Different ways in which people celebrate Diwali

Diwali is celebrated in different ways in different regions. They follow different traditions and rituals on this day. It gives people a chance to reunite and celebrate.

India is a land of different religions and cultures and they exist together in harmony and peace. Every religion has different cultures, beliefs and festivals. Festivals give people a chance to unite and celebrate different things in life. Diwali is the most popular festival celebrated in India. The festival of lights signifies the importance of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated in different ways in different regions.

Let’s look at how Diwali is celebrated in different regions of India:

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1. Dev Deepawali of Varanasi


People of Varanasi celebrate Dev Deepawali fifteen days before Diwali. They believe that Gods and Goddesses visit Earth and take a holy dip in the river Ganga. This is the reason why people offer prayers and flowers to goddess Ganga while the priests perform Ganga aarti.

2. Shyama Pujo of Kolkata


In West Bengal, Diwali is all about worshipping Goddess Kali who is also known as the destroyer of evil. Shyama Pujo takes place at night. The city is beautifully decorated with Kali Pandals.

3. Burning Narakasura Effigies in Goa


People of Goa worship Lord Krishna on Diwali. He is the one who defeated the demon Narakasura. People in Goa celebrate Diwali by burning effigies of Narakasura. They are burnt on the day of ‘Choti Diwali.’

4. Beginning of a New Year in Gujarat


For everybody in Gujarat, Diwali is the beginning of a new year and it is called Bestu Varas. Rituals are the same as the ones followed in North India. This celebration is followed by Bhai Bij. On this occasion, sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead.

5. Bandi Chhor Divas in Golden Temple, Amritsar


The Sikh community celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas on Diwali. It is also known as the Prisoner Liberation Day. It was the day when Guru Hargobind Singh Ji was set free. He was imprisoned by Jahangir. On Diwali, the Golden Temple in Amristar is decorated with colourful lights and diyas.

6. The Worshipping of Cows in Maharashtra


People of Maharashtra celebrate Vasu-Baras on the day of Diwali. It is in the honor of cows where married women offer prayers to the cows having calves. It means that the women are thankful to the cows for providing milk to their children.

7. Advance Diwali Celebration in Tamil Nadu


The people of Tamil Nadu celebrate Diwali a day prior to the North Indians. The main ritual followed in Tamil Nadu is the oil bath custom. All the members of the family have to take oil bath before sitting for the puja.