.DIWALI CELEBRATION OUTSIDE INDIA
Diwali is celebrated in all parts of India with a few variations in keeping with local conditions, customs and needs. With a large number of Indians having settled abroad, Diwali has been “exported” to several parts of the world and celebrated enthusiastically.The legends associated with the festival also vary from place to place. The most widely held belief is that Diwali celebrations mark the return of Rama to Ayodhya after killing Lanka's demon king Ravana and freeing his spouse Sita from Ravana's captivity. Diwali is one of most important festivals among Hindus in USA. Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Lord Rama as king after his return from 14 years of exile. Much like India, earthen lamps are lighted here in rows, sometimes, making beautiful images of these lamps that look beautiful when the lamps are lighted in the darkness of the night. Temples are also decorated with colorful lights. In the evening, Diwali celebrated with Community Gathering, Cultural programs and Fire Works. People distribute sweets and snacks among friends and relatives.
About 63% population in Mauritius has Indian origins and 80% of them are Hindus. Naturally Diwali is one of the main festival among Indians. Here, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Lord Rama as king after his return from 14 years of exile. Much like India, earthen lamps are lighted here in rows, sometimes, making beautiful images of these lamps that look beautiful when the lamps are lighted in the darkness of the night. Temples are also decorated in different way, sometimes with colorful light, sometimes with colored paper. Goddes Lakshmi is worshipped and crackers and fireworks are burnt to ward off the evil spirits. The only Hindu Kingdom of the world, Diwali is known as 'Tihar' in Nepal. Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped here. On the 1st day of the 5-day long festival, the cows are revered as Goddess Lakshmi and are fed with cooked rice. On the 2nd day, dogs are revered as the carrier of Bhairava and are fed with delicious food, especially prepared for them. On the 3rd day, houses are illuminated and decorated with lights and lamps and delicacies are prepared and fireworks and crackers are the favorites of the day. On the 4th day, prayers and offerings are made to Yama, the Hindu God of Death, to please him and be blessed by him with long life. On the 5th and the last day, Bhaiya Dooj / Bhai Dooj is celebrated in which sisters pray for long life and prosperity of their brothers. Malaysia has about 8 - 10% Hindu population who celebrate Hari Diwali that symbolizes triumph of good over evil. Festival usually starts off with the traditional oil bath of South India and then visit the temples and pray. Small earthen lamps with coconut oil are lit to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana. Rooms and Doors are decorated with lamps and colorful paper. Diwali is celebrated in most parts of Malaysia except in the regions of Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan. Though most of the Indonesian population follows Islam, Diwali is celebrated among Hindus. Hindus constitute only 2% of the population. However, the island of Bali is famous for Diwali celebration as majority of its populations consists of Indians. The rituals and the celebrations are mostly similar to India. Diwali celebrated with Regional Gathering and Cultural programs and Fire Works. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness.
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States. With more and more Indians and Sri Lankans now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.
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