Diwali-2024 which has been celebrated worldwide on 31.10.2024, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in India and among Hindu communities worldwide. As millions of people gather to celebrate this joyous occasion, Diwali 2024 is witnessing vibrant festivities, reflecting unity, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated not only in India, but also across numerous countries with significant Indian diaspora communities, making it a global festival marked by cultural diversity and shared traditions.
Diwali 2024 in India: Lights, Colors, and Traditions
In India, Diwali marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The five-day festival began on Dhanteras, with families indulging in shopping for gold, silver, and other precious metals, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Dhanteras has seen an increase in jewellery and electronics purchases, with shoppers embracing both online and offline platforms to purchase festive essentials.
Across India, homes, streets, and marketplaces are illuminated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps) and fairy lights, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and ignorance. People participate in cleaning and decorating their homes, drawing colourful rangolis at doorsteps, and setting up elaborate arrangements of flowers and candles. Temples, especially in cities like Varanasi and Mathura, are decorated with intricate lighting displays, attracting worshippers and tourists alike.
In Delhi, the capital city, the celebration has taken on a grand scale with Diwali fairs and exhibitions across various venues. These fairs are a showcase of traditional handicrafts, food stalls, and entertainment programs, adding to the excitement of the festival. Major monuments and public spaces are illuminated, with iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar dressed up in spectacular lighting.
Diwali 2024 celebrations in Mumbai, the financial hub, blend tradition with modernity. Mumbaikars participate in Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity and health. Fireworks illuminate the skyline along Marine Drive, and the sounds of celebration fill the air across this lively city. In Kolkata, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Kolkata’s unique celebration includes intricate pandals (temporary shrines) and decorations, drawing in thousands of devotees.
In the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, Diwali is celebrated with regional customs, including the preparation of unique sweets, traditional oil baths, and early morning celebrations that emphasize simplicity and togetherness. Each region of India adds its unique flavor to Diwali, from Gujarati Garba dance celebrations to the grand festivities in Rajasthan, where homes are decked with vibrant colours and lights.
Diwali 2024-Global Celebrations:
Diwali’s influence has reached far beyond Indian borders, with celebrations held across the world. Countries with significant Indian populations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, UAE and Singapore, have embraced Diwali as a multicultural event, symbolizing unity and inclusion.
In the United States, Diwali 2024 has been celebrated in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco by hosting large-scale Diwali events. The Times Square Diwali celebration in New York has become iconic, featuring cultural performances, traditional dances, and fireworks, drawing in thousands of spectators from diverse backgrounds. Major landmarks, including the Empire State Building, light up in festive colours, while local communities gather for prayer services, cultural showcases, and food festivals. The White House also hosts Diwali celebrations, emphasizing the recognition and respect of diverse cultures in America.
In the United Kingdom, Diwali 2024 has been celebrated with grand festivities across cities such as London, Leicester, and Birmingham. Leicester’s Diwali celebration, one of the largest outside India, attracts over 40,000 attendees every year. Belgrave Road in Leicester is transformed into a festival zone, with colourful lights, food stalls, and stage performances. London’s Trafalgar Square also hosts Diwali celebrations, complete with Bollywood dance performances, traditional music, and a variety of South Asian cuisine.
In Canada, Diwali has become an important celebration among the Indian diaspora in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Indian communities organize large gatherings, including Diwali galas, cultural performances, and fireworks displays. The event also holds special significance in schools, universities, and workplaces, with people donning traditional attire and participating in Diwali-themed activities. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s participation in Diwali celebrations reflects the country’s commitment to diversity and multiculturalism.
In Australia, the Sydney Opera House and other landmarks are illuminated for Diwali, and celebrations are held in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane. Indian organizations and cultural groups host Diwali melas (fairs), bringing communities together for an evening of music, dance, and food. In Singapore, Diwali is recognized as a public holiday, and Little India, a neighborhood in Singapore, is transformed with elaborate lighting and decorations, drawing in locals and tourists alike.
Diwali is also celebrated in Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Suriname, where significant Indian communities have carried the festival’s traditions across generations. In these countries, Diwali is marked with colourful lights, music, dance, and rituals that unite people in celebration, regardless of religion or background.
Diwali 2024 Eco-Friendly Diwali:
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on celebrating Diwali in an environmentally friendly way. Cities across India have implemented restrictions on firecrackers due to their impact on air quality. Local governments encourage citizens to use eco-friendly diyas made of clay and avoid single-use plastics in decorations. Many communities now focus on green Diwali initiatives, including tree planting, community clean-ups, and the use of solar-powered lighting.
Diwali 2024,this year, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai have seen increased efforts from civic bodies to promote cleaner celebrations. Various NGOs and community groups also organized campaigns, advocating for noise-free and sustainable celebrations. Some families have opted for digital greetings and virtual celebrations to minimize travel and reduce their carbon footprint.
Diwali 2024, A Message of Unity and Resilience
Diwali’s universal appeal lies in its message of hope, unity, and the resilience of the human spirit. As families light diyas and share sweets, the festival fosters a sense of togetherness, even among those separated by miles. Diwali is a reminder of the triumph of positivity over adversity, a message that resonates universally.
In a world marked by challenges, from health crises to environmental concerns, Diwali 2024 stood as a beacon of light and renewal. Across continents, from bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighbourhoods, the festival spreads joy and reinforces the bonds that connect communities.
As Diwali 2024 continues to illuminate hearts and homes around the globe, the celebration reflects a world brought closer through shared traditions, cultural exchange, and a commitment to a brighter, more harmonious future.
