How is Diwali celebrated in different parts of India

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a precious festival in India, awaited with enthusiasm and celebrated joyously. It is a great celebration of joy, prosperity and religious enlightenment that this festival brings together the Indian cultures that are so diverse.

Diwali is a truly pan-Indian festival celebrated differently across different regions in India; such an event will never be forgotten by anybody. Let’s look into how different parts of India celebrate Diwali.

The origin of Diwali

The roots of Diwali lie deep in mythological stories and historical events.

One popular story related to Diwali is the homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana the demon king. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them with lamps lighting up their city symbolising victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Dussehra celebration(Credit: Canva)

The grandeur of Diwali celebrations

Typically, Diwali celebrations last five days each day having its own significance and rituals.
On Dhanteras, lamps are lit while bursting firecrackers for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera followed by Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi where they light lamps and burst crackers.

The major day sees families gathering for family prayers or feasting on sweet delicacies during the puja ceremony at home done on this day. There are also other rituals like Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj which add to the festive mood.

Diwali celebration(Credit: Canva)

Diwali in North India

In North India, Diwali is a highly celebrated occasion that attracts a large number of people because it marks the beginning of autumn season when people clean & decorate their homes.

There are millions of twinkling lights in cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi where residents go out shopping for new clothes and decorative items from open markets thus creating a busy environment there around those days.
Rangoli designs grace homes as families gather around for puja ceremonies while enjoying meals together based on festive recipes.Fireworks can be heard from streets making it seem like a festive occasion.

Pushkar(Credit: Canva)

Diwali in West India

West India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, celebrates Diwali with vibrant rituals and traditions.

The homes as well as the streets are decorated with multi-coloured lanterns and oil lamps that create an ethereal environment. Prayers are conducted at home by families and afterwards firecrackers are erupted, adding to the festival’s atmosphere while Jalebi is eaten.
It also marks the beginning of the year according to Hindu calendar which gives more reasons for happiness.

Gujarat(Credit: Canva)

Diwali in South India

In South India , Diwali is marked by ancient customs blended with local traditions.

In Tamil Nadu, known as Deepavali, houses are adorned with kolam designs, payasam cooked up in kitchens before day break for people to have an early bath in oils.
People offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha followed by eating traditional delicacies made on this day.

While in Karnataka it is referred to as Naraka Chaturdashi when there are fireworks after ‘abhyaanga snana’ ceremony.

Light diyas(Credit: Canva)

Diwali in East India

East India has its own ways of celebrating Diwali that varies from region to region. It is known as Kali Puja in West Bengal that venerates Goddess Kali. Homes and pandals put up elaborate decorations while people pray for safety and prosperity.

For Odisha it is ‘Deepavali’ where diyas are lit as well as special dishes prepared all in relation to the festivities around this time.

Kali puja in Bengal(Credit: Canva)

The essence of Diwali

Be it whichever part of the world, Diwali has joy, oneness and hope in its spirit. It is a time to rejoice over the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali unites all people in feelings of one humanity and peace, as it spreads out love, laughter, and wealth around.

To sum up, Diwali is not merely a festival but life itself. While diyas flicker and firecrackers pop in the night sky, let us join hands to celebrate unity with each other on this Diwali day so that we can bring happiness and joy to everyone.