Here is how Diwali is celebrated across India

Team Indulge

North India

In Northern India, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, after completing 14 years of exile. Stories say that residents lighted the entire city with diyas to celebrate his return. The tradition is still followed today in the northern states of India.

The celebration in North India begins with Dussehra, when Ramlila, a dramatic narration of the Ramayan, is performed. It lasts for several nights. As part of an important custom, special pujas for goddess Lakshmi are done. People adorn their homes with candles, clay lamps, flowers, and rangoli to 'invite' the deity, whose blessings are believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

South India

Deepavali is often observed in southern India in remembrance of Lord Krishna's consort Satyabhama killing the demon Narakasura. On the day before Diwali falling on the Amavas, Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated in the region.

On this day, people typically wear new clothes, exchange sweets, light crackers and visit their relatives. Naraka Chaturdashi celebrations start with an oil bath before dawn. Thalai Deepavali is another distinctive custom celebrated during Diwali in South India, where newlyweds celebrate their first Diwali in the bride's parents' house.

East India

The rituals in Eastern India too are the lighting of candles and diyas as well as bursting firecrackers. Some people also leave their front doors open so that Goddess Lakshmi can 'come inside'. Homes are lighted with diyas due to the idea that Goddess Lakshmi would not enter a dark house.

In West Bengal, on the eve of Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshiped. The night of Diwali is also known as Pitripurush, the night of the ancestors, and diyas are lit on tall poles to help the departed on their journey to heaven.

West India

Most people associate Diwali with business and trade in western India. In all states of Western India, rangoli is a fundamental component of Diwali.

Diwali is a four-day celebration in Maharashtra. On the first day, Vasubaras, a cow-and-calf aarti is performed. This represents the affection a mother has for her child. The following day is Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi. The third day, Narakchaturdashi is when people visit temples and take scented oil baths early in the morning. Following this, the Maharashtrians indulge in a special Diwali meal.

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