US Joins Canada, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka in Celebrating Diwali as a Global Indian Festival of Lights Uniting Cultures Worldwide

New York City Makes History

In 2023, the New York City Council made a historic decision by officially adding Diwali to the public school holiday calendar, replacing the old Brooklyn-Queens Day. The change, championed by Councilmember Jenifer Rajkumar and supported by Mayor Eric Adams, highlights the city’s commitment to inclusivity. It allows students from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities to celebrate Diwali with their families without the worry of missing school. This landmark move set a precedent that other cities across the nation are following.

New Jersey’s Local Districts Join the Movement

In New Jersey, several school districts with large Indian-American populations have begun to officially recognize Diwali as a school holiday. Notable districts such as Edison, South Brunswick, and Glen Rock have taken the lead in providing students with the opportunity to observe the festival in a meaningful way. The state is working towards expanding this recognition, ensuring that Diwali celebrations are more inclusive and celebrated in schools across the state.

Virginia Follows with Public Proclamation

In 2025, Loudoun County, Virginia, made headlines by issuing an official proclamation recognizing Diwali. This acknowledgment will be accompanied by a public celebration on October 25, 2025, bringing the cultural heritage of the Indian-American community to the forefront. The county’s decision to officially recognise Diwali reflects an ongoing trend of increasing acceptance and cultural awareness in various parts of the country.

Vibrant Diwali Celebrations Across U.S. Cities

The growing recognition of Diwali at both state and local levels is mirrored by the expanding celebrations in cities across the United States. From grand cultural festivals to intimate community gatherings, Diwali is lighting up city streets and town halls alike. The diversity of events ensures that the spirit of Diwali resonates with people from all walks of life.

San Francisco Bay Area: A Hub of Diwali Festivities

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the largest and most vibrant Diwali celebration centres in the United States. The region hosts a diverse range of events, from classical dance performances to exciting drone light shows. One of the biggest events is the Bhangra & Beats Night Market, where food, music, and dance come together in a joyous celebration of South Asian culture. The Diwali Carnival in San Jose is another major event that attracts thousands of attendees, making the Bay Area a cultural hub for Diwali festivities.

Los Angeles: A Melting Pot of Cultures

In Los Angeles, Diwali celebrations are growing every year, as the city embraces its multicultural identity. Since 2022, Los Angeles County has officially recognized Diwali as an important cultural festival. The city hosts numerous events, including cultural festivals, temple visits, and community gatherings. These events allow people from all backgrounds to experience and enjoy the rich traditions of Diwali, contributing to Los Angeles’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures.

New York City: A Celebration in the Heart of Diversity

New York City, with its immense diversity, is another key location where Diwali is celebrated with grandeur. In addition to the school holiday, NYC hosts a wide array of Diwali events, from cultural performances and food festivals to community celebrations. Certain neighbourhoods, like Jackson Heights, are known for their vibrant Diwali street fairs, offering an immersive experience of Indian food, music, and traditional clothing.

Chicago: A City of Cultural Harmony

Chicago’s Diwali celebrations are a testament to the city’s rich cultural diversity. The city hosts cultural performances, traditional dance shows, and community feasts, where people gather to celebrate the festival of lights. Chicago’s Diwali events are not only for the Indian-American community but also for anyone interested in learning about and participating in one of the world’s most significant festivals.

Efforts to Make Diwali a Federal Holiday

Despite the growing recognition at the state and local levels, Diwali is still not a federal holiday in the U.S. However, efforts are underway to change this. In 2023, Congresswoman Grace Meng introduced the Diwali Day Act, a bill that seeks to establish Diwali as a federal holiday. If passed, the legislation would make Diwali the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States. This move would allow families across the country to celebrate Diwali together without any work or school obligations. The passing of this bill would be a major milestone in recognizing the contributions and cultural significance of the South Asian communities in the U.S.

Diwali in the UAE: Official Recognition and Vibrant Celebrations

Diwali Celebrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Diwali is celebrated with grandeur in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the atmosphere transforms into a festive wonderland.

• Dubai: The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) plays a key role in organizing Diwali events throughout the city. In 2024, City Centre Deira hosted an exciting Diwali festival, which ran from October 25 to November 7. The event featured stunning decorations, grand prizes, cultural performances, and exclusive shopping offers. The mall’s transformation into a Diwali hub attracted thousands of visitors, making it one of the most talked-about events in Dubai during the festival. Additionally, Dubai’s streets are lit with colorful lights and adorned with traditional decorations, creating a festive spirit that spreads across the city.
• Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi ensures that Diwali celebrations are well-coordinated and supported. The DCT facilitates event registrations and permits through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System, which streamlines the process for organizers. As a result, Diwali festivities in Abu Dhabi are organized with careful planning and attention to detail, ensuring that the cultural experience is accessible to all.

Cultural Significance of Diwali in the UAE

For the Indian expatriate community in the UAE, Diwali represents more than just a religious observance—it is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival involves lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with colourful rangolis (decorative patterns made from coloured powder or flowers), and exchanging sweets and gifts. Temples and community centres in the UAE also host special Diwali prayers, providing a space for reflection and spiritual renewal.

Diwali in the UAE is not limited to one community; it brings together people from various cultural backgrounds, allowing everyone to experience the universal values of hope, positivity, and unity. The UAE’s support for Diwali helps to create an inclusive environment, where people of all religions and ethnicities can celebrate this joyous festival together.

Diwali in Canada: Embracing Cultural Diversity Across the Country

Government Recognition of Diwali in Canada

While Diwali is not a statutory public holiday in Canada, the Government of Canada acknowledges its cultural significance and the vital contributions of the Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. In 2024, Minister Khera highlighted the importance of Diwali, emphasizing its symbolism of good triumphing over evil and light overcoming darkness. The recognition of Diwali by the federal government helps raise awareness and shows appreciation for the cultural diversity that defines Canadian society.

Though it is not a statutory holiday nationwide, some provinces and territories in Canada observe Diwali through proclamations and community events, further promoting the cultural importance of the festival.

Diwali Celebrations in Major Canadian Cities

Across Canada, Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm, showcasing the nation’s multicultural identity. Major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary host large-scale Diwali events that bring communities together to celebrate the festival of lights.

• Toronto, Ontario: Toronto is home to some of the largest Diwali celebrations in Canada. Mississauga’s Diwali Razzmatazz attracts over 50,000 attendees annually, with more than 500 artists performing cultural displays. The Diwali Dhamaka event, organised by Dream Media Agency, features family-friendly activities, dance performances, and Diwali-themed markets. Another popular event, North York Diwali Fest, takes place at Mel Lastman Square and includes food stalls, music, and arts and crafts workshops, making it a true celebration of cultural diversity.
• Vancouver, British Columbia: Vancouver’s DiwaliFest has been an annual event since 2004 and is one of the largest Diwali celebrations in the Lower Mainland. The festival features cultural performances, workshops, and community gatherings, allowing attendees to experience the richness of South Asian culture. Vancouver’s celebration brings together people from all walks of life, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a vibrant, multicultural hub.
• Calgary, Alberta: In Calgary, Diwali in the Park is an annual event held at Prince Island Park, featuring cultural performances, food stalls, and fireworks. This event showcases the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the South Asian community and has become a beloved tradition for many Calgarians.
• Montreal, Quebec: Montreal’s Diwali at the Old Port is a cultural event organized by the Hindu Society of Montreal. This event includes traditional dance performances, Diwali markets, and food stalls, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and culture. It highlights Montreal’s diversity and commitment to embracing cultural celebrations from all over the world.

The Cultural Significance of Diwali in Canada

In Canada, Diwali is a time for families and communities to reflect on the past year, celebrate unity, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. The festival’s cultural practices, such as lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangolis, and exchanging sweets, create a sense of togetherness. Community organisations, cultural centres, and local governments play a crucial role in organizing Diwali events that foster inclusivity and intercultural dialogue.

Diwali is celebrated not just by the Indian diaspora, but by people from all religious backgrounds, including Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. This diversity makes Diwali an inclusive celebration, where people of all cultures and faiths come together to share in the joy and light of the festival.

Diwali in Singapore: A Festival of Lights and Culture

In Singapore, Deepavali is a public holiday and one of the most significant celebrations of the year. The country’s love for festivities is visible in the grand street light-ups, especially in the Little India district. Every year, Little India transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, decorations, and vibrant colours. The streets are lined with thousands of light bulbs, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists.

Cultural performances and festive markets also play a big part in the celebrations. Singaporeans take part in traditional dances, music performances, and temple visits during the festival. The markets offer a variety of sweets, clothes, and home decorations, allowing people to immerse themselves fully in the festive spirit. Deepavali in Singapore is a joyous occasion, where people come together to celebrate, share food, and reflect on the values of the festival.

Malaysia: A Country Celebrating Deepavali with Joy and Tradition

In Malaysia, Deepavali is also a public holiday. The celebration is deeply rooted in the country’s diverse culture. Malaysians, especially from the Tamil Hindu community, celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. It is a time for family gatherings, temple visits, and cultural performances.

Temple rituals are an essential part of the Deepavali celebrations in Malaysia. People visit temples to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies. Homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), and the air is filled with the scent of sweets like ladoos and barfis, which are shared among friends and family. The streets come alive with music, and cultural performances such as traditional dances are held in various public spaces.

In Malaysia, the spirit of Deepavali transcends religious boundaries. People of all ethnic backgrounds join in the festivities, showing respect and admiration for each other’s traditions. The celebration is not just a religious observance but a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to multiculturalism and unity.

Sri Lanka: Diwali Celebrations in the Tamil Heartland

In Sri Lanka, Diwali is celebrated by the Tamil Hindu community, primarily in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The festival is marked by temple rituals, family gatherings, and a sense of community. Although Diwali is not a national public holiday in Sri Lanka, it is widely observed within the Tamil community, where it holds great cultural and religious significance.

In these regions, people clean their homes, light oil lamps, and decorate their surroundings with rangolis. Temples play a central role in the festivities, with special prayers and rituals conducted to mark the occasion. The celebration is a deeply spiritual time, where families come together to share meals and celebrate the victory of light over darkness.

The way Diwali is celebrated in Sri Lanka reflects the community’s deep connection to their cultural heritage. It is a time to reflect on past successes, renew family bonds, and share the joy of the festival with loved ones.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, truly transcends borders, uniting diverse cultures across Southeast Asia in a dazzling celebration of light, unity, and hope. In Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, this cherished festival radiates with vibrant street displays, heartfelt family gatherings, and powerful cultural traditions. Whether it’s the glowing streets of Little India in Singapore, the temple rituals in Malaysia, or the spiritual gatherings in Sri Lanka’s Tamil heartland, Diwali shines a light on the shared values of joy, peace, and togetherness. As this festival continues to grow, it illuminates hearts worldwide, spreading warmth and harmony wherever it is celebrated.