How NRIs Celebrate Diwali: From the US to the UK to Singapore

The Festival of Lights illuminates hearts across continents as 35.4 million NRIs keep their cultural flame burning bright

When darkness falls on Diwali night, millions of diyas flicker to life not just in India, but across oceans and continents. From the bustling streets of New York to the historic lanes of Leicester, from Singapore’s Little India to California’s sprawling suburbs, Non-Resident Indians have transformed Diwali into a truly global celebration. The festival that once marked the homecoming of Lord Rama has become a powerful symbol of cultural identity for the Indian diaspora, bridging the distance between adopted homes and ancestral roots.

The American Diwali: From Recognition to Celebration

Times Square Lights Up for Diwali

In the United States, home to over 4.5 million Indians, Diwali has evolved from a private celebration to a mainstream cultural event. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, Diwali gained unprecedented recognition when Pennsylvania declared it a state holiday, and New York City schools gave students the day off for the first time in history.

The iconic Times Square, the crossroads of the world, now hosts one of the most spectacular Diwali celebrations outside India. New York Mayor Eric Adams has personally participated in these celebrations, joining thousands of Indian-Americans in lighting diyas and celebrating the victory of light over darkness. The sight of traditional Indian dance performances, the aroma of samosas and jalebis, and the sound of devotional music filling Times Square represents a powerful statement of cultural acceptance and integration.

Coast-to-Coast Celebrations

From coast to coast, American cities have embraced Diwali with enthusiasm. In Southern California, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir hosts what it calls “Southern California’s Premier Diwali Celebration,” drawing thousands of devotees and curious Americans alike. These celebrations are open to all, embodying the festival’s universal message of unity, love, and light.

Hindu temples across America organize grand Diwali Melas (fairs), combining religious rituals with cultural programs. The United Hindu and Jain Temples host elaborate events featuring traditional prayers, rangoli competitions, classical dance performances, and food festivals. These gatherings serve as crucial community anchors, helping younger generations stay connected to their heritage while also introducing American friends and neighbors to Indian culture.

Adapting Traditions

NRIs in America have creatively adapted Diwali traditions to their new environment. Many families purchase frozen Indian sweets from local grocery stores when time doesn’t permit making traditional mithai from scratch. They blend traditional Indian dishes like samosas and kheer with familiar American foods when hosting mixed gatherings, creating fusion celebrations that honor both cultures.

The challenge of finding time for elaborate preparations in busy American schedules has given birth to innovative solutions. Community centers and temples organize bulk sweet purchases, group rangoli-making sessions, and shared Lakshmi Puja ceremonies, fostering a sense of collective celebration that mirrors the community spirit of India.

United Kingdom: Where East Meets West

Leicester’s Legendary Diwali

If there’s one city outside India synonymous with Diwali, it’s Leicester. With the largest Indian community in the UK outside London, Leicester hosts what many consider the biggest Diwali celebration outside India. The city’s Golden Mile transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, colors, and culture.

Leicester’s Diwali Day celebration attracts approximately 40,000 people annually. The festivities begin at 3 PM with the opening of the Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground, featuring a children’s funfair, arts and crafts, and traditional food stalls. The highlight is the evening’s grand finale—a spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the night sky, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

The celebration brings the local South Asian community together with the wider British population, creating a beautiful tapestry of cultural exchange. Traditional Rangoli art adorns streets and storefronts, while stage performances showcase classical Indian dance, Bollywood music, and contemporary fusion acts.

London’s Trafalgar Square Takes Center Stage

London, with its diverse and vibrant Indian community, celebrates Diwali with equal grandeur. The annual “Diwali on the Square” event at Trafalgar Square has become one of the capital’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. The iconic square fills with music, dance, and performances that showcase both traditional and contemporary Indian art forms.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across London and Leicester host elaborate religious ceremonies, including Lakshmi Puja, Annakut (mountain of food offerings), and continuous devotional singing. These temples serve as spiritual homes for thousands of British Hindus, providing a space where traditions are preserved and passed to younger generations.

Cultural Parades and Community Spirit

British Indian communities organize colorful Diwali parades featuring dancers, musicians, and artists. The celebrations often include Diwali fairs with stalls selling traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and festive foods. Community centers and cultural organizations host events throughout October and November, ensuring that Diwali spirit extends well beyond a single day.

Singapore: A Multicultural Celebration

Little India Comes Alive

In Singapore, where Indians form a significant minority in this multicultural city-state, Diwali (locally called Deepavali) is celebrated with official recognition as a public holiday. Little India, Singapore’s vibrant Indian quarter, undergoes a magical transformation during the festival season.

The streets are adorned with elaborate light displays, creating a canopy of colors and patterns that rivals any celebration in India. These decorations often remain up for weeks, allowing both locals and tourists to experience the festive atmosphere. The neighborhood’s traditional shops and modern boutiques overflow with Diwali essentials—from traditional oil lamps and decorative items to new clothing and gold jewelry.

Lights for Hope Campaign

What makes Singapore’s Diwali celebration particularly special is its strong emphasis on community welfare. The annual “Lights for Hope” crowdfunding campaign, organized by the charity Ray of Hope, ensures that all Indians in Singapore can participate in Diwali celebrations, regardless of financial circumstances. The 2025 campaign set a goal of SGD 50,000 to support those in need, embodying Diwali’s message of compassion and social responsibility.

Culinary Excellence

Singapore’s celebration of Diwali extends into its renowned culinary scene. Prestigious hotels like Raffles Singapore create special Diwali menus, with Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi handcrafting three-course meals that blend traditional Indian flavors with contemporary presentation. These establishments also offer festive mithai gift boxes, catering to Singapore’s cosmopolitan population’s growing appreciation for authentic Indian sweets.

Interfaith Harmony

Singapore’s multicultural character shines during Diwali, with celebrations attended by people of all ethnicities and religions. The government actively promotes these festivities as part of the nation’s cultural heritage, recognizing them as opportunities for interfaith understanding and community bonding.

Common Threads Across Continents

Preserving Identity, Building Bridges

Whether in America, Britain, or Singapore, NRI Diwali celebrations share common threads. They serve multiple purposes: preserving cultural identity, educating younger generations about their heritage, introducing Indian culture to diverse audiences, and creating community bonds among expatriates.

The festival has become more inclusive over time, with many celebrations explicitly welcoming non-Indian participants. This openness has helped Diwali gain mainstream acceptance, with political leaders, celebrities, and local communities increasingly participating in celebrations.

Digital Age Celebrations

Technology has revolutionized how NRIs celebrate Diwali. Video calls with family in India during Lakshmi Puja have become standard practice. Social media platforms burst with Diwali photos, recipes, and celebration videos, creating virtual communities that transcend geographical boundaries. Online shopping for Indian festive items has made traditional celebrations easier, even in areas with limited access to Indian stores.

The Next Generation

For second and third-generation Indian children growing up abroad, these community celebrations play a crucial role in cultural transmission. They learn traditional stories, participate in rangoli competitions, perform classical dances, and taste authentic Indian sweets—experiences that connect them to their heritage in meaningful ways.

Many NRI families blend traditions, incorporating elements from both their Indian heritage and their adopted countries. They might light diyas while having a neighborhood potluck, or attend temple ceremonies followed by community picnics in local parks.

Challenges and Innovations

Navigating Practical Obstacles

NRIs face unique challenges in celebrating Diwali. Finding authentic ingredients for traditional sweets and dishes can be difficult in areas without significant Indian populations. The busy work schedules of professional life abroad often clash with the multi-day nature of Diwali celebrations. Fireworks regulations in many Western countries limit the visual spectacle that’s central to Indian celebrations.

Weather also plays a role—Diwali often falls during autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning outdoor celebrations must contend with cold temperatures, particularly in northern American states and the UK.

Creative Solutions

NRI communities have responded with remarkable creativity. They organize bulk orders of traditional items from India or specialized importers. Many temples and community centers have started preparing and distributing traditional foods, allowing busy families to participate in celebrations without extensive preparation. Alternative light displays using electric lights and projections have replaced traditional fireworks in many places.

The Cultural Impact

From Private Festival to Public Celebration

The journey of Diwali from a private ethnic festival to a publicly celebrated cultural event represents the growing influence and integration of Indian communities abroad. In the US, official recognition of Diwali as a holiday marks a significant milestone in multicultural acceptance. Similarly, in the UK, the scale of public Diwali celebrations reflects the established presence of the Indian community.

Economic Significance

Diwali has also become economically significant in countries with large Indian populations. Retailers stock Indian products, restaurants create special Diwali menus, and event companies specialize in Diwali party planning. This commercial recognition further legitimizes the festival’s place in mainstream culture.

Cultural Exchange

Perhaps most importantly, these celebrations facilitate genuine cultural exchange. Non-Indian colleagues, friends, and neighbors are increasingly invited to Diwali celebrations, where they learn about Indian culture through direct experience. This grassroots cultural diplomacy has done much to combat stereotypes and promote understanding.

The Future of NRI Diwali Celebrations

As Indian communities abroad continue to grow and evolve, so too will their Diwali celebrations. Future generations will likely create new traditions that reflect their multicultural identities while maintaining core spiritual and cultural values. Technology will enable increasingly sophisticated connections with family in India, while also allowing NRIs to share their celebrations with global audiences.

The trend toward official recognition and public celebration seems set to continue, with more cities and countries acknowledging Diwali as an important cultural event. This mainstream acceptance will likely inspire even more elaborate and inclusive celebrations.

Conclusion: A Festival Without Borders

Diwali’s transformation into a global celebration demonstrates the power of cultural traditions to transcend geographical boundaries. For the 35.4 million Indians living abroad, Diwali is more than a festival—it’s a vital connection to their roots, a celebration of identity, and a bridge between cultures.

From Times Square’s dazzling lights to Leicester’s Golden Mile, from Singapore’s Little India to countless homes across the world, the spirit of Diwali burns bright. It reminds NRIs of where they come from while celebrating where they are, proving that culture is not confined by borders but carried in hearts.

As diyas flicker to life across continents, they tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of tradition. They illuminate not just homes and streets, but also the path toward greater cultural understanding and unity. In this way, NRIs have not just taken Diwali abroad—they’ve helped it fulfill its deepest promise: to be a light that dispels darkness everywhere it shines.

Happy Diwali from all corners of the globe!

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As we celebrate Diwali across oceans and continents, we’re reminded that the festival of lights knows no boundaries. Whether you’re lighting diyas in Delhi or New York, Leicester or Singapore, may this Diwali bring you prosperity, joy, and the warmth of community.