Diwali or Deepawali is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm. This is one festival which units the entire country as most of the rituals observed are similar in most parts of the country. Historically speaking, Lord Rama while returning to Ayodhya, traveled from South towards North.
Thus, Diwali is celebrated one day before in southern India. Called the festivals of light, entire country is lighted up, with everyone merrily lighting up their houses and localities. As part of the Celebration goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, thus, it is also known as festival of wealth and prosperity.
Diwali is a five day festival, with each day having its own significance. The third day is called the “Badi Diwali”, which observes the worship of goddess Lakshmi, lightening of crackers, playing cards, making Rangolis, exchange of gifts and greetings. Although the basic rituals remain same, yet there are many variations in different parts of the country as far as celebrations are concerned.
Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in the state of Rajasthan, which is known for its fairs and festivals.
The enthusiasms with which people celebrate these festivals in Rajasthan elaborate on their zest and passion towards the importance of this festival.
A common routine on Diwali includes decorating of one’s homes, buying new clothes, visiting to relatives’ place and organizing mass gatherings.
People of Rajasthan are known for their love for food. Ladies indulge themselves in preparation of delicacies like Mawa Kachori, Til Ke Laddo, Gonth ke Laddu, Piste ke Launj, Moti Pak, Pheeni, Sohan Papdi, Besan Barfi, Jalebi, Shakarpara- to name just a few.
Celebration of Diwali in Himachal Pradesh includes preparation that starts days before. The mud walls are cleaned and painted with cow-dung. The courtyard is then painted in shapes of red and black squares. These squares contain images of animals and birds.
Flower garlands are then used to decorate houses. The significance of this decoration of houses is the belief that goddess Lakshmi enters the house which is neat and decorated. At dusk, oil lamps are lighted in remembrance of the ancestors.
Goddess Kali is worshipped in Bengal on the festival of Diwali. The lamps lit are in honor of Goddess Kali and her power to destroy all evils.
As against other parts of the country, Diwali is a three day festival in Bengal, with the first two days being of utmost importance. During the first two days feasting, drinking, gambling, family gatherings, lights and fire crackers occupying time from dusk to dawn.
In West Bengal, Lakshmi puja is celebrated five days after Dussehra, on the full moon day (Purnima). On the following new moon day (Amavasya), coinciding with Diwali, goddess Kali is worshiped.
In Uttar Pradesh, the city of Varanasi, celebrates the festival of Diwali in a very holy manner. Devotees and tourists gather at the various ghats of Varanasi, to light lamps, have holy bath and indeed be a part of this spectacular event.
The state needs to be given credit for the fact that it has maintained its traditions and customs wrapped and protected from alienation.
Punjab as a state is synonymous with fervour, zeal, and emotions. The tradition to light lamps on Diwali is a way to pay obedience to god for the attainment for peace, prosperity, health and knowledge.
In Punjab, Diwali preparation begin much in advance as people start to clean and decorate their houses with rangoli.For the state of Punjab and Sikhs, the festival of Diwali marks the anniversary of Guru Hargobinji, who was released from jail on this day.
The Golden temple of Amritsar is well illuminated with lamps and the atmosphere seems beautiful with the shadow of the lamps being reflected in water with the voice of prayers falling on everyone’s ears.
Deepavali festival Video