Festivals around the world: a friendly guide

Diwali — the festival of lights

Celebrated by: Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India and across the diaspora. When: usually October or November, over about five days.

Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps called diyas and with colourful rangoli patterns at the entrance. Families share sweets, exchange gifts, wear new clothes and, in many places, light fireworks. For many Hindus it is linked to the goddess Lakshmi and to Rama's return to Ayodhya; Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time.

Eid al-Fitr — the festival of breaking the fast

Celebrated by: Muslims worldwide. When: at the end of Ramadan; because the Islamic calendar is lunar, it arrives about eleven days earlier each year.

After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, Eid begins with a special morning prayer. It is a time for charity (Zakat al-Fitr is given before the prayer so everyone can celebrate), new clothes, visiting relatives and lots of food. A common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" — "blessed Eid".

Lunar New Year

Celebrated in: China, Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal) and many communities across East and Southeast Asia. When: late January to mid-February.

The biggest family holiday of the year. People travel home for a reunion dinner, clean the house to sweep away bad luck, and decorate in red for good fortune. Children and unmarried relatives often receive money in red envelopes, and each year is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals.

Holi — the festival of colours

Celebrated by: Hindus, mainly in India and Nepal, and increasingly by friends of every background. When: the full moon in the month of Phalgun, usually March.

Holi welcomes spring and the triumph of good over evil. On the evening before, bonfires are lit (Holika Dahan). The next day, people throw coloured powder and water at friends and strangers alike, dance, and share sweets and drinks — social barriers are playfully set aside for the day.

Nowruz — the Persian New Year

Celebrated in: Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Kurdish communities and beyond. When: the spring equinox, around 20–21 March.

Nowruz means "new day" and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Families set a haft-sin table with seven symbolic items whose names begin with the Persian letter "sin" — such as sprouted wheat for rebirth and apples for health. People visit elders first, and the celebrations end on the thirteenth day with picnics outdoors.

Songkran — Thai New Year

Celebrated in: Thailand, with related festivals in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. When: 13–15 April.

Traditionally, people pour scented water over Buddha images and over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and to wash away bad luck. In cities this has grown into joyful nationwide water fights. Many families also visit temples and make merit.

Vesak — Buddha Day

Celebrated by: Buddhists across South, Southeast and East Asia and worldwide. When: usually the full moon in April or May.

Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. People visit temples, light lanterns, give to the poor, and many keep extra precepts or eat vegetarian food for the day. It is a quieter, more reflective celebration.

Día de Muertos — Day of the Dead

Celebrated in: Mexico and by Mexican communities abroad. When: 1–2 November.

Rather than a sad occasion, this is a warm reunion with loved ones who have died. Families build ofrendas (altars) with photos, candles, the person's favourite food and bright orange marigolds, whose scent is said to guide the spirits home. Cemeteries fill with music, food and sugar skulls.

Hanukkah — the festival of lights

Celebrated by: Jewish communities worldwide. When: eight nights starting on the 25th of Kislev, usually in December.

Hanukkah remembers the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the story of a single day's oil that burned for eight days. Each night one more candle is lit on the menorah. Foods fried in oil, like latkes and doughnuts, are traditional, and children play with a spinning top called a dreidel.

Christmas

Celebrated by: Christians worldwide and, as a cultural holiday, by many others. When: 25 December; many Orthodox churches celebrate on 7 January.

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus. Traditions range from midnight church services and nativity scenes to decorated trees, gift-giving and big family meals. Every country adds its own flavour — from Ethiopia's Genna to the Philippines' long "ber months" season of carols and lanterns.

How to be a respectful guest

• Ask before you assume. "What does this festival mean to your family?" is a lovely question that most people are happy to answer.
• Learn the greeting. "Happy Diwali", "Eid Mubarak", "Nowruz Mobarak" or "Xīnnián kuàilè" shows you made an effort.
• Follow the host's lead on dress, food and religious moments. If unsure, watch first and ask quietly.
• Bring something small — sweets or fruit are welcome almost everywhere — and check about dietary rules (halal, vegetarian, kosher, alcohol-free).
• Remember not everyone celebrates the same way, or at all. Festivals are personal.

Share your festival

Is your favourite festival missing? On PeaceBridge you can post about the festivals and rituals that shape you — what they mean, how your family marks them, and the food you can't skip — and discover how the rest of the world celebrates.