Diwali, the annual 5-day festival of lights, is fast approaching. While you may associate the festival with India, Diwali is in fact, a multi-faith, multi-national celebration. Over a billion people in countries around the world come together to partake in this beautiful festival during the fall of each year.
As a business in Canada, chances are a significant portion of your customers or potential customers celebrate Diwali. So, to help you out this festival season, we’re sharing some Diwali wishes in English that your marketing team can use to connect with South Asian customers.
What is Diwali, and why is it celebrated?
Diwali, often also referred to as the festival of lights, represents new beginnings and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The festival runs for five days, and celebrations include prayers, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving.
Diwali offers by AU Bullion Canada
The most iconic Diwali symbols are, of course, the lights. During the festival, people place glowing lamps (diyas) outside their homes and set off fireworks. Other Diwali traditions include exchanging sweets and decorating homes with flowers and rangoli (colourful designs and patterns made of rice powder, chalk powder, or flower petals).
Who celebrates Diwali?
Diwali holds religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. Diwali is considered a national holiday in 11 countries, including India, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Fiji. The festival is also celebrated by diasporic communities in many other countries, with large celebrations in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Some major cities for Canadian Diwali celebrations include the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, Vancouver, and Calgary.
When is Diwali 2023?
The dates of Diwali change each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2023, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12th. The 5-day festival begins on November 10th and ends on November 15th. Each day of the festival has a different significance, with Diwali (the 3rd day) being the main event.
Diwali wishes in English
If you’re unfamiliar with the holiday, you may be wondering how to share Diwali wishes with those who celebrate. Well, a simple “Happy Diwali” or “Joyous Diwali” is certainly appropriate! However, if you want your message to feel a bit more personal, take some inspiration from the following examples of Diwali wishes in English.
- Joyous Diwali to you and your loved ones.
- May the light of the diyas guide you towards wealth and prosperity. Happy Diwali!
- Have a happy, safe, and blessed Diwali!
- May the Diwali lights surround you with happiness and positivity. Happy Diwali!
- May this Diwali light up your life with happiness, joy, and peace.
- May millions of lights illuminate your life with joy, prosperity, health, and wealth. A very happy Diwali to you and your family!
Diwali wishes by Nestle Canada
As you can see from these examples of Diwali wishes in English, Diwali greetings can be distinct and personalized–just like other holidays! Diwali wishes usually evoke light, celebration, happiness, safety, prosperity, and family.
Bonus: Diwali wishes in Hindi
In addition to Diwali wishes in English, your customers may appreciate a multilingual message. For example, a multilingual social media post can demonstrate your business’s commitment to reaching diverse audiences.
In Hindi, Diwali Aanandmayi Diwali! (आनंदमयी दीवाली!) translates to “Joyous Diwali!”
Shubh Dipawali (शुभ दीपावली) translates to “Happy Diwali”
Diwali ki hardik shubhkamnayein (दिवाली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं) means “Wish you a happy Diwali”
Diwali wishes inspiration
Many businesses and organizations have used their websites, social media, or other marketing avenues to share Diwali wishes with those who celebrate. It may be helpful to think of Diwali wishes in the same way that you would want to wish your customers a Merry Christmas or Happy New Year. Whether it’s a whole advertising campaign or just a simple social media post, these kinds of holiday greetings can add a touch of joy and personalization to your customer engagement strategy.
For example, major brands such as Ikea, Ford, Sephora, and Canada Post have all come up with creative ways to share Diwali wishes with those celebrating in Canada. Check out our blog post for a closer look at how these campaigns used culturally relevant messages to connect with South Asian audiences.
Are you feeling inspired to do the same? Get in touch with LAT Multilingual for all your multicultural and multilingual marketing needs.
