India: Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Diwali, the captivating Festival of Lights. Determined annually by the traditional Hindu calendar, this year's festivities are scheduled from October 30 to November 1. Millions of Hindus, both in India and globally, will participate. Also known as "Diwali" or "Deepavali," this festival is a central religious event for Hindus. Though its origins remain slightly enigmatic—whether it honors the goddess of fortune Lakshmi or commemorates the god Rama's victory over the demon Ravana to rescue his wife Sita—the purpose is unmistakable: to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
Diwali is fundamentally a festival of joy, and its importance is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Each day offers a chance to revel in joy through vibrant lights and colors. Homes are decked with garlands, rangolis (colorful geometric patterns), lanterns, and candles, creating lively and bright interiors. However, it's also a time for thorough cleaning, paving the way for renewal and the upcoming new year.
The festival's first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to the final touches of cleaning and decorating. The following day is for rest, rejuvenating both body and mind. On the third day, dressed in their finest, Hindus visit the temple of goddess Lakshmi. The Festival of Lights officially commences at night amidst a spectacle of lights, jubilant cheers, and fireworks. The fourth day is marked by celebrations and gift exchanges. The festival winds down on the fifth day with serene religious ceremonies. It's worth noting that Diwali is also celebrated with great pomp in many countries with significant Indian-origin populations, such as Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Mauritius.
Japan: Kurama Fire Festival
Almost simultaneously with other global celebrations, the mountain village of Kurama, near Kyoto, lights up dramatically for one night each year. On October 22, the Kurama Fire Festival, or Kurama Matsuri, takes place, ranking as one of Kyoto's most-attended festivals. Like Diwali, this festival also venerates deities, with festivities centered around the Yuki-jinja Shrine to honor the spirits. The shrine was relocated to Kurama during the Heian period (794-1185) amidst wartime, and the festival reenacts the ancient ceremony performed by villagers to welcome the gods (kami) to their village.
The Kurama Fire Festival is a vibrant and theatrical event. As night falls, the processions commence, each path lit by torches held high. Every household lights a torch at its front, and family heirlooms, particularly warrior items like armor, are showcased in windows. Adapting to contemporary times, the festival, which originally served as a boys' rite of passage, now includes girls due to the dwindling village population. Armed with small torches and donned in traditional attire, children of both genders lead the procession, followed by teenagers with larger torches. The climax features men carrying colossal torches that produce towering flames. These torches are eventually gathered to form a massive bonfire, casting a warm glow on all faces.
Much like Diwali, the Kurama Fire Festival embodies a jubilant celebration of tradition. It's noteworthy that other Japanese cities hold their fire festivals at various times throughout the year.
Germany: Berlin Festival of Lights
Just a few days before, Germany also embraced its own festival of lights from October 4 to 13 in Berlin. Celebrating its 20th edition, the event was a cultural spectacle with 35 iconic landmarks and spaces lit up, including the Berlin Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, and the TV Tower. The festival usually features guided tours and excursions designed to showcase Berlin's diverse facets to both local and international visitors. Due to their popularity, it's advisable to book these tours in advance to secure a spot.
Originating in 2005, the Berlin Festival of Lights is a celebration of art, transforming the city into a vibrant nocturnal canvas. Its most illustrious monuments are bathed in artistic light displays, and the streets buzz with festivity. This year, the festival was themed around freedom—the freedom to create, to reflect, and to appreciate. Promoting values of tolerance and respect, the Berlin Festival of Lights, much like Diwali, is a tribute to the joy of communal harmony.
Thailand: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals
Following Diwali, Thailand illuminates again with Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, collectively known as the Thai Lantern Festival or the "festival of lights." Both celebrations are slated for November 15 this year, with Yi Peng continuing into November 16, dates that shift annually according to the Thai lunar calendar.
Loy Krathong: The Festival of Floating Lanterns
Loy Krathong, meaning "to float a basket," takes place across Thailand but is particularly vibrant in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai. During the evening, participants release small, decorated rafts—carrying candles, flowers, and incense—into rivers, symbolizing offerings to Pra Mae Khongkha, the water goddess. Each raft also bears a wish, signifying hope for new beginnings, similar to the symbolic essence of Diwali. The night is further lit by fireworks and enlivened with shows and dances.
Yi Peng: The Festival of Flying Lanterns
Yi Peng, a traditional festival specific to Northern Thailand—particularly the ancient Lanna kingdom areas like Chiang Mai—overlaps with Loy Krathong but features distinct rituals. Here, the focus is on honoring Buddha and the spiritual cleansing of misfortunes, aiming for renewal and prosperity. Residents craft paper lanterns (khom loi), which they release into the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as they ascend. The first two nights are typically reserved for local rituals involving lengthy prayers and lantern releases. By the third day, the festivities expand city-wide, blending solemn tradition with communal celebration.
France: Festival of Lights in Lyon
Conclude your global tour of light festivals with the joyous Festival of Lights in Lyon, France. Running from December 5 to 8, this 25th edition focuses on collective and individual emotions shared among attendees. Echoing the celebratory nature of the Berlin Festival of Lights, Lyon's festival also honors the arts. By night, the city's architectural landmarks become canvases of the great masters or immense projection screens. The festival showcases a rich array of artistic expressions, including cinematic projections, sound and light displays, and 3D animations designed to dazzle spectators.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon also emphasizes inclusivity, with significant efforts to ensure accessibility for all attendees. At its core, the festival champions the principles of sharing and community, inviting everyone to partake in the luminous celebration that illuminates the heart of southeastern France.
How can you be part of the Festivals of Lights as an expat?
If you find yourself in a country celebrating the Festival of Lights and wish to join in, it's a perfect chance to immerse yourself in local customs. However, it's crucial to respect traditional practices. Festivals like Diwali, Kurama Matsuri, and Yi Peng hold deep religious and cultural significance, requiring observers to respect moments of silence and prayer. Learn about the specific rituals, including what to wear and how to behave, as these events are culturally sacred, not mere tourist attractions. Ensure your presence enhances, rather than disrupts, the solemnity of these moments.
The rules are more relaxed for more culturally oriented festivals, such as those in Berlin and Lyon, but common courtesy still applies. Be polite, open, helpful, and friendly. With these tips, you're all set to respectfully partake in and thoroughly enjoy the luminous celebrations around you.
