Celebrate Diwali in the USA: A Complete Guide for NRIs
Celebrate Diwali in the USA: A Complete Guide for NRIs
5 min read
The Heart of Diwali, Anywhere in the World
Does the thought of Diwali without the chaos of home, the family gatherings, and the familiar sounds and smells make you feel a little homesick? You’re not alone. For many Indians living abroad, Diwali can feel bittersweet—beautiful in spirit but distant in practice.
The truth is, the essence of Diwali, the victory of light over darkness, joy over sorrow, and good over evil—can be recreated anywhere. With a little creativity, you can celebrate the Festival of Lights in the US just as meaningfully as you would back home.
This guide will show you how to adapt traditions, find essentials, connect with your community, and create a meaningful celebration anywhere in America.
Creating the Festive Atmosphere: Lights, Rangoli & Rituals
The Lights That Sparkle
If you can’t find traditional clay diyas, don’t worry. Tea light candles, LED string lights, or even flameless electronic candles can bring the same warm glow. Line them along your windowsill, balcony, or entrance to create a welcoming pathway of light.
Pro tip: If you want authentic diyas, many Indian grocery stores and online retailers like Amazon and Etsy sell them, especially around Diwali.
Rangoli with a Twist
Rangoli is an art form that instantly sets the festive mood. If colored powders aren’t available, try creative substitutes like:
Chalk art on your driveway
Colored rice or flour
Craft-store glitter and stencils for kids
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Rangoli kits are easily available online, making it simple to involve children or friends who want to join in.
Simplifying the Puja
Don’t stress about replicating every detail of the rituals. You can perform a simple and heartfelt Lakshmi-Ganesh puja by following these steps:
Gather Your Essentials: A diya (or candle), incense, flowers, and a few sweets like ladoos or barfi.
Set the Time: Use an app like Drik Panchang to find the correct Lakshmi Puja muhurat in your US timezone.
Follow Along: Play a guided puja video on YouTube for audio cues and mantras, ensuring you feel connected to the tradition.
Setting the Soundtrack
Missing the firecrackers? Curate your own festive playlist. Mix Bollywood classics, devotional bhajans, and upbeat festive music on Spotify or YouTube Music. The right background music instantly makes your home feel alive.
Where to Buy Diwali Essentials in the US (Diyas, Sweets & More)
Indian Grocery Stores: Your Go-To
Most US cities have at least one Indian grocery store. They’re a treasure chest for festival needs: sweets (mithai), puja kits, decorative diyas, ready-to-eat snacks, and even traditional outfits. Just search “Indian grocery store near me” on Google Maps.
Online Shopping for Convenience
Amazon & Walmart: Diyas, decorations, rangoli powders, and even Indian outfits.
Etsy: Handmade Diwali cards, personalized gifts, and unique decor.
Whole Foods/Amazon Fresh: Ingredients for home-cooked meals.
Big-Box Stores for Fusion Decor
Stores like Target, HomeGoods, and World Market often carry festive lanterns, tea lights, and bowls that fit perfectly into a Diwali setup. Farmer’s markets are also great for sourcing fresh flowers for your puja and rangoli.
Finding Diwali Events & Community in America
Major Public Celebrations
Many US cities host spectacular Diwali events featuring fireworks, music, dance, and food stalls. Look for:
New York City: Diwali at Times Square and Diwali on the Hudson
New Jersey: Edison, Iselin, and Jersey City melas
California: Sacramento’s “Diwali at the Capitol,” Bay Area celebrations, and Artesia events
Texas: Houston, Dallas, and Austin host major melas
Illinois: Chicago’s suburban Diwali festivals
Georgia: Atlanta’s Diwali Mela
How to Find Local Events Near You
Plan ahead—start searching 3–4 weeks before the festival. Use Google queries like “Diwali mela near me”, “Diwali festival [City Name]”, or “Indian association [Your State]” for the most updated event lists.
Student & Cultural Associations
Universities across the US often host Diwali dinners, dances, and shows through Indian Student Associations. Local Hindu temples and cultural groups, such as the Art of Living, also organize pujas and cultural programs.
Host a Diwali Potluck
If you can’t attend a large event, host a “Diwali Friendsgiving.” You provide the main dish and ambiance, and your friends bring sides, sweets, or drinks. It’s a beautiful way to blend cultures and create lasting memories.
The Diwali Feast: Food That Feels Like Home
Diwali isn’t complete without food, but you don’t need to recreate every dish your mom made. Pick two or three dishes that mean the most to you.
Hacks for the Busy Diaspora
Use frozen gulab jamun or rasmalai mixes for quick sweets
Buy readymade mithai from your local Indian sweet shop
Order Diwali catering menus from nearby Indian restaurants
Use store-bought fillings for traditional recipes like puran poli
Inclusive Feasting
If you’re celebrating with non-Indian friends, serve one traditional dish (like samosas or kheer) and one familiar local dish (like pasta or roasted veggies). This keeps the meal festive and approachable.
When to Celebrate Diwali in the US
Diwali doesn’t fall on the same date every year—it follows the Hindu lunar calendar. Knowing the dates matters because it helps you plan ahead, especially if you want to attend local events, order puja items online, or take time off work.
Here are the projected dates for Lakshmi Puja, the main day of Diwali, for the next 10 years:
2025: October 20 (Monday)
2026: November 8 (Sunday)
2027: October 28 (Thursday)
2028: October 16 (Monday)
2029: November 5 (Monday)
2030: October 26 (Saturday)
2031: October 14 (Tuesday)
2032: November 2 (Tuesday)
2033: October 22 (Saturday)
2034: November 11 (Saturday)
Tip: Always confirm the exact muhurat closer to the date using trusted sources like Drik Panchang.
FAQs About Diwali in the US
What is the best way to celebrate Diwali in the US?
The best way is to blend tradition with practicality. Decorate your home with diyas or candles, perform a simple puja, cook or order festive food, and connect with your community. Even small efforts—like lighting a single diya—carry the same spiritual meaning as grand celebrations.
Where can I buy diyas and Indian sweets in America?
Your best option is local Indian grocery stores, which usually stock diyas, puja kits, and mithai. During the Diwali season, many stores also run promotions or special boxes of sweets. If you don’t live near one, platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy offer fast shipping on essentials, while some sweet shops even deliver nationwide.
How can I find Diwali events near me?
About a month before Diwali, search “Diwali Mela near me” or “Diwali [Your City] 2025” on Google. Check your local Indian associations, cultural centers, and temples as they usually post detailed event information. Larger US cities often have ticketed Diwali concerts, dances, or fireworks shows as well.
What do you say on Diwali?
The most common greetings are “Happy Diwali!” and “Shubh Deepawali!” You can also add a personal touch like, “Wishing you prosperity, happiness, and light this Diwali.” These greetings are perfect for both family gatherings and when explaining the festival to non-Indian friends.
Is Diwali a holiday in the US?
Diwali is not a federal holiday in the US, but recognition is increasing. In 2023, New York City made Diwali a school holiday, and other states are exploring similar moves. Many workplaces allow employees to use personal days or flexible leave, making it possible to celebrate.
Your Diwali, Your Way
No matter where you are, Diwali is about more than location; it’s about intention. Whether you’re surrounded by hundreds of people at a mela or quietly lighting diyas in your apartment, your celebration is valid and beautiful.
It’s natural to miss home, but living abroad also offers the chance to create new traditions, ones that blend the familiar with the fresh. Each diya you light adds to the global glow of Diwali, making the world just a little brighter.
If you’re planning to travel within the US to join a big Diwali celebration or even fly back to India to be with family, planning ahead is key. Affordable flights and flexible options can make all the difference during the festive rush. Check out Travelfika to compare flights and book the best deals, ensuring your Diwali is filled with light, love, and unforgettable memories.
✨ Happy Diwali to you, wherever you are in the world!
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