How does Japan celebrate Diwali: 7 heart warming pictures

Diwali celebration in Japan is all about community gatherings, good food, vibrant lights and cultural performances. Each aspect of this festival captures a different side of this festival being lived far from its land of origin. The ‘Festival of Lights’ honours the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance.
In recent years, the festival has become an important part of celebration for Indians, expatriates, and Japanese too. Let’s have a look at seven heart-warming images that capture the essence of Diwali.

Yokohama knows how to celebrate Diwali. Every year, the city organises a festival that celebrates Diwali in Japan. One of the main events is Deepotsav in Nishi-Kasai, Tokyo. It is one of the most-awaited Diwali festivals in Japan that attracts families, kids, Japanese nationals and Indian residents from across the country. Diwali in Yokohama is an annual event that started in 2002 to promote cultural exchange between India and Japan. Japanese artists often join in by performing Indian classical and Bollywood dance forms.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Diwali celebrations is looking at Japanese people burning crackers, making rangolis, dancing together and relishing Indian food. Their involvement shows the beauty of inter-cultural mix. In Yokohama, many Japanese groups perform Bharatnatyam, and Bollywood dance. It’s a beautiful sight.

All Diwali events in Japan have food stalls serving a range of Indian cuisines including dosa, idli, healthy snacks, sweets and tea. People from all over not only enjoy the religious side but also the social side of it like eating together and exploring Indian flavours. Indian traditional dresses and jewellery are also available.

Diwali in Japan is also more about mixing cultures and generations. For young Indian kids growing up in Japan, this is a chance to learn about their culture and heritage and for Japanese, this is the best chance to learn about a new culture. Shri Ram Mandir Japan also hosts gatherings and pujas around Diwali & Kartik Pooja.

Diwali in Japan means LED candles also for safety reasons. Firecrackers are limited to city parks or public spaces (due to safety/noise rules). Language and explanation are also adapted. Schools show videos explaining the meaning of Diwali.

Diwali celebration in schools of Japan is a heartwarming sight. Especially international schools with Indian students have a grand celebration. For example, the Global Indian International School (GIIS) campuses in Tokyo organise Diwali celebrations which are quite popular. These include making rangoli, lighting diyas and also making lanterns.

Just like India, Diwali in Japan includes religious ceremonies such as Laxmi Puja at home or community centres. Lighting oil lamps or diyas is main as it is the symbolism of good over evil. And the best part is food. From preparing sweets to shared meals, all Indian communities in Tokyo come together to celebrate with their home-cooked delicious meals. There are festive decoration competitions as well which includes rangoli making and lantern decorations, among others.