Every Indian welcomes the divine festival of Diwali with open arms. Irrespective of different cultures and backgrounds, the nation comes together on this auspicious day. It is one of the popular Indian festivals of the year that is celebrated with lights, gifts, rangolis, joy, and laughter. Although the essence of the festival stays the same across the country, Diwali traditions and activities vary from state to state.
Let’s look at these few unique and interesting Diwali traditions followed in various parts of the nation:
Eastern India
In Eastern India, many believe that keeping their doors open on the occasion of Diwali will allow the entry of Goddess Lakshmi in their house. So, every individual lights their whole house with diyas and lamps
Here’s how every state in Eastern India celebrates the festival of lights and joy in their way:
Bengal
In Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja. On this day, people offer Goddess Kali with fish, meat, hibiscus flowers, and so on. Usually, Kali Puja takes place overnight in several pandals. It is a grand celebration at Kalighat and Dakshineshwar temple in Kolkata.
Odisha
The people of Odisha worship the ancestors in heaven on the auspicious festival of Diwali. They burn jute sticks to seek blessings and receive luck on this day.
Western India
Western India celebrates Diwali in a grand way every year. A few days ahead of the festival, the markets in this region are flocked with several diyas, lamps, firecrackers, and so on to kickstart the Diwali celebrations.
Here’s how each state in Western India celebrates the festival of lights every year:
Maharashtra
The festivities last generally last between 4-5 days. The Hindus of the state follow different Diwali traditions for each day. On this day, the traditional Diwali food remains ‘Faral’ popularly called by Maharashtrians.
Gujarat
The hub of trade and business, Gujarat celebrates Dhanteras on a grand scale. In many households, women apply kajal made from the flames of the diyas to bring in some fortune and prosperity.
North India
North Indians believe the popular legend of the return of Lord Rama from his exile to Ayodhya. To welcome the homecoming of Lord Rama along with his wife, Sita and brother, Laxman, everybody lights the house with rows of diyas.
Here’s how North Indians celebrate the auspicious Diwali festival:
Punjab
The celebrations of the festive season mark the arrival of winters. In Punjab, Sikhs celebrate the festival at gurdwaras, while Punjab Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
Uttar Pradesh
Every year, the people of Uttar Pradesh celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. The celebrations take place at large in Varanasi at the banks of the holy river, Ganga. It is lit with earthen lamps that float over the surface, while the priests chant prayers at the banks.
South India
In the southern part of India, people celebrate the festival in the Tamil month of Aipasi (Thula month). It is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi among south Indians. On this day, they bathe in oil and eat sweets to commence the festival. Besides, they also celebrate a unique festival called Thalai Deepavali. During this day, newlyweds spend time at the bride’s parental house.
Here’s how every south Indian celebrates the festival in this region:
Karnataka
In Karnataka, they celebrate two essential days, Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi and Bali Padyami. On Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi, people bathe in oil. On Bali Padyami, they narrate the stories of King Bali and create forts made from cow dung.
Tamil Nadu
On the auspicious day of Diwali, Tamilians wake up at the crack of dawn to bathe in oil infused with betel leaves, fragrant pepper, and so forth. After their bath, they consume a tonic, Deepavali Lehiyam before their feast.
Andhra Pradesh
Every Diwali, people of Andhra Pradesh chant prayers and seek blessings from the clay idol, Satyabhama. Post that, they begin celebrating Diwali with their loved ones with excitement.
All in all, the festival of lights is undoubtedly India’s religious festival. Mark this day with lots of love and affection. While the traditions are essential, don’t overlook the importance of gifts on Diwali. Whether you’re buying regular or personalised Diwali gifts, choose it with love by keeping their taste in mind. Buy premium Diwali gifts online to reduce the last-minute hassle before the arrival of the festival. Happy Diwali!