Diwali 2025 in Indonesia

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated by Indian Hindu communities in cities like Medan and Jakarta with prayers, lights, and cultural gatherings. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is marked with temple visits and family celebrations.

Diwali: A Public Holiday?

Diwali is not a national public holiday in Indonesia, but it is observed as a religious celebration by Indian Hindu communities, especially in cities like Medan and Jakarta.

Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. While the festival originated in India, it has also found a place in Indonesia, particularly among Indian Hindu communities. These communities, mainly of Tamil and North Indian descent, have lived in Indonesia for generations, especially in cities like Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya. Through their traditions, Diwali has remained a meaningful cultural and religious event.

Although Hinduism is more dominant in Bali, the form practiced there differs from Indian traditions, and Diwali is not widely observed on the island. Instead, Indian Hindus in other parts of Indonesia continue to celebrate it with dedication. Over time, Diwali has also gained recognition among locals as a vibrant festival of lights and harmony. While it is not a national public holiday, Diwali is an important expression of cultural identity and spiritual faith for Indian Hindus living in Indonesia.

Observance of Diwali in Indonesia

Diwali is mainly celebrated by Indian Hindu communities in Indonesia, especially in cities such as Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya. Preparations begin days in advance, with families cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and preparing sweets and snacks. On the day of Diwali, people visit temples for special prayers and rituals. Homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and colorful lights to welcome the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity.

In Medan, where a large Tamil Hindu population lives, temples hold special Deepavali ceremonies that bring together the community. Cultural programs, music, and traditional dances are often part of the celebration. Families gather for festive meals and share sweets with neighbors and friends. Children enjoy fireworks, which are a common part of the festivities. Though celebrated on a smaller scale than in India, the joy and devotion remain just as strong.

Diwali is of great importance to the Indian Hindu diaspora in Indonesia. It is not just a religious festival but also a way to preserve cultural identity and stay connected to ancestral roots. It offers a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. Even though it is not a public holiday, the festival is respected and welcomed by the broader Indonesian society, adding to the country's rich cultural diversity. For those who celebrate, Diwali is a symbol of hope, light, and togetherness. It reminds people that goodness can overcome negativity and that unity and faith can bring joy and peace into their lives.

Diwali Observances