Diwali celebrations across India | Fusion - WeRIndia

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India’s grandest celebrations, marked by joy, rituals, and regional customs.

Each part of India has unique traditions that bring out the diversity of this festival.

Homes and neighbourhoods are adorned with lights, sweets are shared, and everyone wears festive attire.

In North India, Diwali commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after 14 years in exile.

Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, lights up with over 2.5 million diyas along the Sarayu River and its 55 ghats, creating a magnificent sight.

Gujarat celebrates Diwali with the observance of Bestu Varas, marking the Gujarati New Year, which falls on November 2 this year.

On this day, Gujaratis close old account ledgers, known as Chopda, and open new ones, symbolizing fresh beginnings. Families gather, exchange sweets, and wish each other well for the new year.

In Tamil Nadu, newlyweds celebrate Thalai Deepavali, the first Diwali after marriage. Traditionally, the bride visits her maternal home to seek blessings and receive gifts, emphasizing family bonds.

West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam honour the fierce Goddess Kali during Diwali. On October 31, devotees in Bengal will create colourful rangolis and set up Kali Puja pandals, worshipping the goddess as a form of Durga and seeking her blessings.

Bhai Dooj is another key part of Diwali festivities, celebrated on November 3, symbolizing the bond between siblings.

In Maharashtra, sisters perform rituals to pray for their brothers’ well-being. This custom is known as Bhai Phota in West Bengal, and Yama Dwitiyain Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

In Andhra Pradesh, Diwali includes the tradition of Harikatha, recounting the story of Lord Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama, defeating the demon Narakasura.

People worship clay idols of Satyabhama, and in Karnataka, Diwali begins with an oil bath, inspired by Lord Krishna’s oil bath after his victory.

Diwali, therefore, is celebrated across India with a shared spirit yet diverse customs, capturing the nation’s unity in diversity.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on April 05, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1366169