INTERESTING DEEPAVALI PRACTICES &
HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD
THE BORDER OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN
Last year, during this festive occasion, at the international border of India and
Pakistan (two countries who traditionally have tense relations between each
other), the Indian forces gifted different types of traditional Indian sweets
to their Pakistani counterparts. In return, the Pakistani commander Asheer
Khan returned the gesture with an assortment of Pakistani sweets. May this
practice continue in the years to come!
UNITED STATES
Diwali was first celebrated within the White House in 2003. Four years later, in
2007, the then president George W Bush officially recognised the religious and
historical significance of the festival in the country. Interestingly, it has only
been recently that Diwali celebrations started becoming more widespread in
the United States – in 2009, the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys,
played host to a Diwali celebration while in 2011, The Pierre luxury hotel held
a function celebrating the day.
way for tourists, migrants and expatriates to experience the rich cultural
tapestry of the country.
During this festive period, there are street light-ups in the enclave of Little
India, multiple cultural performances and exhibitions, and even a large
countdown concert to usher in the Festival of Lights.
A week before Deepavali, the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest
Hindu temple, holds a fire walking ceremony.
• The Sri Mariamman Temple
Founded in 1827 by a government clerk from Penang Naraina Pillai, the Sri
Mariamman Temple initially served as a place of refuge and worship for new
immigrants. Historically, the temple also acted as a registry of marriages for
Hindus and for a period of time, was the only place authorised in Singapore to
solemnise Hindu marriages. Interestingly, there are some components of the
existing brick structure now that date as far back as 1843. It is named the Sri
Mariamman Temple after its principal deity, the South Indian mother goddess
Mariamman who is said to provide protection against diseases.
FIJI
Believe it or not, the period of Diwali in Fiji is often said to be observed on a
larger scale than in India, as the people start blasting fireworks and holding
Diwali-related events as early as a week before the actual day. A third of Fiji’s
population are made up of Hindus, which explains why Diwali is celebrated so
grandly on the island. Also, Diwali signals the beginning of the holiday season
in the country and the different religious groups use it as a time to celebrate
with friends and family.
AUSTRALIA
The title for the biggest celebration in Australia officially belongs to the
weeklong annual Diwali festivities at the iconic Federation Square, with the
locals and people of Indian origin coming together to enjoy the performances,
food and camaraderie. The event has even become part of the Melbourne arts
calendar. During this period, a few buildings such as the Victorian Parliament
and the Melbourne Airport are also specially decorated for the occasion.
SINGAPORE
Widely celebrated not just by the Hindus but by people from all walks of
life, Deepavali in Singapore is a gazetted public holiday and is a great
• The fire walking ceremony
Red hot coals, bare feet and loyal devotion are the hallmarks of the famous
fire walking ceremony that h