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Diwali celebrations across India feature vibrant lights and unique traditions, In Maharashtra, families celebrate with Vasu Baras and traditional faral, enjoying sweets and fireworks, Uttar Pradesh's grand Ayodhya displays millions of diyas and vibrant Ganga Aarti, West Bengal's Kali Puja highlights devotion with illuminated homes and midnight prayers, In Rajasthan, colorful rangoli and illuminated palaces create a royal ambiance, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi with ritual cleansing, colorful kolams, and traditional snacks, Punjab's Bandi Chhor Diwas at the Golden Temple is marked by thousands of diyas and community prayers, Gujarat's Chopda Puja signifies the new financial year, accompanied by lively garba and traditional sweets, Odisha honors ancestors with the Kaunriya Kathi ritual, lighting jute sticks and seeking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, emphasizing remembrance and family bonds.
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How Diwali is Celebrated Across Various States in India?

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Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated and revered festivals in India, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This joyous occasion is marked by vibrant decorations, intricate rituals, and heartwarming family gatherings. While Diwali holds a universal meaning across the country, the way it is celebrated varies widely from one state to another, with each region adding its unique cultural and traditional flair to the festivities.

Rooted in diverse mythology, Diwali has different meanings in different regions. In the northern parts of India, it’s associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, while in the south, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Meanwhile, in the east, Goddess Kali is worshiped during Diwali. Despite these differences, the unifying spirit of Diwali shines through, as families come together to celebrate with rituals that are both time-honored and joyously anticipated.

This blog delves into the many shades of Diwali celebrations across India, highlighting the unique ways each state observes this radiant festival. From grand decorations to traditional rituals and community gatherings, let’s explore how each state adds its own charm to Diwali.

Diwali celebrations across India showcase diverse cultural traditions, with vibrant lights, decorations, and rituals unique to each region. This image features a festive setting with illuminated oil lamps, colorful rangoli patterns, and families joyously celebrating together, symbolizing unity and the triumph of light over darkness.

Traditional Diwali Rituals Followed In India

Diwali is rich in traditional rituals, and while these vary across states, certain customs remain common. Lakshmi Puja is among the most widely performed rituals, as families pray to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings of prosperity and wealth for the coming year. Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali in most regions, is considered an auspicious day for purchasing gold or household items. Homes are often cleaned thoroughly, decorated with diyas, and adorned with intricate Rangoli designs at the entrance, symbolizing warmth and welcome.

In northern India, Annakut or Govardhan Puja is celebrated with offerings of elaborate meals to deities, while in other regions, firecrackers illuminate the night sky as a way of warding off evil spirits. The exchange of sweets and gifts with friends and neighbors strengthens community bonds, and everyone comes together to celebrate with laughter, joy, and a renewed sense of gratitude.

Traditional Diwali rituals across India involve vibrant customs, from the lighting of diyas and decorating homes with rangoli, to performing Lakshmi Puja and exchanging sweets. This image captures a family gathered for puja, surrounded by lit oil lamps, colorful rangoli, and traditional decorations, reflecting the warmth, joy, and unity of Diwali.
Image Credit : Arun Saha Photography

Diwali Celebrations Across Various States In India

As India has a diverse culture Diwali the pillars of Hindu culture are singular. Although the representation of it is diversified as per various states. Below are the details for the same as to how Diwali is celebrated in various states of India

Diwali in Maharashtra is celebrated with unique rituals, including Vasu Baras for worshipping cows and preparing traditional faral treats like chakli, karanji, laddoos, and anarse. This image shows a family celebrating Diwali in Maharashtra, with a home adorned in colorful lights and diyas, sharing festive sweets and enjoying fireworks, capturing the joy and warmth of the occasion.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Diwali is a five-day affair, starting with Vasu Baras, where cows, symbols of gratitude and prosperity, are worshipped. Each day has its own significance, including Dhanteras and Narak Chaturdashi. On the main day of Diwali, families perform Lakshmi Puja, placing diyas and decorative lights all around their homes. People prepare an array of traditional faral, a collection of sweet and savory delicacies such as chakli, karanji, laddoos, and anarse, which are shared among family and friends. Firecrackers light up the night, adding to the excitement and celebration.

Diwali in Uttar Pradesh is marked by grand celebrations, especially in Ayodhya and Varanasi. This image captures millions of diyas lighting the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, with crowds witnessing vibrant processions and cultural performances. In Varanasi, the Ganga Aarti illuminates the river with oil lamps and fireworks, reflecting beautifully on the water, creating a mesmerizing, festive ambiance.
Image Credit : Rudraksha Ratna

Uttar Pradesh

Diwali in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Ayodhya, is one of the grandest displays, with millions of diyas illuminating the banks of the Saryu River. The celebration marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, and the city recreates this legendary homecoming with stunning decorations, grand processions, and vibrant cultural performances. Varanasi, another prominent city in UP, witnesses the spectacular Ganga Aarti, where the river is lit with oil lamps and fireworks reflect off the water, creating a surreal experience that draws thousands of visitors each year.

In West Bengal, Diwali aligns with the fervent celebrations of Kali Puja. This image features a beautifully decorated temple and homes lit with diyas and candles as devotees gather for midnight prayers to honor Goddess Kali. The scene highlights the deep devotion, with families offering prayers amidst an ambiance of reverence and traditional feasts, creating a unique and spiritually charged Diwali celebration.
Image Credit : Hindustan Times

West Bengal

Diwali in West Bengal coincides with Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali, the powerful symbol of destruction and protection, is worshipped with deep reverence. Homes and temples are decorated with diyas and candles, and devotees offer prayers late into the night, celebrating with grand feasts and sweets. Unlike other regions, where firecrackers are a significant part of the celebrations, here the focus is on midnight worship and invoking the blessings of the goddess. Families gather to honor the fierce yet protective Goddess Kali, and the atmosphere is filled with chants and devotion.

Diwali in Rajasthan is celebrated with royal grandeur, showcasing vibrant traditions and elegant decorations. This image captures the streets of Jaipur or Udaipur adorned with elaborate rangoli designs, glowing diyas, and fresh flowers, while families engage in Lakshmi Puja. The marketplaces bustle with shoppers, and palaces and lakes are illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a magical atmosphere that embodies the festive spirit of Diwali.
Image Credit : Travelshoebum.com

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is Known for its royal traditions, Diwali in Rajasthan is celebrated with grandeur and elegance. People in cities like Jaipur and Udaipur clean and embellish their homes with elaborate Rangolis, diyas, and fresh flowers. During Diwali, the marketplaces are filled with shoppers, and the cityscapes are lit with thousands of sparkling lights. Many families perform Lakshmi Puja, and traditional Rajasthani sweets like ghewar and feeni are prepared. The colorful lights illuminating the palaces and lakes give the cities a magical glow, making Diwali in Rajasthan a truly royal experience.

In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Diwali celebrates Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. This image shows families waking up early for ritual cleansing with sesame oil, followed by pujas and the decoration of homes with colorful kolams and clay lamps. The scene features traditional delicacies like murukku and adhirasam, highlighting the festive spirit as families share sweets and celebrate together in a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

Tamil Nadu & Karnataka

In Tamil Nadu & Karnataka, Diwali is celebrated with a unique ritual known as Naraka Chaturdashi, which marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People wake up before dawn, apply sesame oil, and bathe as a ritual to cleanse and renew. This is followed by wearing new clothes, performing pujas, and distributing sweets to family and friends. The festival is celebrated with colorful kolams (Rangoli) adorning entrances and rows of clay lamps that light up the homes. Families come together to savor traditional delicacies like murukku, adhirasam, and sweets made from jaggery.

In Punjab, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Diwas, celebrating Guru Hargobind Ji's release from imprisonment. This image captures the Golden Temple in Amritsar adorned with thousands of diyas around its holy Sarovar, illuminated by vibrant lights and fireworks in the night sky. Sikhs gather for prayer and kirtans, embodying the spirit of freedom and bravery, while visitors engage in acts of charity, creating a festive atmosphere filled with kindness and community.
Image Credit : X.com

Punjab

In Punjab, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Diwas, a day celebrated to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. The Golden Temple in Amritsar becomes a sight to behold, as thousands of diyas are lit around its serene Sarovar (holy pond). The temple complex is decorated with vibrant lights, and fireworks illuminate the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Sikhs gather to pray and participate in kirtans, celebrating the values of freedom and bravery. People also visit gurdwaras and perform acts of charity, embracing the spirit of Diwali by spreading kindness.

In Gujarat, Diwali signifies the end of the financial year, celebrated with Chopda Puja for new account books. This image showcases homes beautifully decorated with diyas and rangoli designs, while families prepare traditional snacks like ghughra and sweets such as mohanthal. The scene captures the lively spirit of Gujarat, with people engaging in garba and dandiya dances, as diyas light up homes and firecrackers illuminate the night sky, blending tradition, spirituality, and joy during the festivities.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, Diwali marks the end of the financial year, and businesses perform Chopda Puja to inaugurate new account books, praying for prosperity in the coming year. Homes are adorned with diyas and Rangolis, and people prepare traditional snacks like ghughra, chakli, and sweets like mohanthal. Gujarat’s vibrant spirit shines during Diwali, with lively garba and dandiya dances adding to the festivities. As diyas illuminate homes and firecrackers light up the sky, Gujaratis celebrate the festival with a blend of tradition, spirituality, and joy.

In Odisha, Diwali is celebrated with the unique Kaunriya Kathi ritual, honoring ancestors by lighting jute sticks in homes to guide their spirits. This image captures families engaging in prayers and offerings, surrounded by glowing diyas that create a warm, reverent atmosphere. The scene reflects the deep spiritual focus of Odisha's Diwali, where people seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and familial bonds during the festivities.

Odisha

In Odisha, Diwali is uniquely observed with Kaunriya Kathi, a ritual dedicated to honoring ancestors. People burn jute sticks in their homes to light the way for their ancestors to visit and bless the household. The festival is marked by prayers and offerings to forefathers, creating an atmosphere of reverence and remembrance. Diyas are also lit around the home, and people seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. The traditional lighting of jute sticks and the familial focus make Odisha’s Diwali a warm and deeply spiritual celebration.

Diwali Wishes From The Entire Team Of Voyge Media

As Diwali brings a glow of lights, warmth, and the promise of new beginnings, we extend heartfelt wishes for joy, prosperity, and well-being to you and your loved ones. May this Diwali fill your home with happiness and your heart with serenity. May the diyas of Diwali illuminate your life with wisdom, and may the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi shower your home with success and abundance. Here’s to a festival filled with laughter, togetherness, and a renewed sense of hope for the future. Happy Diwali!

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