Know How Diwali is Celebrated in Different Parts of India!

As a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions that coexist peacefully, India offers a plethora of joyous festivals that keep Indians grooving to the beat of celebrations throughout the entire year. A festival is celebrated by the people of India on the first of every month, with Diwali or Deepavali being the most widely observed. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, commemorates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and happiness over sorrow. The best part is that Diwali festivities vary from place to region across India, which is a unique experience. However, the event’s spirit remains the same: honoring all of life’s beautiful aspects.

So, let us have a look at how Diwali is celebrated in different places of India and take a peek into a whole new world of Diwali that we have never heard of before:

1. Dev Deepawali, a Varanasi-based yogi

The holy city of Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepavali, also known as the Diwali of the Gods, which occurs fifteen days before the festival of lights. This day is believed to be a pilgrimage for the Gods and Goddesses who come to Earth to take a sacred plunge in the Ganga river. Because of this, devotees assemble to worship goddess Ganga and gift her flowers and diyas, while priests perform an auspicious aarti (festival of lights) in her honor. People send Diwali sweets online for loved ones to celebrate the festival of lights.

2. Kolkata’s Shyama Puja is a religious festival.

Diwali is celebrated in a somewhat different way in Kolkata then it is in North India. For Bengalis, Diwali is mainly about paying homage to Goddess Kali, who is revered as the slayer of evil. Aside from Kolkata, other Orissa, Tripura, and Assam sections also celebrate Diwali by offering prayers to Kali maa, the goddess of victory. Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is performed at night in every nook and cranny of the city.

3. Narakasura Effigies that are set ablaze In the state of Goa

In contrast to the North Indian tradition of worshipping Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha on Diwali, the Goan tradition of worshipping Lord Krishna on Diwali-who conquered the evil Narkasura-is celebrated. As a result, Goans celebrate Diwali by setting fire to effigies of Naraksura on the day of the festival. Traditionally, these effigies are torched a day before Diwali or on the day before Choti Diwali.

4. Gujarati New Year’s Day is celebrated in January.

Best Varas, or New Year’s Day, is celebrated by Gujaratis on the Diwali festival, which marks the beginning of a new year. The rites, on the other hand, remain the same as they are in North India. From decorating the house with rangolis, bright lights, and diyas to putting up Christmas lights. Immediately following the celebration, there is a ceremony known as Bhai Bij. Sisters apply a tilak on their brother’s forehead and swear to protect their brothers from all misfortunes.

5. The Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India

On Diwali, the Sikh community of India celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas, also known as Prisoner Liberation Day. It was the anniversary of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, from the Gwalior Fort. He had been imprisoned by the Mughal emperor, Jahangir, along with 52 other prisoners of war. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is adorned with bright traditional lamps on Diwali. Thousands of worshippers flock to the temple for the major Diwali celebration, which takes place every year in November.

6. Maharashtra is known for its worship of cows.

People in Maharashtra celebrate Diwali in a traditional Marathi manner, which is unique to the state. They celebrate Vasu-Baras. A cow-honoring event in which married women offer prayers with calves as a gesture of thanks to cows for supplying milk to their children. This festival also represents the unique tie that exists between a mother and her child.

7. A Diwali Celebration in Tamil Nadu that takes place ahead of time

The people of Tamil Nadu celebrate Diwali a day before the rest of India. Which is the first day of the festival. In Tamil Nadu, one of the essential Diwali rituals is an oil bath for the entire family. Kolam (rangoli) and clay lamps embellish the exteriors of the houses. Before participating in the Diwali puja, people take an oil bath to cleanse themselves.

8. The Kali Puja in Orissa, which has been celebrated for 150 years.

There is a lot that happens in the state of Orissa during the holiday of Diwali. For starters, people in Kolkata and other parts of India celebrate Diwali by worshipping Goddess Kali. According to local legend, the Kali puja in Cuttack has been going on for more than 150 years. The people of Orissa also commemorate Bada Badua Daka. A ritualistic practice in which they perform puja to their forefathers and foremothers. Buy diwali gifts online and send them to your friends and family.

9. Ramayana Story Told in Himachal Pradesh

The people of Himachal Pradesh traditionally celebrate Diwali. According to Hindu legend, the festival of Diwali was first celebrated when Lord Rama, along with his wife, Sita, and brother, Laxman, returned to their ancestral house of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. As a result, the stories from the Ramayana are read and performed out in a theatre format during Diwali celebrations in Himachal Pradesh.