Diwali, the festival of lights, is a cherished celebration in India, illuminating homes and hearts with its vibrant spirit. This grand Hindu festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the country, marked by the dazzling display of diyas, the aroma of sweets, and the joyous exchange of wishes. But did you know that Diwali holds different meanings and takes on diverse forms in various parts of India? Let’s embark on a journey across the country to discover the unique ways Diwali is celebrated.
A Festive Journey Through India’s Regions
Ram Leela in North India:
In many regions of North India, Diwali signifies the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Laxman to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. This homecoming is celebrated with elaborate Ram Leela performances, where the epic tale is brought to life through dramatic enactments. States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand are known for their grand Ram Leela celebrations. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, takes on a particularly radiant glow during Diwali. The city’s banks of the sacred river Sarayu are adorned with countless diyas, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light. This year, on October 30, a day before Diwali, Ayodhya is set to illuminate 55 ghats along the banks and plans are in motion to light over 2.5 million lamps during Diwali, promising a truly awe-inspiring display.Bestu Varas in Gujarat:
Gujarat celebrates Diwali with a special significance, as it coincides with the Gujarati New Year, known as Bestu Varas. This year, the Gujarati New Year will be celebrated on November 2, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The New Year falls on Shukla Paksha Pratipada in the month of Kartik, also known as Nutan Varsh. This auspicious day holds a special significance for Gujarati families as they close their old account books and open new ones, called Chopda. These traditional ledgers are opened during the Diwali Puja with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous year. The celebration is filled with joy, with families and friends coming together, exchanging sweets, and wishing each other success in the coming year.Kali Puja in Bengal:
While Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped across India during Diwali, in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, devotees celebrate Ma Kali on the new moon day of Diwali. This year, Kali Puja will be observed on October 31. In Bengal, vibrant pandals are erected in various places to honor the fierce and powerful Goddess Kali. Rangoli designs adorn the ground, adding to the festive ambiance. The rituals focus on worshipping Goddess Kali, who is revered as a fiercer incarnation of Goddess Durga.Bhai Dooj in Maharashtra:
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on November 3 this year, embodies the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. This auspicious day typically falls on the second day after Diwali. According to Hindu mythology, the origin of Bhai Dooj can be traced back to Yamraj, the god of death, visiting his sister Yamuna on this day. Yamuna welcomed her brother with an auspicious tilak, symbolizing the protective bond between siblings. While widely celebrated in Maharashtra, Bhai Dooj is observed across the country under various names. In West Bengal, it’s known as Bhai Phota, while in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, it’s called Yama Dwitiya. In parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is referred to as Bhratri Dwitiya.Diwali in Southern States:
Diwali celebrations in Andhra Pradesh feature the Harikatha, a captivating musical storytelling of Lord Krishna. The story recounts how Lord Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama, defeated the demon Narakasura, making Diwali a celebration of victory over evil. During this time, people offer prayers to clay idols of Satyabhama. In Karnataka, Diwali begins with an oil bath, a ritual believed to symbolize Lord Krishna’s removal of bloodstains after slaying Narakasura. While rangolis are common in other parts of India, South Indian homes are adorned with kolam designs, intricate patterns created with rice flour, a beautiful tradition that adds to the festive charm.Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but a celebration of cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and the spirit of unity that binds the people of India. As you witness the dazzling displays of lights and the joyous celebrations across the country, remember the unique stories and meanings Diwali holds in every region, making it a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.