Hindu festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora and Hindu communities worldwide. Here are some Hindu festivals widely celebrated abroad:
- Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals globally, with grand celebrations in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. Communities gather to light diyas, decorate their homes, and enjoy fireworks. Diwali is often celebrated publicly with large gatherings, cultural programs, and temple visits, and in places like Leicester in the UK, the Diwali festivities are particularly large and well-known. - Holi (Festival of Colors)
Holi’s vibrant celebration has gained international popularity, especially in North America, Europe, and Australia. In many cities, people organize public Holi events with colors, music, and dance. These events attract not only Indian communities but also people from diverse backgrounds who enjoy the lively spirit and colors of the festival. - Navaratri and Dussehra
Navaratri and Dussehra are celebrated abroad, particularly in the United States, the UK, and the Middle East. The festival is marked by Garba and Dandiya nights, where people dress in traditional attire and dance. Communities in areas with large Indian populations often organize large events, with music, dance, and food. In some places, plays and enactments of Ram Leela (the story of Lord Rama) are also performed. - Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in a big way by the Indian diaspora, especially in places with a significant Marathi community. The festival is observed in cities like Toronto, New York, and London, where people install idols of Lord Ganesha and perform traditional rituals. Many of these communities gather to participate in processions and cultural events before the final immersion (Visarjan) of the idol. - Janmashtami
Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in the United States, the UK, and South Africa. Many temples and community centers organize events, including reenactments of Krishna’s life and dahi handi (pot-breaking) games. Devotees gather for prayers, dance, and music, celebrating Krishna’s teachings and playful spirit. - Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by Indian families worldwide, emphasizing the bond between siblings. Although it’s generally a family event, many community organizations abroad host Rakhi celebrations for larger gatherings. Indian shops and online stores also sell Rakhi, making it easy for people to send Rakhis to their siblings across borders. - Makar Sankranti (Pongal, Lohri, and Uttarayan)
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different forms worldwide, especially in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East. People celebrate by flying kites, gathering for bonfires (as in Lohri), and cooking traditional foods. In South Indian communities, the harvest festival Pongal is celebrated with traditional cooking and sharing of sweet dishes. - Vaisakhi
Although primarily a Sikh festival, Vaisakhi is also celebrated by Hindus, especially in communities with strong Punjabi populations in the UK, Canada, and the United States. Vaisakhi events abroad often include processions, music, and gatherings in gurdwaras and temples, marking the arrival of the harvest season. - Karva Chauth
Although Karva Chauth is celebrated within families, it’s increasingly observed in many Hindu communities abroad, particularly in the United States and Canada. Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ longevity. Many Indian stores abroad now sell traditional Karva Chauth thalis (trays) and attire, helping women celebrate even far from home. - Ugadi and Gudi Padwa
Celebrated by communities from South India and Maharashtra, Ugadi (New Year for people from Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh) and Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year) are observed in Indian communities abroad. Cultural associations organize events, including traditional music, dance performances, and feasts.
These festivals celebrated abroad are a vibrant reminder of India’s cultural heritage, allowing communities to stay connected with their roots. They also foster cultural understanding and unity, as people from different backgrounds join in to experience the festivities.