While the glow of diyas and the spirit of goodwill unite the nation, Diwali's true magic lies in its regional diversity. Across India, the festival of lights is celebrated with unique customs that tell a story of local history and culture.
West Bengal: An Ode to the Fierce Goddess
In West Bengal,
the night of Diwali is dedicated to Kali Puja. Instead of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, many Bengalis honour the fierce and powerful Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil. Elaborate pandals are erected, housing imposing idols of the goddess, and devotees throng temples like Kalighat and Dakshineswar to offer prayers, hibiscus flowers, and animal sacrifices in some traditions through the night. The day before, known as Bhoot Chaturdashi, families light fourteen lamps to ward off ancestral spirits and eat a dish of fourteen different leafy greens, called 'choddo shaak'.
Goa: The Dramatic Fall of a Demon King
Goa's Diwali celebrations centre on Naraka Chaturdashi, which commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon king Narakasura. In the days leading up to the festival, towns and villages across the state become workshops for creating giant, menacing effigies of Narakasura, crafted from bamboo, grass, and paper. These effigies are paraded through the streets amid drum beats before being dramatically burned at dawn, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This is followed by a ritual oil bath and a special breakfast featuring five different preparations of poha (flattened rice).
Maharashtra: A Five-Day Cultural Spectacle
For Maharashtrians, Diwali is an elaborate five-day affair. It begins with Vasu Baras, where cows and their calves are worshipped, symbolizing the bond between mother and child. Dhanteras is marked by Yamadeepdaan, a ritual of lighting a lamp for Yama, the god of death, to pray for longevity. The main day involves Lakshmi Pujan in the evening, followed by a feast of special snacks known as 'Faral', which includes sweets like karanji and ladoos and savoury items like chakli. The festival concludes with Padwa and Bhau Beej, celebrating marital and sibling bonds.
North India: Honouring a Mountain and a King
In North India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, the day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. This festival commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra. Devotees create miniature hills from cow dung, decorate them, and offer a mountain of food called 'Annakut' as a sign of gratitude to nature's bounty. This ritual honours the bond between humanity and nature, celebrating the deity as a protector.
Gujarat: Ringing in the New Year
For Gujaratis, Diwali marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year. It is a day for fresh starts, with business owners opening new account books (Chopda Pujan) on Diwali day itself. Families visit temples in the morning and then spend the day meeting relatives and friends, exchanging sweets and wishing each other 'Saal Mubarak', which means 'Happy New Year'. Homes are decorated, new clothes are worn, and the atmosphere is one of hopeful renewal.
Tamil Nadu: The Pre-Dawn Ritual of Purification
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Deepavali and celebrations are focused on Naraka Chaturdasi, the day demon Narakasura was slain by Lord Krishna. The day begins before sunrise with a ritual oil bath, called 'Abhyanga Snan'. Elders apply warm sesame oil on the heads of younger family members, and the bath is considered as spiritually purifying as a dip in the holy Ganges. This is followed by wearing new clothes, bursting crackers at dawn, and consuming a special medicinal paste called 'Deepavali Marundhu' or 'Lehiyam' to aid digestion after the festive feasts.
