The celebration of Diwali has been a part of our families and our country’s tradition since time immemorial. The story of this festival has been known to us since childhood, when we would religiously watch the Ramayana on the Doordarshan channel every evening. These evenings were a wonderful way of family bonding, as they brought the mother and grandmother out of the kitchen, tore the father away from his newspaper and the children away from their games.
Diwali is celebrated differently in various parts of India.
In Maharashtra, celebrations begin with worshipping the holy cow. This ritual is called vasu-baras. While on the streets in Orissa, one can notice bamboo poles being erected, with a pot being tied to the ends with lamps lit inside. The Odiya people believe that these lit up structures will help their ancestors find their path to heaven. This is an age-old tradition, now made more festive with colourful bulbs and lights.
Mithais are an integral part of Diwali treats and festivities.
In Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal, Assam and Delhi amongst many more places, the most important ritual of Diwali is to pray to Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. Account books are worshipped, and many families buy gold. The festival is celebrated in a similar way in Karnataka; however, the reason for celebration is not Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya but Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura.
Sikh devotees lighting diyas on the occasion of Diwali at the beautifully lit Golden Temple.
In Punjab, amongst the Sikhs, Diwali is a double celebration, as it marks the release of their 6th Guru, Guru Har Gobindji along with 52 other prisoners. This day is known as Bandi Chor Diwas. On this day, the very beautiful Golden Temple is lit up.
While the rest of the country worships Goddess Lakshmi, West Bengal worships the fierce Maa Kaali, the goddess of destruction. This marks new beginnings. The other festivities, like mithais, diyas, lights and crackers remain similar to the rest of India.
An artist working on the idol of Goddess Kali days before Kali Puja is celebrated in West Bengal.
Diwali in Tamil Nadu is usually a day before the rest of the country. A day before Diwali, stoves are cleaned and containers are filled for the oil bath ritual. This tradition is symbolic of having a bath in the holy Ganga. Families burst crackers together in the morning, and then go for a traditional South Indian breakfast.
Farsan, dry fruits and matthis are usually gifted to friends and families.
The Telugus, have some unique traditions. In Hyderabad, on Deepavali Amavsya day, a buffalo is given a bath. They worship Goddess Lakshmi for good fortune, burst crackers, do kolam outside their houses, and light up their homes with diyas. The day after Diwali is known as Bali Padyami. The demon king Bali is welcomed home and people have an oil bath and wear new clothes.
The last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, on which sisters pray for the long and healthy life of their brothers. This day is celebrated in Maharashtra and Rajasthan too.
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