All the cleaning, whitewashing, sprucing up the house, and shopping for new clothes has finally led to this long-awaited holiday – Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and rightly so! Although, the auspicious Hindu festival greets us much earlier this year, the fervour around it remains intact.
India, being the melting pot of diverse cultures that it is, sees a myriad of ways in which people celebrate Diwali. Whether it is bathing in essential oils, burning paper demons, shopping for gold, and most importantly, worshiping Goddess Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth – and Lord Ganesha, each region welcomes Lord Rama’s triumph of good over evil in its own special celebration.
In most parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for four to five days starting from Dhanteras ending with Bhai Dooj, yet there are traditions and practices that are unique to specific areas of India as well.
So how is Diwali celebrated across India? Let us look at some of the unique practices and customs that are followed in different parts of India, despite the similarities in tradition and belief.
1. Housekeeping!
Where: All across India, especially Northern India
The first order of things in preparation for Diwali celebrated in India in most homes (especially in Northern India) involves deep cleaning of the house including those jammed top-shelves that haven’t been pried open since last year. Dusting, vacuuming, whitewashing are all checked-off mothers’ to-do lists before they can start putting up the lights and drawing rangoli!
2. Light the way for Lord Rama
Where: Various cities across India, especially Ayodhya
As the story goes, to illuminate the moonless night sky, the people of Ayodhya lit candles and diyas to welcome Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxman making their way home after 14 years in exile. In present times, many decorate their homes with fairy lights that twinkle well into the night, casting a warm hue on the entire street. Draped in curtains of lights, rows of houses come alive with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming festivities!
3. Goddess Lakshmi makes her entrance
Where: Northern, Eastern and various parts of India
To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, Lakshmi Puja is undertaken in Northern, Eastern, and other parts of India. In Eastern India, many leave the doors to their houses open with the belief that Goddess Lakshmi will grace their doorstep. During Puja, a silver coin is placed in a glass of milk, which is then sprinkled in other rooms for good luck.
4. Auspicious time to make Diwali treats, buy property, inaugurating new businesses!
Where: Gujarat and various parts of India
For many in Gujarat, Diwali is considered the beginning of the New Year and in preparation they choose to go all out to deck their homes in finest regalia, making mouthwatering treats, and with elaborate rangolis marking the entrance to their abode. It is also considered the best time to make new investments in trade and commerce, real estate, or commencing a new business venture.
5. The prosperous remnants of the night of Diwali
Where: Gujarat and Northern India
In some parts of India – Northern India and Gujarat – a diya is left burning with ghee the entire night, covered with another. The black residue on the inside walls is then collected by the womenfolk and applied as kohl to either their eyes or necks, meant to bring prosperity to their homes and their families for the upcoming year!
6. Scented oil baths and celebration of motherhood
Where: Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of Southern India
As we move down South, a shift can be observed in the practices surrounding Diwali. Although, most remain the same, in Maharashtra people begin festivities by revering a cow and its calf to celebrate the pure bond of motherhood. Another practice observed in Southern India – Maharashtra and Karnataka – involves bathing in scented essential oils ending with a visit to the temple.
7. Offering prayers to Satyabhama and burning of Narakasura
Where: Andhra Pradesh, Goa and parts of Southern India
Diwali celebrated in India brings joy and festivities all the way down south. In Andhra Pradesh, prayers are offered to Lord Hari, with a recitation of Harikatha, and Satyabhama as it is believed he aided in the death of the demon, Narakasura. In Goa, prior to Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi is observed when people burn elaborate paper effigies of the demon Narakasura preceded by dazzling revelries including fireworks, music, and dance!
