- By Prerna Targhotra
- Mon, 21 Oct 2024 02:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Diwali Celebration In India: The vibrant and joyous festival of Diwali is just a few days ahead and preparations are in full swing. Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ or ‘Deepawali’, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur across different parts of the country. The vibrant festival of Diwali signifies the homecoming of Lord Rama with wife Sita and brother Laksham after 14 years of exile. On this special occasion, people decorate their homes with diyas and beautiful lights, make rangolis, exchange sweets and worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for health, wealth and prosperity. This year, Diwali is set to be celebrated on November 1 across India.
Diwali is one of the favourite festivals and is celebrated with a variety of traditions and rituals in different states and cities of the country. The celebrations of Diwali in North India focus on the homecoming of Lord Rama, while South India celebrates the festival to honour Lord Krishna. Let’s take you through the eight revered traditions of Diwali across India that signify the diversity of the country.
Traditions Of Diwali In Indian States
Kali Puja In West Bengal
Diwali Traditions In India (Image Credits: Canva)
In West Bengal, the festival of Diwali coincides with Kali Puja which is dedicated to Maa Kali, known as the destroyer of evil forces. The fierce incarnation of Goddess Durga, Maa Kali is worshipped in grand pandals and devotees engage in prayers and perform rituals from dusk to dawn.
North India
Most parts of North India celebrate Diwali to commemorate the homecoming of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Lakshman after 14 years of exile. On this occasion, people decorate their houses, burn firecrackers and a dramatic reenactment of Ramayana is performed as a part of rituals and celebrations.
Thalai Deepavali In Tamil Nadu
In the Southern state of Tamil Nadu, the special festival of Thalai Deepavali is celebrated, especially by newlyweds. The newlyweds celebrate their first Diwali after marriage in which the bride visits her maternal home to seek blessings and gifts.
Vasu Baras and Govardhan Puja In Maharashtra
Vasu Baras begins on the first day of Diwali and is dedicated to the worship of holy cows and beings. On Govardhan Puja or Padva, Maharashtrians enjoy a grand feast known as ‘Faral’ which mainly includes sweets like chakli and ladoos.
Chopda Pujan and Sharda Pujan In Gujarat
Diwali Traditions In India (Image Credits: Canva)
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is referred to as ‘Chopda Pujan’ in Gujarat. Traders and businessmen perform Chopda Pujan to worship their accounts and start fresh financial records for the New Year. Sharda Pujan is performed on the third day of Deepawali and signifies the last year of the Hindu year.
Narkasur Vadh In Goa
During Diwali, Goa celebrates Narkasur Vash, the day when the demon Narakasur was killed by Lord Krishna. It is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi a day before Diwali and is also known as Choti Diwali.
Kaunria Kathi and Badabadua Daka In Odisha
On Diwali, the people of Odisha celebrate Kaunria Kathi, which is a ceremony to honour their ancestors. They burn jute stems to produce fire as a signal to call the ancestors on this occasion. Badabadua Daka is a prayer for ancestors that is offered by descendants on Diwali.
Dev Deepawali In Varanasi
Diwali Traditions In India (Image Credits: Canva)
A treat to the eyes, Dev Deepawali is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, 15 days after Diwali. It is believed that on this day Gods descend on Earth to take a bath in the holy Ganges.
