Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, with its significance and traditions varying from region to region.
In North India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival is marked by the lighting of diyas and candles, and the bursting of fireworks. The day before Diwali is celebrated as Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi, when people light lamps and make rangolis to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. In Punjab, Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, from prison. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is marked by community gatherings, feasts, and firework displays.
In South India, Diwali is celebrated to honor the goddess Kali, who symbolizes strength and power. The day before Diwali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, when people light oil lamps and burst firecrackers. On the day of Diwali, people take an oil bath and wear new clothes. In Tamil Nadu, people make kolams or rangolis outside their homes, and decorate their houses with flowers and mango leaves. In Karnataka, the festival is celebrated as Deepavali, and people prepare traditional delicacies like obbattu and payasam. In Kerala, the festival is celebrated as Thiruvathira and is marked by lighting oil lamps, making rangolis, and preparing traditional sweets.
In East India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The day before Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja, when people worship the goddess Kali. In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja, and people light candles and diyas to ward off evil spirits. In Odisha, the festival is celebrated as Deepavali, and people prepare traditional sweets like rasagolla and chenna poda.
In West India, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The day before Diwali is celebrated as Dhanteras, when people buy gold and silver ornaments and utensils. On the day of Diwali, people light diyas and candles and burst firecrackers. In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated as Navratri, and people dance the garba to celebrate the victory of good over evil. In Maharashtra, people make rangolis and decorate their homes with marigold flowers. The festival is also marked by the exchange of sweets and gifts among family and friends.
Overall, Diwali is a festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India, with its significance and traditions varying from region to region. The festival brings people together and promotes unity and harmony among all communities, and serves as a reminder of our cultural heritage and traditions.