Diwali Series Part 2: Diwali outside of India

We usually tend to think of Diwali as a festival from India, but Diwali is also celebrated outside of India, in the nations of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

In Bangladesh, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja by 13 million people, who make up Bangladesh's Hindu minority.

Food is offered to the goddess Kali and temporary shrines are set up to worship the goddess.

Animals, sweets, hibiscus flowers, rice, lentils, and fruits are commonly offered to the goddess Kali during Kali Puja.

Hindus in Bhutan and Nepal celebrate a festival called Tihar. It is the Nepalese version of Diwali.

During Tihar, Nepalese decorate their homes with lights, have gatherings, pray, sing, dance, gamble, feast and take part in religious ceremonies such as pujas.

Tihar is also celebrated by the Nepali minority in Bhutan.