Diwali from afar: WorldRemit Data Shows Indian-Australian migrants keep traditions alive post-COVID

SYDNEY, 17 October 2022 – According to recent WorldRemit research¹, Indian migrants in Australia surveyed (49%) are using digital remittance technologies to send money home and keep cherished cultural holiday traditions, like those for Diwali, alive. The same amount (51%) cited that they’ve increased the amount sent for cultural holidays over the last two years.

Rahul Mehta, a WorldRemit customer who migrated from India to Australia in 2019, says he sends his family money every year to celebrate Diwali.

“Diwali is called the Festival of Light as it symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is the most important festival of the Indian community, and I send money to my family back home at least a month before Diwali to help them cover their expenses during the festival. This has now become an important way for me to be a part of the festivities since I can’t always pay a visit to them in person,” said Rahul. 

A significant element of Diwali celebrations is gift giving and, for those living abroad, this often means sending money to their loved ones in India so they can buy new clothes, sweets and jewelry.

“Diwali traditions also often revolve around money, as we invoke Lakshmi, our goddess of wealth, during the celebration. Money, especially bank notes, is also a routine component of our prayer offerings. Thanks to technology, I can still support my family’s offerings from afar,” Rahul said.

Rahul says he has been celebrating Diwali in Australia for three years now.

“We celebrate Diwali here by doing puja at home and having friends over for dinner or visiting them. The biggest difference between celebrating Diwali in Australia as opposed to India is the atmosphere of shared celebration across the nation, including everyone in the community getting dressed up and spending time visiting with family and friends,” he said.

Generosity during celebrations

While 80% of the population identified as ‘celebration remitters’, sending money to India for cultural holidays every single year, 71% of the group reported they are more likely to send an increased amount to loved ones for Diwali compared to other holidays throughout the year. 

Ruzan Ahamed, Country Director for South Asia at WorldRemit, said that the Indian community is the second largest migrant community in Australia and that WorldRemit users globally have sent hundreds of millions (USD) to India this year.

“Indian migrants’ commitment to their loved ones shines through, especially during culturally important festivals like Diwali. Remittances from Indian Australians play a significant role in the celebrations back home, both in terms of bringing joy and in keeping migrants and their families connected,” Ahamed said.