Diwali and Karthigai Deepam: Global cultural celebrations and traditions

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and the Tamil Nadu festival of Karthigai Deepam are being observed through diverse global traditions. In India, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with oil lamps and pilgrimages to the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Diwali celebrations include various regional customs, such as Kali Puja in West Bengal and the Gujarati New Year.

International communities are also marking the season. In New York City, the Diwali at Times Square event features cultural bazaars and concerts to promote unity. In Singapore, festivities include light-ups in Little India and events at the Indian Heritage Centre. In Australia, local business owners in Ipswich reflect on maintaining cultural identity through community gatherings.

The 2026 festive calendar notes that Dhanteras begins on November 6, with Lakshmi Puja and Naraka Chaturdashi falling on November 8. Beyond religious rituals, the season is marked by fashion trends among Bollywood celebrities, traditional home decor like urli and diyas, and community-focused celebrations in cities like Manchester, UK.