How Indians abroad light up the world during Diwali

It starts with a single diya.

Another flame joins it… Then another… And before long, a cold street in London feels a little more like Delhi.

That’s what Diwali does best when it bridges continents with light.

Every year, millions of Indians abroad recreate the festival of lights in their own corners of the world, transforming apartments, city squares, and even office spaces into pockets of home. This sacred tradition originated more than 2,000 years ago and now travels across the globe.

What Diwali is about

Diwali means “row of lights” and is one of India’s oldest and most widely celebrated festivals. Across different beliefs, it marks the victory of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance.

In this five-day celebration, families light diyas, share sweets and gifts, perform prayers, and decorate their homes with rangoli patterns. Each day has its own significance, welcoming prosperity and wealth, and celebrating family and community.

For many living abroad, that also means finding creative ways to stay connected: sending digital gifts, paying for festive deliveries, or transferring money home so loved ones can celebrate too.

The celebration that travels

Few festivals can match Diwali’s global energy, celebrated by over a billion people with music, devotion and, naturally, plenty of lights.

• In London, Trafalgar Square bursts to life every autumn with hundreds of dancers performing classical, folk, and Bollywood styles. Thousands of lamps and street food stalls bring the flavours and energy of India to the heart of the city.
• In Dubai, fireworks light up the skyline over Al Seef and Global Village as families celebrate with festive dinners, temple visits, and cultural events. The city sparkles with a mix of tradition and modern energy.
• In Toronto, the Gerrard India Bazaar hosts parades, fireworks, live music, and communal feasts during the Diwali Mela. People of all backgrounds join to enjoy South Asian culture and cuisine in downtown Toronto.
• In Singapore, HDB flats glow with lights and rangoli as Little India’s Deepavali Light Up festival fills the streets with fairs, performances, and open houses. Community spirit and cultural pride shine through every corner.
• In Melbourne, neighbourhoods celebrate Diwali with light displays, music, dance, and street fairs. Shared meals and community events bring the warmth of the festival to life across the city.
• In New York, Times Square transforms into a glowing hub of music, food, dance, and spiritual activities. Traditional attire and festive energy bring Diwali’s joy to the city that never sleeps.

And these are just a few examples of how Diwali crosses continents and time zones, reminding Indians abroad of who they are and how far their roots can travel. Each city becomes a reflection of home — proof that culture doesn’t need a passport, and connection doesn’t need a border.

A festival of connection

Diwali shines in subtle connections for those far from India: lighting a diya at home while on a video call, sending a gift to family, tasting sweets with friends who’ve never celebrated it. It’s passing on stories, keeping traditions alive, and just experiencing the strange comfort of feeling at home far from home.

Bringing home wherever you go

Diwali is proof that distance can’t dim the connections that matter most.

That’s the heart of what Grey supports, too: a simpler way to live and move globally without losing touch. You might earn in dollars, spend in pounds, or save in euros, but your essence will always convert back to rupees. We invite you to open a free account and see how it fits your journey.

Happy Diwali… wherever in the world you’re celebrating.

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