Where Diwali Is Celebrated
Diwali is primarily celebrated in India, where it is a major national holiday. The festival is observed across most states, with especially large celebrations in northern and western regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Key Regions and Traditions
In northern India, Diwali often marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. In western India, the festival is closely tied to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the new year for many business communities. In southern India, the festival is linked to the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
Diwali Beyond India
Diwali is also celebrated by Indian diaspora communities in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Many cities host public events and temple ceremonies. For more details on global celebrations, see this overview.
