How Diwali is Celebrated in India
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. While the essence of Diwali remains consistent throughout the country, the way it is celebrated varies greatly from region to region. India’s diversity is reflected not only in its languages, cultures, and traditions but also in the way its people celebrate this festival of lights. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the various ways on how Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India.
Diwali in North India
In North India, Diwali celebrations kick off with the cleaning and decorating of homes and public spaces. People light oil lamps, known as diyas, and place them around their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. The iconic image of Rama returning to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana is reenacted through the lighting of firecrackers and large, colorful processions. Exchanging gifts and sweets is a significant part of the festivities in North India, as people visit friends and family to celebrate together.
Diwali in West India
In the western states of India, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, Diwali takes on a unique form. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is often accompanied by grandeur and extravagance. People engage in the ritual of “Laxmi Puja” to seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth. The colorful and vibrant tradition of Rangoli, where intricate designs are created using colored powders, is an essential part of the celebrations. Additionally, bursting firecrackers and enjoying delicious, traditional sweets like chakli and shakarpara are cherished customs in this region.
Diwali in South India
Diwali celebrations in South India are marked by a different set of customs and traditions. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as “Deepavali” and is celebrated with great devotion and purity. People light oil lamps in their homes and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. One of the most unique aspects of South Indian Diwali is the preparation of a variety of savory and sweet snacks, including murukku, adhirasam, and laddoos. Additionally, people exchange gifts and clothes with their loved ones to mark the occasion.
Diwali in East India
In East India, Diwali is celebrated with a focus on the worship of Goddess Kali. In West Bengal, especially, the festival of Kali Puja coincides with Diwali. People offer prayers to Goddess Kali, who symbolizes power and protection, in the form of idols and clay lamps. The evening is marked by vibrant cultural performances and fireworks displays. It’s a stark contrast to the rest of the country, where Diwali is celebrated with a focus on Lord Rama.
Diwali in Central India
In the central states of India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Diwali celebrations are characterized by unique customs and rituals. Here, the festival coincides with the harvest season, and people worship their cattle and other livestock as a sign of gratitude. The festival is marked by lighting bonfires, and it is also believed that the god of death, Yama, should not be worshipped during this time, making it distinct from many other regions in India.
Diwali in Northeast India
In the northeastern states of India, Diwali celebrations are a fusion of various cultural influences. In Assam, the festival is known as Kali Puja and is marked by the lighting of earthen lamps and bursting of firecrackers. In the hilly state of Meghalaya, there is a unique practice where people light lamps in their homes and on the hills, creating a breathtaking spectacle of lights. Nagaland celebrates Tokhu Emong, a harvest festival that often coincides with Diwali.
Diwali in Goa
Goa, with its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm. The state is known for its stunning and massive clay or metal oil lamps, locally called “akash kandils,” which are lit in public spaces, homes, and churches. The Goan cuisine comes to life during this time with traditional sweets like bebinca and ladoos, along with savory delights such as fish curries and prawn balchao.
Diwali in Punjab
In Punjab, Diwali is celebrated as a significant festival known as Bandi Chhor Divas. It coincides with the Sikh festival of Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from imprisonment. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with countless lights and firecrackers, creating a breathtaking sight. Sikhs visit the Gurudwara to offer prayers and seek blessings during this time.
Conclusion
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration of unity in diversity across India. Each region brings its unique customs, rituals, and traditions to the festivities. While the essence of the festival, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness remains constant, the way it is celebrated showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the country. Diwali is not just a festival but a reflection of the deep-rooted cultural diversity and unity that define India. Whether you are in the North, South, East, West, Central, or Northeast, Diwali is a time for togetherness, celebration, and the spreading of joy and light. You can easily travel to any of the places in India and experience the Diwali celebrations of the region by simply booking bus tickets on AbhiBus and having a hassle free journey.
FAQ’s
How and when Diwali is celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated by lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers. The festival typically falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.
Diwali is celebrated differently across India, with variations in customs, rituals, and food.
How is Diwali celebrated traditionally?
Diwali is celebrated traditionally with the lighting of oil lamps, known as diyas, the exchange of gifts, family gatherings, and the worship of deities, especially Lord Rama and Goddess Lakshmi.
How long is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated over five days, with the main day being the third day. The festival begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, a day celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali is celebrated after how many days of Dussehra?
Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, marking the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Diwali 2024 is celebrated on 31st October and 01st November.
How is Diwali celebrated in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, Diwali is celebrated with grandeur, featuring the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, bursting fireworks, and indulging in traditional snacks like chakli and puran poli.
How is Diwali celebrated in Rajasthan?
Rajasthan celebrates Diwali with equal fervor, focusing on lighting oil lamps, exchanging gifts, and creating beautiful Rangoli designs outside homes. The state is known for its grandeur and extravagance.
How Diwali is celebrated in Tamilnadu?
In Tamil Nadu, Diwali, known as Deepavali, is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps and the creation of intricate kolam designs. People also visit temples and prepare a variety of traditional sweets.
How is Diwali celebrated in Kerala?
In Kerala, Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps and the worship of Lord Krishna. The festival is marked by the preparation of unique sweets and snacks like avalosunda and neyyappam.
How Diwali is celebrated in Goa?
Goa’s Diwali celebrations are a fusion of Indian and Portuguese influences, with grand lighting of Akash Kandils and a sumptuous spread of traditional Goan dishes, including bebinca and fish curries.
How is Diwali celebrated in South India?
In South India, Diwali is celebrated with a focus on the worship of deities, lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and enjoying a wide variety of traditional sweets and snacks. The customs may vary from state to state.
