Diwali (or Deepavali), the most popular festival of lights is celebrated across India as the victory of good over evil. In India, places like Jaipur, Amritsar, Varanasi and Mumbai are famous for their grand Diwali celebrations and decorations. But did you know that this festival of lights is celebrated not just in India but across the globe with a lot of enthusiasm too?
Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, London and so many more also celebrate Diwali in their own way. It is really interesting to experience Diwali celebrations in a mixed cultural of Indian traditions, local rituals and a lot of festivities. So wait not, pack your bags now and plan your Diwali to one of these destinations to make your long Diwali vacation more memorable.
Experience India, away from India in Singapore’s Little India
Little India is Singapore’s very own recreation of India. Little India is a remarkable little district that feels like India. Visit Singapore from October 22, 2014 to October 25, 2014 and experience the streets of Little India illuminated as the festivities are in full swing. Stalls with traditional sweets, spices and garlands are sprawling across the entire area. Serangoon Road dazzles with lights and streamers. Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal temples display radiance and vibrancy. Events like Deepavali Hunt and Deepavali Countdown Concert will bring in a lot of activity; while various destinations within Little India will illustrate the history, tradition, culture and heritage of Diwali.
Annual Deepavali Carnival in Bukit Jalil Sports Complex at Malaysia
Since 12 years, Deepavali Carnival is organised in the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur by Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd. Visit Malaysia to witness the week long carnival from October 10, 2014 to October 21, 2014 that displays handicrafts, jewellery, spices and much more from all over India under one roof. Moreover, traditional arts takes a centre-stage and keep you entertained.
Attend the largest Diwali celebration in West London, Neasden at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
During Diwali, this white marble temple gets illuminated by lights, candles and lamps all over. On October 23, 2014; the temple will celebrate a day full of Diwali festivities. Open all day until 08:30 pm for darshan, the floor of the temple will be decorated with colourful rangoli (different patterns created on the floor using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals). Snacks will be available all day while the Chopda Pujan will take place in the evening and the celebrations will end with spectacular fireworks.
Savour the traditional Diwali festivities in Dubai at Antique Bazaar
From October 22, 2014 to October 25, 2014 Antique Bazaar, an Indian restaurant in Dubai will have a Diwali special dinner menu that will feature traditional Indian sweets like maalpua, angoori rasmalai and kalakand. Do not miss Karanji, an Indian Diwali delicacy that is specifically cooked during Diwali.
Apart from these destinations, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Sri Lanka and many more countries indulge in Diwali festivities and bring in a lot of happiness. Indian house balconies and verandahs are lit with lamps and candles. Rangolis are drawn at the entrance of the door and sweets are cooked with a lot of zeal. So where are you heading this Diwali?
Author : Winnie Karnik