Diwali 2023: How India Celebrates the Festival of Lights

Deepawali or Diwali is a significant Hindu festival celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm and fervour. It’s a festival of lights and happiness. As per Hindu Panchang, Diwali is observed on the Amavasya Tithi of Kartik Month, and this year it falls on November 12. India is a country with a rich tapestry of festivals, and each region celebrates Diwali uniquely.

In most places, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, decorate their homes with oil lamps (diyas), exchange gifts with loved ones, and enjoy fireworks. Here’s how Diwali is celebrated in various other regions of the country.

Varanasi

In Varanasi, they celebrate a special Diwali known as Dev Deepawali. It’s believed that during this time, Gods and Goddesses descend to Earth to bathe in the holy Ganga River. People offer prayers and light diyas along the Ganga’s banks, creating a breathtaking sight with lamps and rangolis. Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon of the Kartika month, occurring fifteen days after the regular Diwali.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra has its unique Diwali traditions. The festivities begin with the Vasu Baras ritual, which honors cows. Dhanteras is observed to pay respect to the ancient physician, Dhanvantari. On Diwali day, Maharashtrians worship Goddess Lakshmi and celebrate Diwali Cha Padva, a special day for husband-wife love. The celebrations conclude with Bhav Bij and Tulsi Vivah, which marks the beginning of wedding ceremonies.

Bengal

In Bengal, Diwali aligns with Kali Puja or Shyama Puja, held at night. Goddess Kali is adorned with hibiscus flowers and honored in temples and homes. Devotees offer sweets, lentils, rice, and fish to Maa Kali. Kolkata’s temples like Dakshineswar and Kalighat are well-known for Kali Puja. The night before Kali Puja, Bengalis follow the Bhoot Chaturdashi ritual by lighting 14 diyas at home to ward off evil forces. In places like Barasat near Kolkata, Kali Puja is celebrated on a grand scale, akin to Durga Puja, with themed decorations and fairs. You’ll also see figures of demons Dakini and Yogini in front of the Kali pandals.

Punjab

In Punjab, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Diwas, a Sikh festival marked by lighting homes and gurudwaras, exchanging gifts, fireworks, and feasting. Punjabi Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali. This celebration also signifies the onset of winter in Punjab.

Odisha

In Odisha, during Diwali, there’s a special tradition called Kauriya Kathi. It’s a ritual where people honor their ancestors in heaven by lighting jute sticks to invite them and seek their blessings. In addition to this, during Diwali, Odias also worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Kali.