Diwali, the festival of lights, was observed globally with members of the Indian diaspora and local communities uniting for festivities. Celebrations featured traditional diya-lighting ceremonies, intricate rangoli displays, cultural performances, and community gatherings across multiple countries. Indian diplomatic missions organized special events, while international leaders extended greetings that emphasized the festival's themes of peace, hope, and the triumph of good over evil.
In India, cities such as Ahmedabad and Srinagar came alive with festive decorations and illuminated public spaces. Traders in Ahmedabad gathered at the Swaminarayan Temple to perform Chopda Pujan, a traditional prayer ceremony dedicated to blessing account books. Across the United States, Indian-American communities marked the occasion with diya-lighting ceremonies, cultural programs, and gatherings across numerous states and cities.
International celebrations reflected a broad geographic reach. In Colombo, Sri Lanka, the holiday brought together the Indian community, diplomats, and local political figures for musical and cultural programs at the Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar temple. Caracas, Venezuela, hosted celebrations featuring Indian classical dance performances by local artists at an event organized jointly by the Venezuelan government and the Indian Embassy.
The Indian Consulate General in Shanghai celebrated the holiday alongside members of the local Tamil community during a Tamil Sangamam gathering. In Karachi, Pakistan, women carried lit diyas during traditional observances at the Shri Swaminarayan Temple. Myanmar marked the festival with rituals, decorations, and community gatherings at temples in Yangon.
In the United Kingdom, crowds gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as the Neasden Temple, in north-west London for prayers, music, and an evening fireworks display. Meanwhile, celebrations in the United Arab Emirates featured vibrant displays, including illuminated installations at Dubai's Al Seef market that drew large numbers of visitors.