It's More Than Just Lights: Discovering the Different Ways India Celebrates Diwali:

When you think of Diwali, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Rows of glowing diyas, delicious sweets, and families getting together, right? While that’s the beautiful heart of the festival, the way Diwali is celebrated across India is incredibly diverse. Each state adds its own unique touch, traditions, and stories to the festival of lights.

It’s a reminder that India isn't just one single story, but a collection of many. Let's take a little journey across the country to see some of the unique ways people celebrate.

In West Bengal, It’s All About Kali Puja

While much of India is preparing to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, something different is happening in West Bengal. Here, the main celebration revolves around worshipping Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Shakti who represents the destruction of evil. On the night of Diwali, known as 'Kali Puja,' homes and pandals are filled with elaborate idols of the goddess. It’s a powerful and intense celebration, focusing on the triumph of good over the darkest of evils.

Bihar and Jharkhand’s Unique Choti Diwali Ritual

In Bihar and Jharkhand, the day before Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, has a special ritual. People wake up before sunrise and bathe. What's unique is the tradition of crushing a bitter fruit, called 'kareet,' under their feet. This act symbolizes the killing of the demon Narakasura, representing the destruction of bitterness and evil from their lives. It's a small but deeply meaningful tradition that sets the stage for the main Diwali celebration.

Celebrating with Nature in North India

In many parts of North India, especially Uttar Pradesh, the day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. This tradition is a tribute to the bond between nature and humankind. People, particularly in villages, create small mounds out of cow dung, symbolizing Mount Govardhan, which Lord Krishna lifted to save his village from the wrath of the rain god, Indra. It’s a beautiful ritual that honors cattle and the bounty of nature.

Diwali in Goa and the South

Down in Goa and parts of South India, the focus is again on Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Huge effigies of the demon are made in the days leading up to Diwali. On Naraka Chaturdashi morning, these effigies are paraded through the streets and then burned, symbolizing the end of evil. It's a lively, community-focused celebration filled with joy and excitement.

These are just a few glimpses into the many ways Diwali comes to life across India. Every ritual, from lighting the first diya to honouring ancestors, tells a slightly different story. But at the end of the day, they all tie back to the same beautiful theme: the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.