Incredible Places and Countries to Visit During Diwali 2025

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1. Thailand

Around the time of Diwali, Thailand celebrates Loi Krathong, which literally means ‘to float a basket.’ While it’s not the same as Diwali, it shares the spirit of light and festivity. Sensational fireworks displays take place all over the country, especially on beaches and the outlying islands. In Chiang Mai, during the Yi Peng festival, people release sky lanterns made of rice paper into the sky, creating a breathtaking view. They also light lamps made of banana leaves and set them floating on lakes and ponds. People organize colourful boat parades and cultural performances all over the country. Sit by one of the many rivers and watch the fireworks over the water, sent up by hundreds of illuminated boats.

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2. Varanasi

Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities, is abuzz with excitement during Diwali. The Varanasi ghats are lit with thousands of earthen lamps, creating a mesmerizing view that you can see from afar. . Varanasi is often called the ‘City of Lights,’ and during Diwali the ghats glow with thousands of lamps, living up to that name.” Fireworks reign over the skies the whole night. Rent rooms in a riverside hotel, and you can see the magnificent fireworks and lights reflected on the Ganges. Don’t miss the special evening Ganga Aarati on the illuminated ghats.

3. Sri Lanka

All five days of Diwali are observed in Sri Lanka with great pomp and splendour. People light oil lamps and place them all around their homes and outside to signify the victory of light over darkness. The Hindu Tamilians scattered across Sri Lanka celebrate the festival with the usual rituals of the oil bath, prayers, exchange of gifts and sweets, and fireworks during the night. Magnificent fireworks parties take place on Sri Lanka’s beaches, lighting up the night skies with a million lights and colours.

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4. Indonesia

Even though Indonesians are predominantly Muslims, Diwali festivities come with great fanfare. Bali has a huge diaspora of Indians, and this is where the celebrations are the most colorful. All-night firework parties on Indonesia’s fabulous beaches, shopping for festive clothes and sweets, and releasing floating lanterns on rivers and lakes are part of the Diwali fun here. Indonesia is one of the best holiday destinations in November, as the weather is mild, and the country is at its festive best.

5. Azerbaijan

The land of fire is another destination to escape for your Diwali break. Baku’s mix of old and new sights, sprinkled with Gabala’s natural beauty and other phenomenal sights (including Gobustan’s mud volcanoes, the mysterious Absheron, and iconic Yanar Dag), highlight most Azerbaijan holidays.

6. Nepal

Diwali celebrations see a slight difference in Nepal. The first five days of Diwali are all about decorating and worshipping cows. On the second day, dogs are honoured with special baths, water, and a choice of food. Don’t ask why. On the third day, homes, streets, and markets are lit up with colorful lanterns and earthen lamps to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. The fourth day is dedicated to Yama, the lord of death, and Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters on the fifth day. Fireworks and colorful sights abound on all days in this enchanting mountain country.

7. Dubai

Dubai’s restaurants and shopping malls put up special offers during Diwali. For example, Chor Bazaar Restaurant offers a mouthwatering Diwali buffet menu, and the iconic red roof of Ferrari World in nearby Abu Dhabi is all lit up while drummers set the mood for Diwali. There are live Diwali entertainment, laser beam shows, Bollywood music, and henna, and rangoli artwork. Many Dubai restaurants will be decorated with traditional earthen lamps during Diwali. Fireworks are organized at various locations. Shopping malls and public spaces are lit with multi-color LEDs, and the Dubai Fountain sways to scintillating Indian music for Diwali. So, if you’re wondering where to go on holiday in November, think of Dubai. It’s quite easy! All you need to know is how to apply for Dubai Visa online and get in touch with a Dubai tour operator for a fun-filled holiday tour in November.

8. Jaipur, India

The Pink City is completely decked out for Diwali with colorful earthen lamps, especially in the markets. At night, every house glitters with colorful lights, and musicians and dancers take to the streets, turning the whole of Jaipur into a vibrant live performance stage. You can buy thousands of colorful, multi-shaped earthen lamps in the markets, along with traditional Diwali clothes and handicrafts. The market is fully illuminated at night, and fireworks go off around the city. Every sweet shop sells amazing Diwali sweets, and the city’s famous palace hotels offer fabulous traditional Diwali feasts. Be sure to add Jaipur to your list of places to visit on your Diwali vacation.

9. Mauritius

Diwali is observed as a public holiday in Mauritius, as 50% of the island’s population is Hindu. People celebrate by lighting earthen lamps, setting off fireworks, and drawing colorful rangolis outside homes and public buildings. Beach parties are organized where people gamble, drink, and light fireworks throughout the night. Diwali is a great party time on the fun island of Mauritius.

10. Singapore

All Singaporeans celebrate Diwali; offices are closed and kids are off school as Diwali is a public holiday. Little India is lit up to the skies; the market stalls are garlanded with colorful flowers, and earthen lamps are lit everywhere. There are colorful rangolis in front of every store, and the fragrance of incense floods the streets. Fireworks go up on all five days of Diwali, especially at Clarke Quay, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island. From Dubai, Singapore is just under 7 hours by flight. There are options to club a Singapore visit with cruise holidays as well. The options are enticingly diverse! But before you venture from Dubai, make sure you know all about how to apply for Singapore visa from Dubai for a seamless travel experience.

11. Australia

Australia has a large Indian population, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. Diwali is celebrated with great fervour in several pockets. In Melbourne, Federation Square sees a grand display of fireworks, dances, Indian music, art, cultural shows, and colourful rangolis everywhere. There’s also a rangoli competition, where Indian women show off their creativity and skills. Everybody joins in the celebration as the spirit of Diwali brings various communities together.

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12. Maldives

Image Credit: https://mvhotels.travel/

Want to venture to a place away from the chaos but surrounded by the sheer beauty, verdant greenery, and tranquillity? A long-haul holiday during Diwali can’t get better than getting away to the Maldives. Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime chance to stay in an over-water bungalow, participate in fantastic water activities, embark on a traditional Dhoni cruise, and witness the stunning Bioluminescent Beach Phenomenon, among others.

13. Canada

The Great White North’s Diwali celebrations are a magical experience! During this festival, the Indian communities that have merged seamlessly with Canadians display unity that cuts across cultural barriers and exudes an infectious energy. There’s an ethereal ambience created by the shimmering glow of the lights dancing across frosted glass and snow-peppered home roofs.
The streets fill with the enticing smells of traditional Indian cuisine, merging with the happy sounds of music and laughter arising from bustling gatherings. Families come together to share stories and exchange sweets. The flickering flames of traditional oil lamps, symbolizing the triumph of hope over despair, serve as a heartfelt reminder of the luminous spirit that resides within each of us.

14. USA

As Diwali approaches, the Indian diaspora transforms the American ambiance into an Indian canvas painted in illuminations and colors. Each home in the Indian community is adorned with shimmering fairy lights that dance like stars against the velvety black night sky, and strings of marigold flowers drape elegantly on doorways. The sight is nothing short of enchanting – Families gather in their yards exchanging pleasantries, greeting each other with sweets, and later playing with sparkles and bursting vibrant fireworks that light up the night sky. Diwali fairs and events take place in major cities like New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C, and Miami to name a few.

15. Fiji

As a Hindi-speaking country, Fiji is a serene island nation in the South Pacific with strong Indian influences that surprise many oblivious wanderlusts. Diwali is celebrated as a public holiday in Fiji, where it is smoothly integrated as one of the auspicious festivals. During this time, the entire island gets decked out in flowers and decorations, and people celebrate with prayers and gifts. The gorgeous islands of Fiji light up with colourful diyas, candles, and sparkling fireworks during this festival of lights. The streets are filled with the aroma of delicious Indian sweets and the sound of traditional Fijian drums and music.

16. South Africa

Diwali is also a very popular holiday in South Africa, particularly in Durban and Johannesburg, where large Indian populations reside. The beachfront in Durban comes alive with cultural shows, food festivals, and firework displays that illuminate the skyline above the Indian Ocean. In the Victoria Street Market, shoppers zip through buying sweets, spices, and bright decorations for the festival. Families light diyas, and fixtures throughout the city of Mumbai are adorned with twinkling fairy lights, while temples hold prayer meetings that conclude with communal meals. What sets Diwali here apart is the cultural hodgepodge. You can witness African drumming with Bollywood music, even Zulu dance. It’s festive and welcoming, with everyone standing around to be a part of the celebration. If you fancy celebrating Diwali with a beachy feel, Durban is an excellent option for the festive cheer paired with a relaxed holiday ambience.

17. United Kingdom

The UK houses one of the largest Indian communities outside of India, so it’s no wonder Diwali is big news here. Trafalgar Square, London’s most famous public space, is the hub of activity, complete with live music, dance performances, Indian food stalls, and rangoli art displays. Leicester, known as the Diwali capital of the UK, is home to one of the largest celebrations outside India, with thousands turning out each year. The streets are lit up with pretty lights, and fireworks light the evening sky in celebration as families come together during the festival. Private homes around the country sparkle brightly with diyas, and temples hold special prayers. What sets Diwali in the UK apart is the beauty of the Indian traditions playing out against the English countryside. Whether in London or Leicester, Diwali here is to be remembered forever.

18. Trinidad and Tobago

In Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is more than just a festival; the holiday is observed as a public holiday honouring the nation’s Indo-Caribbean roots. The star attraction is the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, where a cultural village of music, dance, food, and traditional crafts continues for days before the festival takes place. On the night of Diwali, homes and streets light up with thousands of diyas, giving a marvellous sight at Misama between all these islands. The celebrations are full of tasty treats such as barfi and Gulab jamun with a twist and local Caribbean flavours, which add an extra special touch to the festival. Families and communities get together for prayer, gifting, and firecrackers. The great thing about Diwali here is the unifying spirit. It is celebrated equally by Hindus and non-Hindus, making it a festival of light, love, and togetherness that the entire nation adopts.

Conclusion

Take your family to the destination of your choice and see how people in other places celebrate this spectacular festival. You’ll be delighted to know just how much joy the spirit of Diwali brings to the world. You’ll also be thrilled to know that even in countries where fireworks are banned, Diwali is still celebrated according to age-old traditions.