Deepavali in Bihar

Bihar derives from the Sanskrit Vihara which means abode. The Buddhist Vihara, which was the abode of the Buddhist monks, dotted the area in the ancient and medieval periods. Like most ancient civilizations, life in Bihar is clustered around its many rivers. Few rivers of the world have molded the culture, economy and personality of the people evolving on their banks as has the great river Ganga.

Diwali celebrations officially start two days before on Dhanteras. It is celebrated in the honor of Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods, who emerged with a flask of elixir during the Samudra Manthan.

Diwali Traditions in Bihar

The customs are that on Dhanteras most people buy new kitchen utensils and keep them at the place of worship. According to one theory, buying of utensils on Dhanteras is associated with the myth of Dhanvantari emerging from the ocean with a pot in his hand. People bathe in the holy river Ganges early in the morning and then observe a fast which is only broken at sunset with sweetmeats, puris and other succulent delicacies.

The day before Diwali is known as Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi. Choti means 'small', and thus Choti Diwali is celebrates just like Diwali only on a smaller scale with lesser lights and lesser fireworks, with everybody trying very hard to retrain their bouts of joyousness for the next day. On the morning of Choti Diwali, the women of the house ensure that the house has been cleaned absolutely thoroughly in anticipation of Diwali; they then make beautiful colorful motifs called Rangolis at the entrance. In Hindu homes Poojas (prayers) being carried out for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or Lord Rama.

Diwali Celebrations In Bihar

People sing devotional songs in the honor of the deities and perform a ceremonial Aarti on Diwali day. Kheel, Batashe and Khilone and various sweetmeats are offered to the Gods. After the Pooja has been performed, people start decorating their houses with Diyas. They are placed in all the rooms of the house, and even in the courtyard and almost up to the street. It is believed that it helps illuminate the pathway for the Goddess Lakshmi, when she tries to visit people's homes.

Thereafter people of Bihar indulge in the usual festivities of bursting crackers and exchanging sweets with their friends and relatives. The Adivasis of Bihar worship kali on this day. Eating unripe coconut and taking a beetle is considered auspicious. In chota Nagpur, the men circumnutates their village with basket full of paddy and grass. A week after the festival of lights is the festival Chhath. For one night and day, the people of Bihar literally live on the banks of the river Ganga when a ritual offering is made to the Sun God.