Boudhanath stupa, a sacred Buddhist shrine, located in a short distance Northeast of Kathmandu is a World Heritage Site. This ancient stupa symbolizing “Nirvana”- the state of no suffering – was built in by. In its honor the festival of lights is celebrated on a full moon night in around February. A five day festival which takes place each year on the fifteenth day of Kartika around the end of celebrated by all Hindus with ritual house-cleaning, lanterns, candles, and fireworks. The Nepali version tends to be more picturesque and less explosive (literally) than those celebrated in India. All houses in the cities and villages are decorated with dozens of lit oil lamps which gives them a glittering appearance at night. The festival is held in honor of the Goddess Laxmi who is the Hindu goddess of wealth and also the wife of the almighty Vishnu. Hindus are joined by Jains, who mark their New Year and Sikhs, during this festival.

The Festival is all about worshiping of different animals such as crow, dog, cow, and worshiping of the Hindu Goddess of Fortune or Wealth (Goddess Laxmi), and cooking great meals at home, brothers and sisters shopping for gifts, flying kites, decorating homes and streets, playing cards with friends, resting and relaxing, and finally ending the festival with an exchange of a special temporary mark on forehead (tika in Nepali).
When Takaful’s Syariah head issued the now infamous letter, which forbade its staff from greeting Hindus during this festive season, not only were Hindus insulted, many Malaysians felt this had gone too far.

Over 80,000 enjoyed the vibrant music, riotous colours and spicy flavours of Diwali in 2006. Organised by Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with Auckland City Council, the Festival features the popular Bollywood dance competition, international performers, classical dance and music, crafts, Diwali sweets and lots of delicious food stalls.