The Rich Diversity of Diwali in India.

 Diwali is certainly one of the biggest and most important festivals of India celebrated all across the country. Diwali- the "festival of lights" is celebrated commemorating the victory of good over evil. It is also an opportunity for people to move on, let go of past grudges, and make merry.

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India is a land of many festivals. People in different regions of India celebrate Diwali in versatile ways with various practices, rituals, and more. The manner of celebration in various parts of India:

1. North India

In Northern India, the legend of the return of Lord Rama from his exile to Ayodhya is believed, and to welcome the homecoming, everybody lights the house with rows of diyas. The festival is celebrated with fireworks, lights, and sweets. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are also worshipped in Hindu homes on this day. For the Punjabis, Diwali marks the arrival of winters. The people of Uttar Pradesh celebrate with great enthusiasm. The celebration takes place at large in Varanasi, where diyas and rangolis adorn the ghats. While the pandits perform the grand Ganga aarti.

2. Eastern India

In Eastern India, many believe that keeping their doors open on the occasion of Diwali will allow the entry of Goddess Lakshmi into their house. The people of West Bengal and Assam worship Goddess Kali on the night of the Diwali festival. The people of Odisha worship the ancestors in heaven on the auspicious festival of Diwali. They burn jute sticks to seek blessings and receive luck on this day. The people of Bihar and Jharkhand perform Lakshmi pooja in the evening. Tiny footprints of the Goddess of Wealth are a specific feature of the Rangolis designed for this auspicious occasion.

3. Western India

Western India celebrates Diwali in a grand way every year. Rangoli is an important part of their decoration. Diwali marks the end of the year of Gujaratis. They celebrate the Gujarati New Year's Day, Bestu Varas, on the next day of Diwali. Footprints are also drawn to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Maharashtrians perform Lakshmi pooja in their homes and organize a feast known as " Faral" for families and friends, where sweets like karanji, ladoo, and snacks like chakli and sev are served.

4. South India

In Southern India, people wash their homes and decorate them with kolam designs, which is similar to rangolis in North India. Deepavali in Tamil Nadu is celebrated in commemoration of Lord Krishna's conquest over Narakasura. They also have a unique tradition known as 'Thalai Deepavali' in which newlyweds spend time at the bride's parental house. In Karnataka, Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi and Bali Padyami are two essential days of Diwali. On Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi, people bathe in oil, and on Bali Padyami, they narrate the stories of King Bali. People of Andhra Pradesh, chant prayers and seek blessings from the clay idol, Satyabhama. After which, they celebrate Diwali with their loved ones with excitement.

The story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration are different in various regions, but the essence of the festival remains the same - the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and goodness. It is a time when friends and family get together to celebrate and exchange gifts.

To watch how people celebrate Diwali in different parts of the country, please click on the YouTube video link provided:   https://youtu.be/UWkDjpPyxws