Diwali Events 2025 Around the World: Where to Celebrate

Published by Hindutone.com | Festival of Lights | October 2025

Introduction

As the Festival of Lights illuminates hearts and homes across the globe, Diwali 2025 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of unity, prosperity, and the eternal triumph of light over darkness. This comprehensive guide brings you the most spectacular Diwali events happening around the world, from the grand celebrations in Leicester, UK, to the vibrant festivities in New York’s Times Square, and from Dubai’s dazzling displays to Singapore’s cultural showcases.

When is Diwali 2025?
The main Diwali celebration and Lakshmi Puja falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, with festivities spanning five days from October 18-22, 2025.

United Kingdom: Europe’s Grand Diwali Celebrations

London: Trafalgar Square Spectacular

London hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, with the iconic Trafalgar Square event being the centerpiece of festivities.

Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2025

Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN
Entry: Free
Highlights:
- Spectacular opening dance performance with multiple groups
- Live Bollywood music and cultural performances
- Traditional Indian street food stalls
- Interactive rangoli workshops
- Henna artists and craft demonstrations
- Family-friendly activities throughout the day
- “Giving from the Heart” community wall

Getting There:

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo lines), Leicester Square (Northern & Piccadilly lines)
Buses: Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 29, 87, and 176

Leicester: The Golden Mile Experience

Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are world-famous, drawing thousands of visitors to the city’s iconic Golden Mile on Belgrave Road.

Leicester Diwali Day 2025

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (road closure)
Location: Belgrave Road (Golden Mile)
Key Features:
- Belgrave Road closed to traffic for safe celebration
- 110-foot Wheel of Light (illuminated Ferris wheel)
- Thousands of colorful Diwali lights along the street
- Rangoli exhibition at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre (October 18-20)
- Diwali River of Lights at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (October 18)
- Diwali Light Garden at Highcross Leicester (October 20-24)

Important Note: Due to safety advisory group recommendations, there will be no stage entertainment or firework display at the Golden Mile this year. However, the traditional lights and shopping experience remain spectacular.

Birmingham: Soho Road Celebrations

Birmingham’s vibrant South Asian community celebrates Diwali with enthusiasm along the famous Soho Road corridor.

Birmingham Diwali Festival 2025

Main Celebrations: Weekend of October 18-19, plus main day October 20
Location: Soho Road and city center venues
Activities: Community melas, temple celebrations, cultural performances

United States: Coast-to-Coast Festivities

New York & New Jersey: The East Coast Hub

New York hosts North America’s largest and most diverse Diwali celebrations, with events across all five boroughs.

Times Square Diwali Celebration

Date: October 12, 2025 (10th Anniversary)
Expected Attendance: 50,000+
Features:
- Bollywood dance performances
- Rangoli competitions
- Cultural showcases
- Free entry

South Street Seaport Celebration

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Highlight: Floating lantern ceremony at sunset (6:30 PM)
Features: Food trucks, cultural performances, magical waterfront atmosphere

Queens Diwali Motorcade

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Starting Point: Diversity Plaza
Features: Decorated cars and trucks, community parade

Brooklyn Museum Diwali

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Features: Special exhibitions, family activities, cultural programs

Hindu Temple Society of North America (Flushing)

Dates: October 29-31, 2025
Features: Traditional pujas, cultural programs, authentic celebrations

California: West Coast Diwali Hub

California, with the highest Indian-American population in the US, celebrates Diwali as an official state holiday.

LA Diwali Festival

Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Location: Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
Expected Attendance: 40,000+
Features:
- Bollywood concerts
- 150+ vendor booths
- Carnival rides for families
- Authentic Indian cuisine from dozens of food stalls
- Cultural performances throughout the day

San Francisco Bay Area

Anand Bhate Live Diwali Concert – San Jose, October 26
Livermore Temple Festival of Lights – October 20, featuring drone light shows
Events across: Fremont, Cupertino, Milpitas, and Sunnyvale

Southern California Events

Malibu Hindu Temple – Oceanside festivities, October 31
Irvine’s Great Park – Hot air balloon rides and celebrations, October 25
San Diego Balboa Park – Cultural showcases, October 26
BAPS Chino Hills – Traditional celebrations, October 29-November 2

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Celebrations

Philadelphia joins California and Connecticut in recognizing Diwali as a state holiday.

Philadelphia Diwali Festival

Special SEPTA transit service for easy accessibility
Temple celebrations across the city
Community events throughout October 20-22

Canada: Multicultural Diwali Festivities

Brampton: Ontario’s Grand Celebration

Brampton Diwali Mela 2025

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Highlights:
- Largest fireworks show in the region
- Spectacular drone show
- Live performances featuring Dhol Tasha, Group ON3, DDA Canada, Bollywood Dance School
- DJ entertainment by DJ Atrix, DJ S Square, and DJ K Square
- Special Dhol Ensemble with violinists
- Traditional Diwali food and treats

Note: As per Brampton’s new fireworks by-law, the use of personal fireworks is restricted, making this city-organized event a special opportunity.

Vancouver: Diwali Fest

Diwali Downtown Vancouver

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre
Features:
- Free cultural celebration
- Live music and dance performances
- Tasty Indian treats
- Henna and festive activities

Toronto: Multiple Celebrations

Toronto’s diverse Indian community hosts celebrations across the Greater Toronto Area, with temple events, community melas, and cultural programs throughout the Diwali week.

United Arab Emirates: Dubai’s Dazzling Display

Dubai, with its large Indian expatriate population, celebrates Diwali with spectacular grandeur.

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment Events

Al Seef Fireworks

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Al Seef Waterfront Promenade
Additional: Three-day Diwali cultural fair (October 17-19)
- Light exhibitions
- Interactive art experiences
- Cultural performances

Global Village Celebrations

Dates: October 18, 19, 24, and 25
Fireworks: 9:00 PM on all dates
India Pavilion Celebrations: October 17-20
- Rangoli art painting across the attraction
- Themed performances on main stage
- Chaat Bazaar street food
- Fine dining at select restaurants

BurJuman Mall

Duration: Through October 20
Features:
- Workshops and Diwali bazaars
- Roaming performances
- Game nights with quizzes and Antakshari singalongs
- Baithak (mini-concerts) every Saturday
- Traditional and Bollywood-inspired music
- Free to attend

Singapore: Little India’s Festival of Lights

Singapore’s Diwali (Deepavali) is a public holiday celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Little India district.

Deepavali 2025 Singapore

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 (Public Holiday)
Main Hub: Little India (Serangoon Road area)

Key Events:

Deepavali Light-Up:
- Sparkling decorations from early September
- Two large arches spanning Serangoon Road
- Street lights and cultural installations
Deepavali Street Bazaars:
- Traditional Indian clothing
- Sweet treats and festive decorations
- Flower garlands and jewelry
Indian Heritage Centre Open House:
- Cultural performances
- Rangoli-making workshops
- Open-top bus tours of Little India
Temple Celebrations:
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Traditional pujas and prayers

Dining:

Shikar: Gourmet Diwali experience
Shangri-La Singapore: Opulent Indian feast
Numerous restaurants with special Diwali menus

Malaysia: Hari Raya Deepavali

Malaysia celebrates Deepavali as a national holiday, reflecting the country’s multicultural harmony.

Where to Celebrate in Malaysia:

Kuala Lumpur

Batu Caves: 13 km from city center
- Stunning temple complex
- Special Lakshmi Puja ceremonies
- Dawn oil baths and light processions
Sri Mahamariamman Temple:
- Elaborate Lakshmi Puja with devotional music
- Traditional celebrations

Penang

Little India:
- Street fairs with fireworks
- Rangoli competitions
- Open houses serving traditional appam and payasam

Johor Bahru

Little India area:
- Colorful decorations
- Traditional food stalls
- Cultural performances

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 (Public Holiday)

Australia: Festival of Lights Down Under

Australia’s vibrant Indian-Australian community (over 700,000 strong) celebrates Diwali with unique multicultural flair.

Sydney: Harbor City Celebrations

Harris Park Diwali (Little India)

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Features:
- Cultural performances
- Garba nights
- Indian dining experiences
- Shopping stalls
- Entry is free and family-friendly

Sydney Harbour Diwali Cruise

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Experience:
- Dinner cruise with panoramic views
- Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge illuminated in Diwali hues
- Dance and cultural entertainment

Melbourne: Federation Square Extravaganza

Diwali Festival at Federation Square

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Features:
- Fireworks display
- Cultural performances
- Indian street food
- Family activities

Melbourne Town Hall Light Projections

Dates: October 10-12, 2025
Features: Dazzling light projections on the historic building

Brisbane & Other Cities

Royal Diwali Bash 2025: October 5, 2025
- Family-oriented event
- Traditional dances
- Mehndi stalls
- Gourmet food and fireworks

Nationwide Initiatives:

Sewa Diwali Australia 2025:
- Food collection drive (27,000 kg+)
- Fundraising ($200,000+)
- Community service across all cities

Thailand: Bangkok’s Little India

Bangkok’s vibrant Phahurat (Little India) district hosts colorful Diwali celebrations.

Phahurat Little India Celebrations

Key Location: Khlong Ong Ang
Features:
- Street art installations
- Light displays
- Indian-Thai fusion food stalls
- Cultural performances
- Rangoli workshops

Nepal: Tihar Festival

In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival with unique local traditions.

Tihar 2025

Dates: October 18-22, 2025
Unique Features:
- Worship of crows, dogs, and cows on different days
- Sisters blessing brothers (Bhai Tika)
- Laxmi Puja on main day
- Traditional sel roti (sweet bread)

Sri Lanka: Tamil Deepavali

Sri Lanka’s Tamil Hindu community celebrates Deepavali with devotion and cultural pride.

Where to Celebrate:

Colombo: Temple celebrations and community events
Galle: Scenic coastal celebrations
Trincomalee: Traditional festivities with ocean backdrop

Other Countries with Significant Celebrations

Trinidad & Tobago

Introduced by East Indian laborers in the mid-1800s
Family gatherings and community reunions
Official public holiday

Fiji

40% of population is of Indian descent
Grand celebrations with participation from all communities
National public holiday

Mauritius

Half the population is Hindu
Elaborate Diwali celebrations across the island
Strong cultural traditions maintained

Suriname

Office and business events
Acts of charity and community service
Cultural performances

The Five Days of Diwali 2025: Complete Calendar

Understanding the significance of each day helps appreciate the full festival experience:

Day 1: Dhanteras (Saturday, October 18, 2025)

Significance: Worship of Dhanvantari, God of Ayurveda
Traditions:
- Shopping for gold, silver, and utensils
- Cleaning and decorating homes
- Lighting the first diyas
- Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Kuber

Day 2: Chhoti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdashi (Sunday, October 19, 2025)

Significance: Celebration of Lord Krishna’s victory over demon Narakasura
Traditions:
- Early morning oil bath (abhyanga snan)
- Home purification rituals
- Preparation for main Diwali day
- Lighting diyas at dawn

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja/Diwali (Monday, October 20, 2025) – MAIN DAY

Significance: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity
Puja Muhurat: Generally 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (varies by location)
Traditions:
- Grand Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja after sunset
- Lighting maximum diyas and candles
- Fireworks and celebrations
- Wearing new clothes
- Exchange of gifts and sweets
- Family feasts

Day 4: Govardhan Puja/Annakut (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)

Significance: Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill
Traditions:
- Preparation of 56 or 108 food offerings
- Visit temples for Annakut darshan
- Mountain of food (symbolic of Govardhan Hill)
- Community feasting

Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Wednesday, October 22, 2025)

Significance: Celebration of brother-sister bond
Traditions:
- Sisters apply tilak on brothers’ foreheads
- Exchange of gifts
- Special meals together
- Prayers for each other’s wellbeing

Diwali 2025: Modern Celebrations & Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Celebrations

Many communities worldwide are embracing sustainable Diwali practices:

LED diyas and lights instead of traditional electric lighting
Biodegradable rangoli materials (rice flour, flower petals)
Noise-free celebrations in temples and community centers
Drone light shows replacing traditional fireworks in some cities
Community clean-up initiatives before and after festivities

Digital Diwali

Virtual temple darshan for those unable to attend physically
Online puja bookings and consultations
Social media campaigns (#Diwali2025, #FestivalOfLights)
Live streaming of major events

Planning Your Diwali 2025 Celebration

Essential Tips for Event Attendees

Book Early:

Temple puja slots fill quickly
Popular restaurant reservations needed weeks in advance
Event tickets for concerts and special programs

Transportation:

Use public transport for major city events
Expect road closures in celebration areas
Plan for traffic congestion

What to Wear:

Traditional Indian attire welcome at all events
Comfortable shoes for street festivals
Layers for evening celebrations

What to Bring:

Reusable water bottle
Small bag for purchases
Portable charger for photos
Cash for vendor stalls (many don’t accept cards)

Safety Considerations:

Follow local fireworks regulations
Supervise children in crowded areas
Stay hydrated during day events
Check weather forecasts for outdoor celebrations

Conclusion: Unity in Diversity

Diwali 2025 represents more than just a festival—it’s a global celebration of light, hope, and human unity. From London’s Trafalgar Square to Singapore’s Little India, from New York’s Times Square to Dubai’s Global Village, millions of people across continents will come together to celebrate the eternal message of Diwali: the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

Whether you attend a grand public celebration or observe intimate family traditions at home, Diwali 2025 invites everyone to be part of this beautiful, luminous festival. The Festival of Lights knows no boundaries—it welcomes all who seek joy, prosperity, and spiritual illumination.

Hindutone.com wishes everyone around the world a blessed and prosperous Diwali 2025!

Shubh Deepavali! May the divine light of Diwali spread peace, prosperity, happiness, and good health in your life.

Quick Reference: Diwali 2025 Key Dates

Dhanteras: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Chhoti Diwali: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Diwali (Main Day): Monday, October 20, 2025
Govardhan Puja: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Resources & Further Information

For the latest updates on Diwali events:

London: diwaliinlondon.com
Leicester: visitleicester.info/diwali
New York: Official city tourism website
Dubai: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
Singapore: visitsingapore.com
Australia: Local tourism boards

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