Diwali – The Festival of Lights Celebrated Across the World

Diwali Across the World Diwali’s magic is not limited to India—it is celebrated in many countries with great enthusiasm, especially where Indian communities have flourished. United States: Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Houston host Diwali melas (fairs) with cultural performances, markets, and fireworks. Times Square in NYC has even hosted massive Diwali celebrations.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals among Indians across the world. Known as the Festival of Lights, it represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. For millions, Diwali is not just a festival—it’s a time for renewal, joy, and coming together with loved ones.

Festival season is at it's peak in India and Adobe employees are again geared up to enjoy this time of the year. Various games, contestsd activities are lined up during this week. And Rangoli creation is one of the most exciting events of this week when everyone see colorful Rangolis in Lift-lobbies and reception area. Let's check out this Photo Journey and see some creative Diwali Rangoli Designs by Adobe India Employees from Noida Campus.It's a great opportunity for folks to do research about some creative designs of Diwali Rangoli, innovate new stuff to present their ideas in different way or highlight a particular aspect of the festival, Adobe or something related. A liked the way one of the teams designed their Diwali Rangoli to spread the word about importance of education and how an NGO called Smriddhi helping some parts of society. A brilliant way to spread word about good cause happening around us and share this opportunity with others to join hands to achieve bigger goals for celebrating such festivals with true happiness.At the same time, some of the teams show their love for products or solutions they develop in Adobe. Above design shows a good way of merging Diwali Rangoli design with Creative Cloud Logo. It fact, it was a nice merge product logos with Rangoli designs in a subtle way. Two years back, there were lot of rangoli designs with product/technology logos. There was one Rangoli design with Android. If you have missed, check out some of the old Rangoli Designs from Diwali Celebration week 2011.Many of the teams participating in this contest start exploring different types of designs which can be modified and used for Adobe contest. One of such inspiring link with Diwali Rangoli designs is - http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-rangoli-designs-and-patterns-that-you-can-try-too/ . Above link may be helpful for you to decide on design you want to put in your house to welcome Luxmi Ma on Deepawali Night. Every time when I see these beautiful designs of Diwali Rangoli, a quetion hits my mind that why do we actually create these Rangoli's in our houses on Diwali Night. The purpose of Rangoli is decorating house and it is thought to bring good luck. Design depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore and practices that are unique to each part of the country. This is a common practice to make such designs but known by different names in different regions/states of India. Rangoli is traditionally designed by women of the house. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, marriage celebrations and other similar milestones and gatherings. At various parts, Rangoli is still made with rice flour. I have seen Madhubani designs made with wet rice flour and in fact, for some of the occasions designs are also made on walls. Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, some impressions, flower/petal shapes, but they can also be very elaborate designs crafted by numerous people, based on their lifestyle and how they deal with things in their day to day life. A very good example is Rangoli designs at Adobe - Quite influenced by creativity, technology and innovative ways of expression. The base material is usually dry or wet granulated rice or dry flour, to which sindoor (vermilion), haldi (turmeric) and other natural colors can be added. Modern innovations have crossed most of the boundaries and made these Rangoli designs more beautiful. Chemical colors are a modern variation. Other materials include colored sand and even flowers and petals, as in the case of flower rangolis. At Adobe, this year, one of the designs was made up of glass pieces which were colored and places on a platform lit with four tube-lights which were placed below the main design. The very first photograph shows the design I just mentioned. Here I would like to share that, for this particular post, please don't judge quality of photographs but rather appreciate the designs made by teams in few hours during office time.In case you want to know more Rangolis in India, I would recommend to check out - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoli . Diwali is one of the main festivals in India, especially in northern state of the country. In a particular calendar year, Indians give special importance to Diwali and it's a national holiday as well. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 3rd November which is coming Sunday. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Most of the folks plan their vacations around Diwali in advance. Everyone wants to celebrate this festival with families although trends are changing among young working people in metros or outside India.Spend some time by looking at all the designs shared above and you will find some clear/hidden messages in each of these. We hope that one of these designs will inspire you to make a special Rangoli at your home on Diwali Night.Happy Diwali & Have a great time with your families during this Festive Season !!!

The Significance of Diwali

The stories and legends behind Diwali differ across regions, but all reflect the victory of good:

  • North India: Celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolized by lighting rows of lamps. (Read about Dussehra celebrations in North India)

  • South India: Marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.

Diwali Rangoli,Art at Adobe, Rangoli is a traditional decorative folk art of India. These are decorative designs made on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals and are meant as sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages, from each generation to the one that followed, thus keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. Rangoli and similar practices are followed in different Indian states; in Tamil Nadu, one has Kolam, Madanae in Rajasthan, Chowkpurna in Northern India, Alpana in Bengal, Aripana in Bihar, and so on. The purpose of Rangoli is decoration and it is thought to bring good luck. Teams make rangolis every year before Diwali at Adobe. However, this time the patterns were incredibly intricate and imaginative.Om is the sacred symbol of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and can often be seen in religious arts. Rangoli is no exception.The traditional rending of a new bride in a Doli. In medieval and ancient India and for a long time even in modern India, after marriage, dolis bourne on the shoulders of 4-6 men were used to transport the new bride to her husband's home. Marigold flowers (गेन्दा) are inseparable from Hindu Prayers and religios decorations. Idols of Deities are often adorned with garlands of marigold flowers and red roses.This is a clever integration of a peacock in the face of Lord Ganesh. While the peacock is the greatly revered in Hindu Scriptures, Lord Ganesh is the deity who the Hindus rely upon to take care of new entreprises. Beautiful colors and image! The peacock is also the National Bird of India.A pattern with the peacock in the center and outlined with marigold and rose petals.A Peacock is often referred to as a bird with a hundred eyes owing to the eye-like patterns in its tail feathers. The Kalash (a brass pot) is a symbol of abundance in Hinduism. It is often worshipped during the yagyas along with the deities in Arya Samaj branch of Hinduism. Full rendering of a peacock on the branch of a flowering plant with symbols of various Adobe Products in its tail. It is holding a scroll with the symbol of Adobe and the Sacred Swastik in its beak. Swastik, contrary to common knowledge, is an ancient holy symbol in Hinduism. Unfortunately, it was used by Nazis and after that the real, holy meaning seems to have been lost to the world. But in India, it is still used with a lot of respect in almost all religious ceremonies. Lord Ganesh with his elephant head and human body. Lord Ganesh is widely worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi (the Godess of Wealth) during diwali. Lord Ganesh, himself, is considered to be the God of New Beginnings, someone who removes hurdles. Another colorful design with the logos of various Adobe products, You can see the well know photoshop, Premiere Pro, Dreamweaver, Acrobat, InDesign etc.Diya's (earthen lamps) are used during diwali to decorate houses and businesses. They are shallow vessels made of clay or brass and have a cotton wick dipped in mustar oil.This design is more traditional with Om and a stark white color against a bright red. Two peacocks with their royal blue necks and bright green plumage. Peacocks seemed to rule the designs this year. A new age Ganesh with his vehicle, a mouse. If you look closely, the mouse if offering him an Apple that looks strikingly similar to the logo of the Software Giant of the same name. While the word Adobe has been written in a calligraphic script at the top. Cheeky!A close-up of the Kalash. This one is earthern but has been paited over with a metallic paint. Around it are typical colors of Hinduism, saffron and yellow. A close-up of the calligraphic Adobe. Baby Ganesh, floating on a cloud, over a colorful carpet of Adobe Products. Whether this cloud is a spiritual cloud or the technical cloud, is open to interpretations. Another colorful and elaborate design with Ganesh and Swastik, The shape of a mango is another common shape in Indian arts. You'll find it used in abundance in mehndis (henna tattoos) and rangolis.Photoshop, flash, Dreamweaver, Bridge and other Adobe products around an Adobe symbol. A fancy earthen Diya full of blue rangoli color.Lord Ganesh, in his various forms, has inspired many artists. And as a result, his form has been used extensively in all kinds of arts, starting from Rangoli to paintings to sculpting. Simple, yet pretty.Adobe employees admiring one of the rangolis. Elephant, another symbol of Hinduism. This one's a tusker and is carrying Adobe on its back. Elephants are closely related to Lord Ganesh. The Rangolis are as colorful as Adobe itself. This particular Rangoli is of a dancing Lord Ganesh.Happy Diwali, Rangoli, Art, hinduism, Ganesh, Om, Religion, Art, Colorful

  • Western India (Gujarat): Associated with worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

  • Eastern India (West Bengal & Assam): Celebrated as Kali Puja, honoring Goddess Kali. (Explore Durga Puja and Kali Puja celebrations in West Bengal)

  • Nepal (Tihar): Focuses on worshipping animals like cows, crows, and dogs, alongside traditional lamp lighting.

Despite regional variations, the core meaning of Diwali remains universal—spreading light, positivity, and harmony.

Diwali Celebrations 2013 at Rohini, Delhi - Celebrations, Festival of Lights, Lights, Lamps, Crackers, Sound, Music, Sweets

Rituals of Diwali in India

Diwali is a five-day celebration, with each day having its unique significance:

  1. Dhanteras

    • Marks the beginning of the festivities.

    • People buy gold, silver, or new utensils as a sign of prosperity.

    • Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated. (Diwali market scenes in Delhi)

  2. Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)

    • Celebrated with prayers, oil baths, and lighting the first lamps.

    • Symbolizes the destruction of Narakasura.

  3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day)

    • Families perform rituals to honor Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

    • Homes glow with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and fairy lights (a Travellingcamera story on Diwali diyas and lights).

    • Firecrackers light up the skies, while families exchange sweets and gifts.

  4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut

    • Devotees prepare large quantities of food as offerings to God, inspired by Lord Krishna’s Govardhan story.

  5. Bhai Dooj

    • Dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters.

    • Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity, while brothers give gifts in return.

Diwali Celebrations 2013 at Rohini, Delhi - Celebrations, Festival of Lights, Lights, Lamps, Crackers, Sound, Music, Sweets

The Spirit of Diwali: Lights, Sweets, and Togetherness

Rangoli is an integral part of Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrated across India. Creating rangoli designs on the floor with vibrant colors is believed to bring good luck and welcome prosperity. Traditionally made with colored powders, flower petals, and rice, these intricate patterns adorn entrances and courtyards, symbolizing warmth and positivity. Common designs include geometric shapes, diyas, peacocks, and lotus motifs, each reflecting regional styles and cultural beliefs.

  • Lighting & Decorations:
    Streets, homes, and temples are decorated with rows of diyas, lanterns, and fairy lights. Rangolis—colorful patterns made with powders, flowers, or rice—adorn entrances (check out these beautiful rangoli patterns).

  • Family Gatherings:
    Diwali is a time when families come together, often traveling long distances to celebrate under one roof.

  • Feasting & Sweets:
    Traditional Indian sweets such as ladoos, gulab jamun, jalebi, barfi, and kaju katli are prepared in abundance. (A Travellingcamera photo-story on Diwali sweets & markets)

  • Gifting:
    Exchanging gifts is an important part of Diwali. Popular gifts include sweets, dry fruits, clothing, home décor, and gold coins. Corporate gifting is also a significant trend.

  • Fireworks:
    Firecrackers and fireworks symbolize the joy of the festival, though many communities are now opting for eco-friendly alternatives.

Diwali Across the World Diwali’s magic is not limited to India—it is celebrated in many countries with great enthusiasm, especially where Indian communities have flourished. United States: Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Houston host Diwali melas (fairs) with cultural performances, markets, and fireworks. Times Square in NYC has even hosted massive Diwali celebrations.

Diwali Across the World

Diwali’s magic is not limited to India—it is celebrated in many countries with great enthusiasm, especially where Indian communities have flourished.

  • United States:
    Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Houston host Diwali melas (fairs) with cultural performances, markets, and fireworks. Times Square in NYC has even hosted massive Diwali celebrations.

  • United Kingdom:
    Leicester’s Diwali lights festival is one of the largest outside India, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Trafalgar Square in London also lights up with music, dance, and food stalls.

  • Singapore & Malaysia:
    Deepavali is a public holiday. In Singapore, Little India is illuminated with dazzling lights, while temples overflow with devotees.

  • Nepal:
    Celebrated as Tihar, the festival includes honoring animals, lighting lamps, and the unique Bhai Tika, where sisters pray for their brothers. (See how Tihar is celebrated in Nepal)

  • Mauritius, Fiji, and Trinidad & Tobago:
    These countries, with significant Indian-origin populations, celebrate Diwali as a national holiday, blending local culture with Indian traditions.

  • Australia & Canada:
    Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, and Vancouver host large-scale Diwali events. Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Niagara Falls are often lit up in Diwali colors.

Modern & Eco-Friendly Diwali With growing awareness about environmental concerns, many families now celebrate in eco-conscious ways:

Modern & Eco-Friendly Diwali

With growing awareness about environmental concerns, many families now celebrate in eco-conscious ways:


Using earthen diyas instead of electric lights. Limiting or avoiding firecrackers. Choosing sustainable gifts like plants, handmade crafts, or organic hampers. Celebrating in community spaces to reduce waste.

  • Using earthen diyas instead of electric lights.

  • Limiting or avoiding firecrackers.

  • Choosing sustainable gifts like plants, handmade crafts, or organic hampers.

  • Celebrating in community spaces to reduce waste.

Why Diwali is Truly Special Diwali is more than a religious event—it is an emotion that unites people across cultures and geographies. It is about new beginnings, spreading joy, and strengthening bonds. Whether it’s the warm glow of diyas in India, the grandeur of Leicester’s light festival, or the soulful celebrations of Tihar in Nepal, Diwali is proof that light and hope transcend boundaries. This Diwali, may every lamp you light bring peace, happiness, and prosperity into your life.

Why Diwali is Truly Special

Diwali is more than a religious event—it is an emotion that unites people across cultures and geographies. It is about new beginnings, spreading joy, and strengthening bonds. Whether it’s the warm glow of diyas in India, the grandeur of Leicester’s light festival, or the soulful celebrations of Tihar in Nepal, Diwali is proof that light and hope transcend boundaries.

This Diwali, may every lamp you light bring peace, happiness, and prosperity into your life.

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