Diwali as a Public Holiday Around the World: Global Recognition of the Festival of Lights

Introduction: The Festival That Travels Beyond Borders

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is no longer just an Indian celebration—it has become a global festival of joy, light, and unity. With millions of Indians living across the world, Diwali has found a place not just in homes and temples abroad but also in city squares, schools, and even government calendars.

In recent years, several countries have officially declared Diwali a public holiday, reflecting the growing influence of Indian culture worldwide. This recognition is not only a matter of pride for the Indian diaspora but also a symbol of inclusivity and multiculturalism. In 2025, as Diwali shines brighter than ever, let’s explore the countries where this festival has earned official holiday status and how people celebrate it globally.

Why Declaring Diwali a Holiday Matters

Declaring Diwali as a public holiday has deep cultural, social, and political significance.

• Cultural Recognition: It acknowledges the contributions of Indian and South Asian communities to their adopted countries.

• Inclusivity: It ensures that people can celebrate their traditions without work or school commitments.

• Global Awareness: It allows non-Indians to learn and participate in the rich heritage of Diwali.

As Diwali spreads across continents, it becomes a festival that unites diverse communities under the universal theme of light over darkness.

Countries That Recognize Diwali as a Holiday

1. India – The Origin of Diwali

Naturally, India celebrates Diwali as one of its biggest national festivals. While not every state declares it a public holiday for all five days, Diwali day itself is an official holiday across the country. Each region celebrates in unique ways, from lighting diyas in Ayodhya to Kali Puja in Bengal, and from Naraka Chaturdashi in South India to Bandi Chhor Divas in Punjab.

2. Nepal – Tihar: Festival of Lights

In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, one of the most important festivals. It spans five days, with each day dedicated to honoring animals like crows, cows, and dogs, as well as Goddess Lakshmi. Tihar is a national holiday, and the entire country glows with diyas, candles, and lanterns, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.

3. Sri Lanka – Deepavali Holiday

In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Hindu community celebrates Deepavali, commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. It is declared a national holiday, with temples illuminated and homes decorated with lamps. The holiday is observed by Hindus and respected by the entire country, emphasizing cultural harmony.

4. Mauritius – National Holiday for Diwali

Mauritius, with nearly 70% of its population of Indian origin, celebrates Diwali as one of the biggest national holidays. Families light diyas, exchange sweets, and decorate their homes with lamps. Government offices, schools, and businesses close for the festival, and the island comes alive with light and festivity.

5. Fiji – Multicultural Celebration

Fiji has a significant Indo-Fijian community, and Diwali is recognized as a public holiday. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, hosting community feasts, and fireworks displays. Diwali in Fiji blends Indian customs with local culture, symbolizing unity among diverse ethnic groups.

6. Trinidad & Tobago – Festival of Lights for All

With a large Indian diaspora, Trinidad & Tobago celebrates Diwali as a national holiday. The Divali Nagar (Diwali Village) becomes the center of cultural festivities, featuring music, dance, and exhibitions. The entire nation participates, regardless of faith, making it one of the most inclusive Diwali celebrations in the world.

7. Guyana – Recognized Public Holiday

In Guyana, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indo-Guyanese community and recognized as a public holiday. Streets, temples, and homes are decorated with colorful lights, while processions and cultural events make the festival a public spectacle.

8. Suriname – Diwali on the Calendar

Diwali is a national holiday in Suriname, where a significant Indian community has preserved its traditions for centuries. The day is marked by prayers, lighting diyas, and sharing sweets, reflecting the cultural heritage of Indo-Surinamese families.

9. Singapore – Festival in Little India

Singapore, with its large Indian Tamil population, celebrates Deepavali as a public holiday. The famous Little India district is transformed with dazzling light displays, street bazaars, and temple ceremonies. While Singapore is highly multicultural, Deepavali stands proudly as one of the official holidays.

10. Malaysia – Deepavali Holiday

In Malaysia, Deepavali is a public holiday celebrated by the Hindu community. Families light oil lamps and perform puja at temples, while shopping malls and public spaces showcase festive decorations. It’s a time of cultural pride and interfaith sharing.

11. Indonesia (Bali) – Celebration of Lights

Indonesia, despite being a Muslim-majority country, has a Hindu population in Bali that celebrates Diwali as a recognized holiday. Balinese Hindus light lamps, decorate temples, and celebrate with rituals similar to Indian traditions.

12. Other Countries with Growing Recognition

• United States: Several states and cities have begun declaring Diwali as a school holiday, including New York City (2023) and New Jersey (2025). While not a federal holiday yet, its recognition is growing rapidly.

• United Kingdom: While not a public holiday nationwide, Diwali is celebrated with grandeur in Leicester, London, and Birmingham. Major landmarks like Trafalgar Square host Diwali events, and campaigns are ongoing to push for formal recognition.

• Canada: Diwali is not a statutory holiday but is widely celebrated in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Brampton, where city councils host Diwali events and illuminations.

How Diwali is Celebrated Globally

Even in countries where Diwali is not yet an official holiday, it is celebrated with immense enthusiasm:

• United States: Iconic landmarks like Times Square, the White House, and Disneyland host Diwali events.

• Australia: Sydney’s Opera House lights up for Diwali celebrations.

• United Kingdom: Fireworks, cultural programs, and temple gatherings make it a community-wide celebration.

• Middle East: Countries like UAE and Qatar, with large Indian populations, host grand Diwali parties and light displays.

This global participation shows how Diwali has moved beyond being just an Indian festival—it is now a universal celebration of light and positivity.

Chronos Lights: Making Global Diwali Brighter

As Diwali becomes an international holiday, lighting continues to be the soul of the festival. Chronos Lights plays a vital role in helping families, businesses, and communities celebrate with elegance, safety, and sustainability.

• LED Candles & Diyas: Perfect for families abroad who cannot use open flames in apartments.

• Fairy & Curtain Lights: Essential for decorating homes, restaurants, and temples globally.

• Cordless Table Lamps: Elegant additions for hotels, dining spaces, and community gatherings.

• Eco-Friendly Lighting: Reusable options that align with sustainable global celebrations.

Whether it’s a family in New Jersey celebrating their first school holiday for Diwali, or communities in Mauritius lighting up entire neighborhoods, Chronos Lights ensures that every celebration shines brightly and safely.

Conclusion: A Festival Without Borders

The declaration of Diwali as a holiday in multiple countries shows how this ancient Indian tradition has grown into a global celebration. From Ayodhya to New York, from Mauritius to Singapore, Diwali unites people of different faiths and cultures through light, joy, and hope.

In 2025, as more regions acknowledge Diwali in their calendars, it reinforces the message that the festival is not just about one community—it is about humanity’s shared desire for light over darkness. With Chronos Lights illuminating homes and hearts across the world, Diwali truly becomes a universal festival of togetherness.

🪔✨ Celebrate Diwali 2025 with elegance, safety, and brilliance—explore the Chronos Diwali Lights Collection today and join the world in lighting up the future.