hindu culture is still strong, Diwali is observed with deep reverence. Temples are beautifully decorated, and people offer prayers to Goddess Laxmi. The blend of Indian and Balinese traditions creates a serene and spiritual celebration.

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🇺🇸 United States

In the USA, Diwali has grown into a major multicultural event. Cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Houston host large public celebrations with fireworks, cultural performances, and food fairs. The Bay Area Diwali Festival in California is among the largest gatherings of the Indian diaspora.

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🇬🇾 Guyana

In Guyana, Diwali is a national holiday celebrated by people of Indian origin. The capital city, Georgetown, glows with diyas and colorful decorations. Families exchange sweets, visit temples, and enjoy music and dance performances, keeping the traditions of their ancestors alive.