Diwali celebrations in Britain
The Indians are the second largest ethnic minority in Britain. To get rid
of the feeling of missing their homeland, especially during festival times,
the Indians here celebrate most of the festivals. The occasion is marked by
visit to the local temple to worship the shrine of Lakshmi, which they have
made for Diwali. Eating special sweets, burning of incense sticks, lighting
the home and surroundings and the blowing of the conch shell follows the prayer
session in the Lakshmi temple. The festival here is celebrated according to
the Hindu solar calendar hence it falls in the months of October-November, amongst
the cold, damp and windy months in Britain. Still the enthusiasm of the festival
celebration makes the task of leaving small lamps on windowsills or by open
doorways possible ignoring the chill. The lamps and diyas play their part in
maintaining the atmosphere of Diwali at home.
Diwali celebrations in Guyana
Guyana, formerly known as British Guiana, is located on the northeast coast
of South America. Guyana is 82,978 square miles in area and has a population
of about 7,70,000. Hindus constitute 33% of Guyana's total population. The Co-operative
Republic of Guyana in Southern America celebrates Diwali according to the Hindu
Solar calendar. The day of the festival is declared as a national holiday in
the official calendar of Guyana. The tradition of celebrating the festival is
believed to have been brought to Guyana in the year 1853 by the first indentured
people from India. The legends related to the festival are similar to that of
India. The celebration of the festival includes, distribution of sweets, illuminating
the inside and outside of the house, exchange of greetings, cleaning of houses
and wearing of new clothes. The celebrations hold special significance for the
people of Guyana. The distribution of sweet signifies the importance of serving
and sharing whereas exchange of greeting cards denotes the goodwill of each
other. The sweets distributed mainly consist of pera, barfi, and kheer. The
tradition of wearing new cloth for the people of Guyana is significant especially
in this festival. They believe that wearing new cloth is the symbol of healthy
souls in healthy bodies. Cleaning of their homes and keeping them well illuminated
in and outside is a practice meant to illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi
so that while goddess Lakshmi visits their home she faces no problem of light
as the Diwali night is regarded as the darkest night of the year.
Diwali celebrations in Indonesia
The name Indonesia came from two Greek words: "Indos" meaning
Indian and "Nesos" meaning islands. The majority of population follows
Islam. Hindus constituent about 2% of Indonesia's total population. However,
the Indonesian island of Bali is famous for celebrating the festival of Diwali,
as a majority of the population here is that of Indians. It is one of the most
revered festivals of the locals here. The celebration and rituals of the festival
is mostly similar to that celebrated by their counterparts in India.
Diwali celebrations in Malaysia
Fascinating in its diversity, Malaysia has many mesmerizing charms and attractions.
With a population of about 20 million, comprising of a harmonious multi-ethnic
mix of Malays, Malaysia promises a colorful potpourri of cultural traditions.
Most are based on the various religious practices, beliefs and traditions influencing
the costumes, festivals, ceremonies and rituals. The Hindu community of Malaysia
constitutes about 8% of its total population .The community celebrates Diwali
as a symbol of triumph of good over evil. The Malaysian people call Diwali as
Hari Diwali. This festival is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu solar
calendar. The south Indian traditional of oil bath precedes the festivities.
The celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars.
Small lamps made from clay and filled with coconut oil and wicks are a common
sight to signify the victory of Lord Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana,
over the demon king Ravana. Diwali is celebrated almost all over the Malaysia
except in Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan.
