11 Ways How Diwali Is Celebrated Differently In Various Regions Of India

Diwali is here. Office parties are over and traffic has smoothed. The lights are up and the sweets are prepared. The auspiciousness of the festival of lights is upon us, once again, as we ready ourselves to observe a safe, cracker-free Diwali.

And as India celebrates Diwali with unifying fervor, traditions and flavours vary from region to region. Here¡¯s a glimpse at how Diwali is celebrated differently across the country.

1. Varanasi

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The holy land of Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepavali, known as the Diwali of the Gods. It is believed that the gods and goddesses visit the Earth to take a dip in river Ganga. Devotees offer their prayers and diyas to goddess Ganga. Diyas and rangolis adorn the ghats while the pandits perform the grand Ganga aarti. This year, Dev Deepavali falls on November 3, 2017.

2. Bihar

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Diwali is celebrated with a lot of fervor in Bihar. The festival is spread across five days, like most North Indian states, which begins with Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan, Govardhan Puja, and finally culminates in Bhai Dooj. Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of diyas and bursting crackers.

3. Kolkata

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The Bengali Kali Puja is also called Shayma Puja which takes place at night as per the Tantric Hindu traditions. Worshippers give hibiscus flowers, fish, meat, and several other offerings to Goddess Kali. Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples in Kolkata are famous for organising Kali Puja.

4. Assam

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Diwali is Assam is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. People make rangolis, light diyas, and decorate their doorways with garlands made of mango leaves and marigolds. The celebration spans over five days like how Diwali is observed in other parts of India. The Assamese worship Goddess Kali and Lakshmi and observe Bhi Duj.

5. Gujarat

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Diwali marks the end of the year of Gujaratis. On the following day of the festival, the people of Gujarat celebrate Bestu Varas, also known as the New Year¡¯s Day. The festival begins with Vaag Baras, followed by Dhanteras, Kali Chaudash, Diwali, Bestu Varas, and Bhai Bij.

6. Punjab

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For the Punjabis, Diwali marks the arrival of winters. While Punjabi Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, Sikhs also celebrate the festival at gurudwaras. The festival of Diwali coincides with the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Diwas which is celebrated in a manner like Diwali with the lighting of homes and gurudwaras, feasting, gifting, and bursting crackers.

7. Maharashtra

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Diwali celebrations in Maharashtra begin with Vasu Baras which is held in honour of cows. Dhanteras assumes the name of Dhanatrayodashi where people honour the ancient doctor, Dhanvantari. Choti Diwali is called Narak Chatudarshi. On Diwali, Maharashtrians also pray to Goddess Lakshmi. Maharashtrians also observe Diwali Cha Padva, where the love of a husband and a wife is celebrated. The festival ends with Bhav Bij and Tusli Vivah marks the beginning of marriages.

8. Odisha

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Diwali celebrations in Odisha find their roots in trial traditions. The people perform the ritual of Kauriya Kathi which involves the worship of ancestors in heaven. Jute sticks are burned to call upon their ancestors on the auspicious occasion of Diwali to bless the families and wish them luck for their work.

9. Madhya Pradesh

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The state celebrates the festival with diyas, decorations, and lights. Markets remain open at nights on Dhanteras. On Diwali, people make the offering of traditional sweets such as balushais, khasta, and doughnuts without holes. For business communities, Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year. The Baiga and Gond tribes perform traditional dances to celebrate the festival.

10. Goa

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In Goa, Diwali is celebrated in honour of Lord Krishna who beat the demon, Narkasur. On this day, people in Goa and several parts of South India smear coconut oil on themselves to absolve themselves of sin - a practice similar to pilgrims taking a dip in the holy river Ganga, in North India.

11. Tamil Nadu

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The Tamils celebrate Diwali like North Indians but their unique traditions add more colour to the festival of lights. They light kuthu vilaku (lamp) and offer naivedhya to the gods. They also prepare a special medicine called Deepavali Lehiyam, which is then taken by their families. They also perform the Pithru Tharpanam Puja to appease their ancestors.

Happy Diwali!