9 Unique Ways Diwali Is Celebrated In Different Parts Of India

India is a land of many festivals. The different festivals are celebrated in different interesting ways in different parts of India. The festival of lights, Diwali, too is no exception. People in various parts of India celebrate Diwali in versatile ways with various practices, rituals and more. In most parts of India, Diwali is observed by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, lighting up homes with diyas, giving gifts to loved ones and bursting crackers. Here are 7 ways of Diwali celebration in different parts of India:

Unique Ways Diwali Is Celebrated In Different Parts Of India

1. Bengal

Diwali in Bengal coincides with Kali Puja or Shyama Puja, which takes place at night. Goddess Kali is decked 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. Also, the night before Kali Puja, Bengalis follow the Bhoot Chaturdashi ritual to overcome the evil power by lighting up 14 diyas at home. In places like Barasat near Kolkata, Kali Puja takes place in a manner as grandiose as Durga Puja, with themed pandals and melas. In front of the Kali pandals, one will also notice figures of demons Dakini and Yogini.

2. Varanasi

Varanasi observes 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 holy Ganga during this time. Prayers and diyas are offered to the river Ganga and the banks, adorned with lamps and rangolis, look profoundly mesmerising. Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon of the Kartika month and takes place fifteen days after Diwali.

3. Odisha

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

4. Maharashtra

Diwali in Maharashtra commences with the Vasu Baras ritual that takes place to honour cows. People celebrate Dhanteras to pay homage to the ancient doctor, Dhanvantari. On the occasion of Diwali, Maharashtrians worship Goddess Lakshmi and observe Diwali Cha Padva, celebrating the love of husband and wife. The celebrations end with Bhav Bij and Tulsi Vivah, which marks the start of weddings.

Also Read: Diwali 2024: Significance, Rituals, Muhurat & All About The 5-Day Festival Of Lights

5.  Gujarat

With Diwali, a year ends for the people of Gujarat. Gujaratis celebrate Gujarati New Year’s Day, Bestu Varas, on the next day of Diwali. The celebrations start with Vaag Baras, followed by Dhanteras, Kali Chaudash, Diwali, Bestu Varas, and Bhai Bij.

6. Goa

In Goa, Diwali is dedicated to Lord Krishna destroying the demon Narkasur. Mammoth effigies of the demon are made and burnt down on the dawn of Narakasura Chaturdashi, a day before Diwali. During Diwali, many people in Goa and parts of South India smear coconut oil on their bodies to free themselves of sin.

7. Punjab

In Punjab, Diwali falls around the same time as Bandi Chhor Diwas, a Sikh festival celebrated with the lighting up of households and gurudwaras, gifting, bursting crackers and feasting. Punjabi Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. The celebration of Diwali also marks the arrival of winter in Punjab.

8. Karnataka

On the fourth day of Diwali, Karnataka celebrates Bali Pratipada, also called Bali Padyami, which marks the conclusion of the festival. On this day, people celebrate the fabled return of King Bali, who was banished by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana to the netherworld and is only allowed to return once a year to see his former subjects. The farming communities participate in a variety of rituals during their celebrations. A unique feature of the celebration is the creation of a triangular idol of King Bali.

9. Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh, especially in the Bastar area, Diwali becomes Diyari, a ceremonial festival. Here, the tribal communities celebrate the festival by marrying symbolic crops. The freshly harvested crops are tied to an idol of Lord Narayana as part of this ritual. The Laxmi Crop Wedding, a colourful ceremony honouring the new harvest, is the first event of the celebration. This unique blend of spirituality and agricultural reverence sets it apart from the more urban celebrations of Diwali.

These are only a few of the spectacular ways of celebrating Diwali in the nooks and crannies of India.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Inputs from Suchismita Pal and Mallika Khurana