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From Kali puja in East India to oil bathing South India, different parts of India celebrates Diwali in different ways, owing to their varied culture and religious history.
Illuminating your homes during Diwali is said to ward off dark and evil energy and purify your residence. (Image: Shutterstock)
Diwali is arguably one of the largest and most significant festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, it typically falls between late October and November, depending on the lunar calendar. Spanning five days, each day of Diwali holds its unique significance, complete with various rites and rituals.
This year, according to the Drik Panchang, Diwali sees split celebrations on October 31 and November 1 as the Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:52 pm on October 31 and ends at 6:16 pm on November 1.
Various regions in India have distinct stories associated with Diwali:
THE MYTHOLOGICAL ROOTS: VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL
The name ‘Diwali’ derives from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights”. The festival has always been associated with the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. This powerful metaphor refers not only to the physical concept of light but also to the spiritual sense. The festival of lights has various mythological stories that depict these elements hence making it a cultural and religious observance for millions of people.
DIWALI IN NORTH INDIA: RETURN OF LORD RAMA
One of the more popular stories connected with Diwali is based on Ramayana which describes the homecoming of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after he vanquished demon king Ravana. Ram, together with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, returned home after 14 years of exile which is celebrated as a joyous occasion. Lighting a diya, the people of Ayodhya rejoiced to welcome Lord Rama back home, marking Diwali as a symbol of hope and righteousness.
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DIWALI IN SOUTH INDIA: LORD KRISHNA AND NARAKASURA
In some regions of southern India, Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. Narakasura received the boon that he could be killed only by his mother, thus believing he was invincible. However, his mother was reborn as the wife of Krishna, Satyabhama, who defeated him in combat. The death of Narakasura is said to be worthy of celebration rather than grieving, encapsulating the vibrancy of Diwali as a festival.
GODDESS LAKSHMI AND DIWALI: INVOKING PROSPERITY
The second important mythological tale is about Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the deity of wealth. It is said that she rose from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) that was churned after a massive battle between gods and demons. Her arrival represents the element of wealth; therefore, people light their homes with lamps during Diwali celebrations. This narrative also fits in the overall scheme of ideas presenting light as the harbinger of truth vanquishing darkness.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS: DIFFERENT TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS
DIWALI IN NORTH INDIA
In North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Diwali is primarily associated with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. People start preparing for the festivals by cleaning their houses and decorating them with bright colours followed by lighting lamps and bursting firecrackers.
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DIWALI IN SOUTH INDIA
Deepavali is another name given to Diwali in Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu. The rituals include oil bathing and praying in the morning to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The houses are cleaned, the kolam designs (which resemble rangoli designs) are created and a savoury item is prepared.
DIWALI IN WEST INDIA
Diwali festival has its own special style and colour in Western India particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra. For Gujaratis, it is a festival of new opportunities and people draw colourful Rangolis at their doors for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. The first day referred to as Vasubaras entails paying respect to cows as they are regarded as harbingers of wealth.
DIWALI IN EAST INDIA
In Eastern India, especially in West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja. During this auspicious occasion, Goddess Kali, who is considered a powerful protector, is worshipped with utmost faith. Devotees celebrate the night with various cultural events and illuminate clay lamps.
Moreover, this region practices rituals meant to honour ancestors. Lamps, known as pradips/diyas, are lit to guide the ancestors’ souls to find their way to heaven. The same tradition is being followed in Odisha to pay homage to the ancestors during Diwali, emphasising the side of the festival to honour the forefathers.
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THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DIWALI
The essence of Diwali celebrations is good defeating evil. Lighting candles (diyas) during the occasion of Diwali represents not only the success of the victory of Ram but also the assurance that good will always overpower evil. Diwali inspires meditation and self-reflection. Lighting lamps is equivalent to illuminating one’s mind and spirit.
In the Hindu calendar, Diwali is the first day of the New Year and hence, is considered to be a time for rejoicing and good fortune. Such rituals performed during this period are said to resonate with the cosmic forces that help achieve inner peace and tranquillity.
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