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The places to visit during Diwali promise dazzling celebrations, stunning lights, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From the iconic streets of Leicester, UK, to the grand festivities in Singapore’s Little India, every destination shines bright. Experience vibrant fireworks in Dubai, traditional temple rituals in Bali, and illuminated ghats in Varanasi, India. Wander through bustling markets in Kuala Lumpur, soak in the festive charm of Mauritius, or witness Diwali grandeur in Fiji. New York’s Times Square hosts spectacular celebrations, while Nepal’s Tihar Festival adds a unique touch. These destinations make Diwali an unmissable global affair!
Top 15 Places To Visit During Diwali
Celebrate the biggest Hindu festival in the best way possible with a stop at some of the most beautiful places to visit during Diwali:
1. Leicester, UK
Photo: Nirmal Rajendharkumar / Unsplash
Leicester hosts one of the most significant Diwali celebrations outside India, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The festivities commence with a spectacular light switch-on ceremony on Belgrave Road, known as the “Golden Mile,” illuminating the street with vibrant decorations. The celebrations extend over two weeks, featuring cultural performances, dance shows, and a bustling Diwali Village at Cossington Recreation Ground, offering a variety of food stalls and entertainment.
Major Attraction: Golden Mile, known for its dazzling lights and bustling Diwali market
Nearest Airport: East Midlands Airport (30 km)
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Leicester
2. Little India, Singapore
Photo: Jeyakumaran Mayooresan / Unsplash
Little India tops the Singapore Travel Guide, transforming into a vibrant hub of lights, decorations, and cultural performances during Diwali. This makes it one of the best places to visit during the Diwali vacation. The streets come alive with stunning light arches and beautifully decorated temples like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Shoppers can explore the Deepavali Festival Village for traditional sweets, decorations, and ethnic wear. Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping complex, is a great place to buy Diwali gifts and gold jewellery.
Major Attraction: Serangoon Road, known for its colourful Diwali-themed light-up and markets
Nearest Airport: Changi Airport (20 km)
3. Dubai, UAE
Dubai offers a grand Diwali experience, blending traditional celebrations with modern extravagance. Burj Khalifa lights up in honour of the festival, while the Dubai Festival City hosts an impressive fireworks show. Indian communities gather at the Shiva and Krishna temples in Bur Dubai for prayers and festive rituals. Major shopping malls, including The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, have Diwali-themed sales and special performances.
Major Attraction: Diwali fireworks at Burj Khalifa and The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah
Nearest Airport: Dubai International Airport (15 km)
Suggested Read: Wonderful Places To Visit In Dubai On Your Next Visit
4. Bali, Indonesia
Photo: Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Unsplash
Among the best places to visit in Indonesia is Bali’s Hindu heritage, which makes it a fascinating destination to experience Diwali. The island’s many temples, including the famous Uluwatu and Besakih Temples, hold special prayers and ceremonies during the festival. Ubud’s cultural performances, such as Ramayana ballet shows, add a spiritual charm to the celebrations. Visitors can participate in community feasts and traditional Balinese rituals. The vibrant markets sell intricate Diwali decorations, diyas, and sweets.
Major Attraction: Uluwatu Temple, known for its Kecak Fire Dance and sunset views
Nearest Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (15 km)
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo: Esmonde Yong / Unsplash
Kuala Lumpur’s Little India in Brickfields is the heart of Diwali celebrations, with streets adorned with colourful lights and rangoli. Temples such as the Sri Mahamariamman Temple hold special prayers and rituals. The Deepavali Carnival at Bukit Jalil Stadium features cultural performances, shopping stalls, and Indian delicacies. Shopping malls, including Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC, host Diwali-themed events and sales.
Major Attraction: Sri Mahamariamman Temple, famous for its grand Diwali prayers
Nearest Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (60 km)
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur
6. Mauritius
Photo: Xavier Coiffic / Unsplash
Mauritius has a significant Hindu population, making Diwali one of the most widely celebrated festivals on the island. Houses and temples are decorated with lights and diyas, creating a stunning visual experience. Fireworks displays and cultural performances take place in areas like Port Louis and Grand Baie. Local markets sell traditional sweets like mithai and ladoos, perfect for indulging in festive flavours. During this festive season, exploring the Best islands to visit in Mauritius adds an extra layer of charm, as each island offers its own unique cultural and scenic beauty.
Major Attraction: Ganga Talao, a sacred lake where Diwali prayers are held
Nearest Airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (45 km)
7. Fiji
Photo: Nicolas Weldingh / Unsplash
Fiji celebrates Diwali with grand festivities, as it has a large Indian-origin population. The capital city, Suva, hosts vibrant Diwali events with cultural performances, fireworks, and street markets. Many Fijian homes are beautifully decorated with rangoli and diyas. Hindu temples, such as the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, hold traditional prayers and ceremonies. Visitors can enjoy local Diwali sweets like barfi and gulab jamun.
Major Attraction: Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere
Nearest Airport: Nadi International Airport (10 km)
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Fiji
8. New York, USA
Photo: Michael Discenza / Unsplash
New York’s Times Square hosts one of the most spectacular Diwali celebrations in the USA, featuring live performances, Indian music, and dance shows. The South Street Seaport transforms into a hub of cultural activities and fireworks. Hindu temples across the city, including the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, hold Diwali prayers. The city’s Indian neighbourhoods, such as Jackson Heights and Edison, New Jersey, light up with festive decorations. Adding to the excitement, the vibrant New York nightlife offers a unique blend of Diwali-themed events and parties, making the celebration truly unforgettable.
Major Attraction: Times Square Diwali Festival, featuring Bollywood performances and fireworks
Nearest Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (26 km)
9. Kathmandu, Nepal
Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash
Kathmandu is among the best places to visit during Diwali. In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival honouring various deities and traditions. The streets of Kathmandu glow with oil lamps, while homes are decorated with rangoli. Pashupatinath Temple has become a key site for prayers and rituals. The city’s Durbar Square hosts cultural performances and traditional music events. The festival includes Govardhan Puja and Bhai Tika, a special day for siblings.
Major Attraction: Pashupatinath Temple, where special Tihar rituals take place
Nearest Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (6 km)
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kathmandu
10. Bangkok, Thailand
Photo: Braden Jarvis / Unsplash
Bangkok’s Indian community celebrates Diwali with grand temple prayers, dazzling light displays, and cultural performances. The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, beautifully adorned for the festival, is the focal point of the celebrations. Major shopping malls, including MBK and IconSiam, also join the festivities with themed decorations and events. Fireworks display light up the Chao Phraya River, creating a breathtaking view. During this festive season, many of the Diwali hotspots also double as popular places to visit in Bangkok, offering visitors a rich cultural and visual experience.
Major Attraction: Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, famous for its grand Diwali prayers and decorations
Nearest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (30 km)
11. Jaipur, India
Photo: Ibrahim Rifath / Unsplash
Jaipur is another place to visit during Diwali. Jaipur’s shops and streets are lit up with bright, colourful lights that make the city look beautiful. Shop owners and other businesses in the city are known for their light competitions, where they try to make the most beautiful and creative light shows. These competitions turn places like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar into magical wonderlands. The holiday mood is made even better by the traditional decorations, the busy groups, and the sweet and incense-scented air.
Major Attraction: Illuminated Markets & Light Competitions
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (JAI)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jaipur
12. Varanasi, India
Photo: Ayan Purkaite / Unsplash
Dev Deepawali, which is performed on the Ganges ghats, is one of the most beautiful Diwali experiences you can have in India. Today, all 84 ghats are lit up with millions of earthen lamps (diyas), which make for a stunning view as the lights bounce off the water. There are big Ganga Aarti ceremonies, laser light shows at Chet Singh Ghat, and projection shows at the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor as part of the holiday. Fireworks and cultural performances add to the holiday spirit, making the whole city come alive with devotion and joy.
Major Attraction: Dev Deepawali at the Ghats
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
13. Trinidad And Tobago
Photo: Renaldo Matamoro / Unsplash
One of the top places to visit during Diwali in India is Trinidad and Tobago. Here, Diwali is celebrated with a lot of joy at the Divali Nagar that happens every year in Chaguanas. The most important Indian traditional event in the country, and maybe even the whole Caribbean, is this one, called the “City of Divali.” Divali Nagar is a week-long celebration of Hindu and Indo-Trinidadian culture. It has food stands, religious ceremonies, cultural acts, and bright displays. On the night before Diwali, there is a fantastic fireworks show that marks the end of the celebrations.
Major Attraction: Divali Nagar in Chaguanas
Nearest Airport: Piarco International Airport (POS)
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tobago
14. Durban, South Africa
Durban is one of the best places to visit during Diwali, with friends holding the Durban Festival, the biggest Diwali event in Africa. Traditional Indian music, dance, food, and religious ceremonies are enjoyed by people from all walks of life at this international event. Bright processions, fireworks, and the lighting of lamps mark the holiday, which means that light has won over darkness. Temples and community centres in the area hold special services and cultural events, which make the whole city feel happy and welcoming. The festival is marked with authenticity and grandeur thanks to Durban’s large Indian community.
Major Attraction: Durban Diwali Festival
Nearest Airport: King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
15. Suva, Fiji
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
Suva, which is the capital of Fiji, is where many people in the South Pacific celebrate Diwali. The city’s large Indo-Fijian community puts on lively celebrations, such as putting oil lamps and bright rangoli patterns on homes and temples to make them look nice. In public and neighbourhood halls, there are cultural events with traditional music, dance, and theatre. The streets and shops in the area are lit up, and the air is filled with the smell of Indian sweets and treats.
Major Attraction: Community Celebrations in Suva and Nausori
Nearest Airport: Nausori International Airport (SUV)
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Fiji
Whether it’s witnessing the dazzling fireworks in Dubai, exploring the festive streets of Leicester, or soaking in the spiritual aura of Kathmandu, each place offers a unique way to experience the festival. So, pack your bags, embrace the festive spirit, and create cherished memories as you celebrate the festival of lights in a new and exciting corner of the world! Book your trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Udayaditya Barua / Unsplash
