India is a diverse country full of cultural events. And distinct celebrations are held in different manners in various areas of India. Diwali, the celebration of the lights, is not an exception. Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India through ritual practices and other means. Diwali is celebrated in most parts of the country by idolizing Goddess Lakshmi, sparkling homes with diyas, giving presents to friends and families, and popping crackers.
Let’s see how Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India.
Bengal
While the majority of the country celebrates the festive season, this special day in Bengal is devoted entirely to the devotion of the goddess Kali. In Bengal, Diwali is known as Kali Puja or Shyama Puja. Bengalis perform the Bhoot Chaturdashi religious ceremony the evening before Kali Puja to ward off evil spirits by igniting 14 diyas at home.
Varanasi
Diwali is recognized as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. According to Hindu mythology, on this particular day, the gods and goddesses descend to earth and bathe in the sacred Ganga.
Odisha
On the celebration of Diwali, families in Odisha undertake Kauriya Kathi. It is a religious ceremony wherein people honor their descendants in eternal life. They light jute sticks to invoke their forebears and ask for their good wishes. Odias celebrate Diwali by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Kali.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Diwali begins with the Vasu Baras tradition, which honors cows. Dhanteras is commemorated to honor the primitive doctor Dhanvantari. On Diwali, Maharashtrians idolize Goddess Lakshmi and perceive Diwali Cha Padva, as a celebration of both husband and wife love. The festivities conclude with Bhau Beej and Tusli Vivah, which signal the beginning of the wedding ceremonies.
Gujarat
Gujaratis make brightly colored rangolis placed in front of their houses on the night before Diwali. Rangoli is a critical element of Diwali in all Western Indian states. Impressions are also left to greet Goddess Laxmi. Homes are illuminated on Diwali. Diwali is the New Year for Gujaratis.
Andhra Pradesh
Harikatha, or the melodic voiceover of Lord Hari’s tale, is executed in several regions. Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s consort, is said to have killed the evil spirit Narakasura. As a result, prayers are sent to Satyabhama’s special clay divinities. The remaining part of the festivities is equivalent to those celebrated in other southern states.
Punjab
Diwali heralds the arrival of the cold season in Punjab. Farm owners start getting ready for the growing season by planting the very first handful of seeds. On the same day, Sikhs perceive ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas.’ The celebration marks the anniversary of liberation day. The Golden Temple is illuminated with hundreds of earthen lamps and firework displays and a ‘langar’ (free kitchen) serves all who arrive to worship god at the sacred place.
Every Indian eagerly awaits the heavenly celebration of Diwali. On this blessed day, the nation tends to come together regardless of diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is a popular Indian festival that is celebrated throughout the year with lamps, gift items, rangolis, happiness, and humor. Even though the underlying principle of the festival remains consistent across the nation, Diwali customs and practices vary by state.
