Diwali Celebration in India

The festival of light – Diwali

India is known for festivities of colors and decoration. A plethora of festivals are celebrated in India around the year. But the time of Diwali during the months of October and November is something not missed and Netzines wait for this time of the year eagerly.

It is a five day festival in all parts of India. Celebrated as the homecoming of Lord Rama with Sita and laxmana after an exile of 14 years. if we see the literal meaning of Diwali in Sanskrit – it means a row of lights. Diya were lit in by the people of Ayodhya to welcome the king and the Queen. Other than this, in other parts of India it is believed that this time is the celebration of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

In most of the regions, Lord Ganesha, who is the god of wisdom and auspiciousness is worshiped on the day of Diwali. Diwali marks the anniversary of Nirvana or liberation of Mahavira’s soul in Jainism. In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated to worship goddess Kali, who is the goddess of Shakti, means power and energy.

Different Parts of India – How Diwali is Celebrated in Unique Ways

Gujarat and Maharashtra

Rangoli is a crucial part of their Diwali decoration. Gujaratis draw footprints of goddess Laxmi on the threshold of the house, then lit their homes candles, rice lights, and diyas. While Maharashtrians perform Lakshmi pooja in their homes and create a feast known as “Faral” for families and friends, where sweets like karanji, ladoo and snacks like chakli and sev are served.

Varanasi

Varanasi celebrates the Diwali of Gods, known as the Dev Deepawali. Devotees believe that Gods and Goddesses come down to earth to take a dip in the holi Ganga during this time. Prayers and diyas are offered to river Ganga and the banks, decorated with lamps and rangolis look extremely mesmerising. Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon of the Kartika month and takes place fifteen days after Diwali.

South India

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu – Andhrites and Tamilians worship Lord Krishna and his wife Satyambha’s victory over the demonic King Narkasura and Kannadigas take oil baths and build forts from cow dung in their homes.

Odisha

In Odisha, on the occurrence of Diwali, people perform Kauriya Kathi. It is a ritual in which people worship their forefathers in heaven. They burn jute sticks to call upon their ancestors and seek their blessings. The Odias worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali.

North India

Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Srinagar, Delhi and Punjab the Deepavali festival is celebrated with fireworks, lights, and, sweets. Lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi are also venerated in Hindu homes on this day. If you’re in the capital city Delhi, then you shouldn’t miss the Diwali mela that gives you a chance to buy decor and food items for the festival and for the best Diwali celebration in India.

Bengal

Diwali in Bengal accords with Kali Puja or Shyama Puja that takes place at night. Goddess Kali is decorated up with hibiscus flowers and worshipped in temples and households. Devotees also offer sweets, lentils, rice and fish to Ma Kali. Temples in Kolkata like Dakshineshwar and Kalighat are famous for Kali Puja and the best places to visit during Diwali.

There is a practice in Bengalis the night before Kali Puja, they follow Bhoot Chaturdashi ritual to defeat the evil power by lighting up 14 diyas at home. In places like Barasat near Kolkata, Kali Puja takes place in a flamboyant manner as Durga Puja, you may see themed pandals and melas. One thing to notice is the figures of demons Dakini and Yogini in front of the Kali pandals