For all the Non Resident Indians (NRI), Diwali has been Christmas, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July all rolled in one. It is celebrated with much zeal regardless of where in the world Indians live!
From ‘garba’ dances to firework displays, NRIs around the world are making Diwali the reason for parties at work and at home.
NRIs are admired world wide by many for being able to adapt to their host country while maintaining strong ties to their native culture through speaking in their native language and passing down their culture and traditions to their children born outside of India. A large part of passing on traditions is celebrating holidays like Diwali.Â
Many schools, community groups, Hindu associations, Indian organizations and corporate businesses get involved in celebrating Diwali. Politicians, including governors and past presidents, previously made public announcements expressing their greetings and well wishes to Hindus on Diwali.
People go to the Hindu temple and hold a puja at home. These pujas often turn into a diwali party— dancing, socializing, and maybe even, drinking! Plus people burst crackers which however can be done only in a state where it’s legal for individuals to buy and set off fireworks.
NRIs living in communities with many Indians may be a member of a pan Indian group or a regional Indian group (Gujarati, Malayalee, Tamil, etc.). These groups often plan a cultural program followed by a dinner for major Indian holidays. People prepare months in advance for dances (such as Thiruvathirakali for Onam), skits, re-enactments, singing songs and other cultural program numbers. Some may even bring costumes, props and décor from India months or a year in advance for these events.
Many Indian stores sell jewelry and traditional outfits, such as chiffon saris, as well as statues of Hindu deities and incent sticks used in prayer around this time of the year. Many women and girls use mehendi, which is a temporary henna decoration, on their palms. It is also common to wear fine jewelry and silk outfits to celebrate this joyous festival.
Various lights, candles and sparklers are lit on Diwali. Some businesses celebrate Diwali with Indian sweets. Many homes that celebrate Diwali have assorted sweets, savories and Diwali herbs. Some communities organize firework displays.
Diwali is a time for family, festivities, and – intrinsic to Indian festivals – food! In recent years though it has become an exercise in conspicuous consumption. The rituals traditionally associated with Diwali have taken a backseat to expensive gifts and clothes, uproarious card games accompanied by epicurean feasting, and ostentatious fireworks that send huge amounts of money up in smoke. Air and noise pollution are other offshoots of the current version of Diwali.