Diwali Puja

The festival of Diwali is not just about worship of Goddess Lakshmi, firecrackers and sharing sweetmeats. But the traditional way of celebrating Diwali includes decorating your homes and offices with innovative crafts. The people love to prepare various crafts on the auspicious occasion of Diwali as the spirit of this festival encourages them to express their creativity. Decorating the Diwali-Puja thali is one such beautiful idea, which adds some more spiritualism to the festival of Diwali. Diwali has many legends and religious accounts to it. Lights and diyas are lit to signifying the driving away of darkness and ignorance, as well as the awakening of the light within ourselves. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, food, celebration and Pooja. The goddess Laxmi plays a major role in this festival, as do Ram and Sita. This autumn festival is celebrated for five continuous days, of which each one has its own significance.

Houses and Business places are renovated and decorated, entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder (kumkum) all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Puja Thali:

A Puja thali is the plate in which all those accessories are kept that is required to perform the worship or the Puja of the God and Goddess such as the Roli for tilak, Akshat, Ghanti (bell), a small Kalash filled with water, Kalava to tie around the wrist, gold or silver coins, Aarti-diya and some colorful flowers. Thus the Puja-thali has special significance for the festival of Diwali in which the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is the main theme.

Puja Accessories

The Puja accessories required for worship on Diwali includes the following items: Roli for tilak, Akshat (the rice grains), Ghanti (bell), a small Kalash filled with water, Kalava or mauli to tie around the wrist, Aarti-diya, dhoop, agarbatti, camphor, coconut, betel, betel leaves, sandalwood paste, candles, flowers, seasonal fruits and sweetmeats as prasad and silver or gold coins having image of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Om, Swastika or Shree.

Diwali Diyas

The Indian festival of lights Diwali is traditionally lit up by huge numbers of Diya, small clay lamps. Diya is a contracted form of light given by small earthen pots with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee. They are also used for praying to the deceased ancestors and are floated on leaves over the holy rivers like the Ganges at Haridwar. They have long been linked with Diwali tradition and are today the most integral of all the Diwali decorations.

Tradition Of Diwali Diyas

It is said that when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the people were overjoyed to see him along with Sita and Lakshman. Since it was a no moon night, people lit up candles and diyas along Lord Rama’s path. Once he reached his abode, there was also a dazzling display of fireworks. Everybody sang, and danced in celebration and welcomed their king with open arms and hearts. Since then, each year that day came to be celebrated as Diwali, and the Diwali Diya became its most conspicuous feature. Today these small earthen lamps can be found lit in every home, office and temple.

Different Types Of Diyas

There are different types of Diwali Diyas. Traditionally a potter made the diyas but these days they are commercially manufactured. The latest rage this season are the rather enthralling Electrical Diyas. They come in all shapes and sizes - fitted inside the statues of idols, in Puja trays, and inside candles, pencils even rotating diyas. Then there are the designer diyas, made of silver, and embedded with semi precious gems, which have hit the market. Though they are available only at select outlets, there are quite a few takers for them, especially for use as corporate gifts or giving them during the wedding season.

During Diwali, various shops showcase brilliant diyas and lamps crafted by ceramic designers from all over the country. There are also diyas with zari and mirror in exuberant colors. Delightfully, imaginative diyas with sharply cut edges, embellished with cutwork are covered and filled with bright colored wax.

Mirror work and zari embellished deep, traditional diyas as well as those embellished with fragrant dried flowers, Ganesha and Lakshmi diyas with 21 or 11 spouts, diyas shaped like China leaves and shaded roses, tiny Parvati Ganesha lamps and many other design vie for attention. Made out of clay, the diyas in vivid shades of yellow, blue, pink; gold and silver are well crafted.

Diwali Rangolis

Rangolis are one of the oldest and most beautiful art forms of India. Simply put Rangolis are patterns or motifs, usually depicting Nature, drawn on the floor or a wall with powdered color made out of natural vegetable dyes. The term Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rang’ which means color, and ‘aavalli’ which means rows or creepers. So a Rangoli is basically a row of color, weaved into a pattern of sorts.

These beautiful painted Rangolis immediately remind one of the royal Rajput houses where Rangolis were drawn all year round but the grandest and most beautiful one’s were drawn only on Diwali. Even today people follow that custom as they decorate their houses with these Diwali Rangolis in order to appease Goddess Lakshmi and welcome her to their houses.

Origin of Diwali Rangolis

According to the Chitralakshana, the earliest Indian treatise on painting, when the son of a King’s high priest died, the king was most distressed. Brahma, lord of the universe decided to help the king and asked him to paint a likeness of the boy on the wall so that Brahma could breathe life into him again. That was believed to be the first Rangoli. Another legend has it that God, in one of his creative moods, extracted the juice of a mango and painted with it the figure of a woman so beautiful that the painting put all the maidens in heaven at shame!

The Indian Kings and royal families to gave impetus to this art form which it was believed that only the very skilled could attempt. The Chola rulers are notable in their propagation of the art of Rangolis. Like Hindu and Buddhist Mandalas, the reason for using powder or sand as a medium for creating Rangoli (and its resulting fragility) is sometimes thought to be a metaphor for the impermanence of life and Maya.

The Art of Rangolis

The motifs of a traditional Diwali Rangoli usually depict obejects of Nature like peacocks, swans, flowers, a tree or the sea. Generally the colors were made from Natural dyes, from barks of trees, indigo vegetables and so on and so forth. However, today synthetic colors in a range of bright colors seem to be the norm. The designs are symbolic and common to the entire country, and can include geometrical patterns, with lines, dots, squares; the swastika, lotus, footprints (supposed to be of goddess Lakshmi), creepers, and animals. These motifs often are modified to fit in with the local images and rhythms. One important point is that the entire pattern must be an unbroken line, with no gaps to be left anywhere for evil spirits to enter.

These beautiful Rangolis are especially painted at the entrance of all houses during Diwali to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Many decorations are carried out solely for the benefit of this ubiquitous Goddess, however Rangolis are the most regal and essential out of them all. Rangoli also has a religious significance, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings and spreading joy and happiness all around. The Divali festival is widely celebrated with Rangoli, since at this time, people visit each other's homes to exchange greetings and sweets.

Diwali Decorations

Every house glitters like a jewel in the dark night sky during Diwali. People go out of their way to ornament their houses, streets, market places, schools and even slums with glittering decorations. It all starts a few weeks before Diwali when the frantic spring-cleaning gets underway. Every member of the household is expected to play a role in this ritual cleaning affair. Floors are scrubbed, the walls whitewashed and the kitchen immaculately dusted. Every man, rich or poor, young or old, follows this custom. Since Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, it is considered auspicious to make a good start by cleaning all the rubbish of the last year. It symbolizes not only the cleaning of the house but spiritual cleaning as well. It is also said that Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity does not visit houses that haven’t been spotlessly cleaned. Once the cleaning and whitewashing has been done, it is time for the beautiful decorations to be bought out.

Diyas

Diyas are small oil lamps made out of clay. Diwali is Sanskrit for row of lamps; therefore it is but obvious that Diyas are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. They come in different shapes and sizes and patterns ranging from the intricate Rajasthani varieties to the poor man’s Diya made out of simple clay. Rows of Diyas line the entrance to the house and the areas surrounding it. This is done to guide the Goddess Lakshmi when she makes a visit to everyone’s humble abode to bless them with success. The lighting of the Diyas also portrays the victory over light, which is the central premise of the Diwali festival.

Rangolis

Rangolis are one of the oldest and most beautiful Indian art forms. They are patterns, usually depicting Nature, drawn on a floor or wall with powdered color made out of natural vegetable dyes. These Rangolis are drawn at the entrance of the house, again to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. It is also considered auspicious to draw Rangolis in the courtyard of the house or the living room, a place where every member of the family gathers.

Idols of Gods and Goddesses

On this auspicious day, the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. They are first thoroughly cleaned, then ornamented in jewels, many a times the jewels are real gold and pearls and at other times they are garish cosmetic jewelry. These idols then occupy the pride of the place in the family mandir (temple). Garlands made out of the fragrant jasmine as well as other flowers are placed at the feet of these idols, along with a Puja Thali .

Diwali Lights and Lamps

Many people decorate their houses with rows and rows of electric lights in different colors. These lights cascade from balconies, are coiled around a tree or strung along electrical wires in the market place. They create a mesmerizing atmosphere with their shimmering glow. Since Diwali is celebrated in early November, most people, excluding the markets, leave the lights up till Christmas and New Year.

Diwali Calendar

The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the movement of the moon, unlike the conventional Western (or Gregorian) calendar. The result is that Hindu festivals move about the Western calendar from year to year. Diwali, for example, falls on the date of the new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika. Usually this is in October or November. Joyous and enchanting festival of Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety all over India on the 15th day of the dark fortnight in Hindu month of Kartik. This is the month of October - November according to the English Calendar Year. Diwali Festival is celebrated on the Amavasya or the dark no moon night. The darkness of the night, however, is spelled away with the traditional Diwali earthen diyas and candles that are lit in all houses and every street of India.

Here’s a Diwali Calendar which will keep you well informed over the next couple of years. However, the dates are subject to change depending on the lunar activity.

YEAR DATE, MONTH AND DAY
2006 21 October, Saturday
2007 09 November, Friday
2008 28 October, Tuesday
2009 17 October, Saturday
2010 05 November, Friday
2011 26 October, Wednesday
2012 13 November, Tuesday
2013 03 November, Sunday
2014 23 October, Thursday
2015 11 November, Wednesday
2016 30 October, Sunday
2017 19 October, Thursday
2018 07 November, Wednesday
2019 27 October, Sunday

Significance of Diwali

Diwali is a time for great enjoyment, fun and frolic. Everything is lit up very brightly as young and old, rich and poor alike dress up in new clothes and indulges in sweetmeats. It truly a festival of lights as oil lamps and diyas are left burning all night to guide the Goddess Lakshmi when she visits homes. The celebrations of this joyous festival signify the removal of all darkness, jealousy, greed, envy and other negative emotions from the face of this earth. In its place shines the light of wisdom and knowledge. This is also the reason why so many lamps and diyas are left burning on Diwali night.

It signifies the triumph of virtue over vice, of good over evil, of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance. Lighting lamps, candles or diyas and the bursting of crackers during Diwali is also geared towards this destruction of all-evil. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The Sanskrit word Deepavali means array of lights that stands for victory of brightness over darkness. As the knowledge of Sanskrit diminished, the name was popularly modified to Diwali, especially in northern India.

Regional Significance Of Diwali

In Bengal, Goddess Kali or Durga, the goddess of strength, is worshipped. This reverence is called "Kali Chaturdashi". Strength is a positive attribute for one to have but it must be used to protect others from harm and used only in good and pure deeds. Also during Diwali, the goddess of wealth, Lord Lakshmi is worshipped. This practice is called "Dhanteras". It is believed that he or she who worships Lord Lakshmi during Diwali is bestowed wealth and prosperity.

The day of Dipavali has special significance for the business community as they consider this day to be the perfect time to begin their new financial year. Some people also indulge in gambling on the day of Diwali because it is a believed that wife of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati played dice with Him on this day and therefore those, who gamble on this auspicious day, are blessed with prosperity.

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen yearlong exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

In fact so diverse are the rituals and traditions of Diwali in different parts of the country that it is impossible to pin down just one way of celebrating this wonderful festival.

Diwali Customs and Traditions

Not only Diwali is the most significant Hindu festival, but it is also the most enchanting. Right from the mythological tales about the origin of the festival to the quaint tradition followed to this day, the festival has all the elements that make it an enthralling experience. The most beautiful part about the festival is that despite being a predominantly Hindu festival, it captures the secular nature of India perfectly. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the festivities, be they Muslims, Christians or Jews. And it is common to see people from different religions enjoying themselves along with their Hindu counterparts.

Truly, there is great unity in diversity. India is a large country and the people are as different from one another as water and fire and yet Diwali is celebrated by one and all. One of the most common aspects of the festival is the tradition of lighting Diyas (oil-lamps). It is believed that people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire town with diyas upon the return of Lord Rama from 14 years in exile. That tradition is carried on till today and people light hundreds of Diyas to decorate their homes. That is also how Diwali got its name as the Sanskrit word ‘Deepawali’ means rows of lights. It is believed that since it is a no-moon night, the light from the diyas helps Goddess Lakshmi to find her way to people’s houses. Therefore it is tradition to leave the diyas burning all night.

Another tradition, particularly in North India is the making of Rangolis, paintings from powdered color on the floor. These Rangolis have long been a part of Indian culture and there are many stories about their origin. People make these Rangolis to decorate their houses and to welcome guests into their homes. Over the past few years, as the Indian economy has strengthened and the advent of globalization have given rise to a new tradition, the exchange of gifts. It is now very common to see people exchanging gifts and sweets with each other on Diwali. This festival of lights is a testament to the fervent religious nature of the people at the heart of India. It is primarily a religious festival in nature, and is yet open to followers of all religions.

It is a time bound custom to perform a ritual Pooja on this day for Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. People invoke her blessing for a prosperous New Year. The most believed of all the Gods in the Hindu pantheon, the elephant headed Ganesha who is believed to be the remover of all obstacles is worshipped as well. In Bengal, Goddess Kali, the destructive avatar of Durga is worshipped.

Dhanteras Special Gifts

Over the last couple of years Dhanteras gifts have created a niche for themselves in the Diwali markets. Earlier, the focus was on buying only Diwali gifts, however there’s a considerable increase in Dhanteras gifts sales, particularly amongst the affluent. The reasons are many, starting out of course with the strengthening economy of India to the superstitions of the mercantile community. The festival Dhanteras marks the official start of the Diwali festivities and is a significant festival amongst the traders, merchants and the mercantile community at large. ‘Dhan’ means wealth, and people celebrate this festival by performing a ritual Puja thanking the gods for bestowing them with so much wealth and prosperity and seeking blessings for the future as well. It is considered extremely auspicious to buy Gold, silver or utensils on this day, as it is believed to be fortuitous to introduce new ‘Dhan’ to the house.

Gold and silver gifts are the most common Dhanteras gifts for obvious reasons. Jewelers all over the country report increased sales, as people get busy buying gold and silver for themselves and others. However, fact remains that not everybody can buy gold, so the nest best option is to buy home décor items like cushion covers, racks and holders etc, and utensils too are a great option. Make this Dhanteras a special one by choosing from one of the many Dhanteras gifts with DiwaliStore.com.

Exclusive Dhanteras Gifts

Dhanteras marks the official start of Diwali festivities in India. It is a significant festival for those belonging to the mercantile community. ‘Dhan’ means wealth and therefore people worship Lord Yama on this day to protect their wealth and pray to Lord Lakshmi to bless them with more of it. These days it is common practice to exchange gifts on Dhanteras, with the onus being on gifts of gold, silver or household appliances and accessories. Take a look of exclusive Dhanteras gifts only at DiwaliStore.com. Framed Ganesha- Siddhipriya.

The beautiful porcelain image of Ganesha framed in a blue pottery panel is apt to hang on the wall of home or office. Bejeweled Ganesha seated on a bull is intricately carved. His trunk reaches for his favorite sweet, a modak in his left lower hand. The panel in blue pottery from Jaipur stands out for its blue and white floral motifs and imperviousness. This ceramic panel is enclosed with a wooden frame to hold the unit intact. Bless your love one’s this Dhanteras by giving them this most auspicious gift.

Dhanteras Silver Coin

The exquisite 10 grams silver medallion with the image of seated Lakshmi and Ganesha is a 99.9% pure silver coin. The coin is embedded in a diary shaped hard glossy paper that carries a printed Ganesha Stuti. Besides this a red colored elegant case with an image of Ganesha is provided to protect the coin from any damage. This is the perfect gift for Dhanteras because it is considered auspicious to gift silver on this special day. Hindus who use them to perform their ritual prayers consider silver coins sacred.

Gold Plated Ganesha Idol

The exquisite lightweight brass Ganesha shown in seated posture is entitled to place in the Puja room, living room or as a lucky charm on the office table. Ganesha is the vanquisher of obstacles. Worshipping Ganesha during Dhanteras brings Siddhi (success and prosperity) and Buddhi (wisdom).

Thali & Silver Utensils

The marble Thali border is beautifully decorated with Rajasthani work in 24-carat gold. The Thali is accompanied with silver images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and accessories. There is a prayer bell, a lota, a holder for incense sticks, two katoris and a diya, all made of silver, to complete your set of prayer items. Silver is considered and auspicious metal to gift on Dhanteras and many people also buy utensils, as it is believed that a new utensil should be bought home on this day. Hence, this gift is perfect for Dhanteras.

Diwali in Karnataka

Diwali is the most significant festival in India and is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry all over the country. Still the gist of the festival remains the same, and it is wonderful to see such unity in diversity. Karnataka has the distinction of being one of the largest states in India and as such is a melting pot of cultures, and come Diwali this pot seems to bubble with the best of all cultures.

Legends of Diwali in Karnataka

The legend followed in Karnataka is that of an emperor named Bali who had become all-powerful and a threat to the peace of the universe. Lord Vishnu, upon witnessing such impetuousness was most disturbed and descended from the heavens to Earth in the guise of a poor Brahmin (the Vamana Avatar). He appeared before the mighty and impulsive Emperor Bali and asked for as much land as three of my footsteps would cover.

Bali, while amused at this strange request, agreed to give the Brahmin what he asked for as it was considered most inauspicious to refuse a Brahmins appeal for Charity. And Bali did not want to face the wrath of the Gods for disobeying such a trifle request. It was then that the diminutive Brahmin resumed his all-pervasive, omnipresent form and covered the heavens with one foot and the world below with another.

He asked the mighty Bali where he should place his foot for the third step. Bali bowed before him and offered his own head for him to place his foot on. In this way Lord Vishnu was able to humble a mighty emperor and make him realize his follies. To this day, this divine intervention on the part of Vishnu is celebrated with much aplomb in Karnataka. This victory is observed on the day of the new moon (Amavasya) when the month of Ashwin (October-November) makes way for the month of Kartik.

Diwali Celebrations in Karnataka

The lighting of innumerable diyas (oil lamps) in every courtyard and the bursting of crackers mark the celebration of Diwali. Sweetmeats, new clothes and spirit are there as in other festivals. The time for rejoicing is mainly early morning and late night. These hours of darkness bordering the waking hours are preferred as lights and crackers are the highlights of the festivities and these need darkness to have their illuminating effect. Hence people rise early and sleep late.

In cities like Bangalore, which are more cosmopolitan in Nature, it is an excellent time for the overall economy as people shop a lot more during the festive season and dining out also takes precedence. Many people use the holiday to catch up on the movies while others still go the traditional way and spend time with the family on this auspicious start to the Hindu New Year.

Diwali in Kerala

Due to the fact that it has a dominant Catholic population, Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. Traditionally, Diwali celebrations in Kerala are pretty much a low-key affair as there isn’t too much Business or merchant families living here. In fact the natives of Kerala rarely celebrate Diwali.

However, there are places in Kerala which are dominated by prominent Tamil, Gujarati or North Indian communities. In such areas, Diwali is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry, not to mention nostalgia. People of these communities organize grand feasts and put up a colorful display for the benefit of their Kerala neighbors. Many visit temples and then get together with friends and relatives to enjoy the fireworks on Diwali day.

However, it is not to say that people of Kerala are not interested in Diwali at all. As India grows economically strong, people of all races are learning to integrate each other’s customs, and it is common to see Diwali being celebrated with immense joyousness in many town and cities of Kerala.

Diwali in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, once the largest state in India, is one of the most culturally alive states in India today. With a long history of royalty and active participation in the Indian Freedom struggle, the state celebrates most Indian festivals with enthusiasm. However, Diwali remains the most significant festival here, and is eagerly awaited by young and old alike. The state has its own unique way of celebrating this festival of lights. A visit to this land, in the very heart of India gives unexpected and delightful experiences. Madhya Pradesh has had a glorious past with various empires ruling the state. The people of Madhya Pradesh are simple and fun loving and without any inhibitions. Various tribes inhabit the interiors of the vast state.

Diwali Celebrations in Madhya Pradesh

During the Diwali Festival, its almost as if all of Madhya Pradesh has been illuminated with bright, radiant lights. The streets are decorated in a colorful manner and people prepare their favorite dishes along with the usual variety of Mithais. On the night of Dhanteras, the shops remain open throughout the night. In particular demand are the Balushais, khasta or crumbly doughnuts.

On Diwali day, houses all over Madhya Pradesh glow with the twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky. For the Hindu business communities, Diwali Festival marks the beginning of the New Year. During Diwali, many folk dances are performed in this region. The Baiga and Gond tribes perform their traditional dances to celebrate the Diwali Festival.

Diwali in Tamil Nadu

As there is a lot of cultural diversity in India, Diwali is celebrated in a decidedly different way in different parts of the country. Tamil Nadu too has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali, and it is most charming while at the same time remaining true to the national sentiment of Diwali. That is the beauty of India, while the festival remains the same in some aspects; it is completely different in others. In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated in the month of Aipasi (thula month) 'Narak Chaturdashi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The Diwali preparations begin in full force the day before when the oven (chula) is thoroughly cleaned, smeared with lime and decorated with four or five dots of red kumkum paste. It is then filled with water for the next day’s oil bath as per the custom followed in much of the country. The house is washed and colorful Diwali Rangolis are made at the entrance to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. In the Puja room, betel leaves, betel nuts, plaintain fruits, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, gingelly oil, turmeric powder, and scented powder are kept ready for the Puja. Crackers and new dresses are placed in a plate after smearing a little kumkum or sandal paste.

Diwali Traditions in Tamil Nadu

The Diwali day begins with everyone in the family taking an oil bath before sunrise, a custom arising from a belief that having an oil bath in the morning on the day of Diwali is equivalent to taking bath in the Ganges. Before the bath, elders in the house apply gingelly oil on the heads of the younger members. For those hailing from Tanjore, the custom is to first take a small quantity of deepavali lehiyam (medicinal, ayurvedic paste) after the oil bath and then breakfast. Often sweets are eaten after wearing new clothes. In almost all houses, items like ukkarai, velli appam, idly, chutney, sambhar, omapudi, boondhi are prepared. For lunch, jangri, pathir peni, or one variety of the poli are made.

Diwali celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Crackers are usually burst only after the bath. Meanwhile, kuthu vilakus (oil lamp) are lit in the Pooja room. Mats or wooden planks are placed facing east. After naivedhya (offering to the Gods) of the items, a plaintain fruit is given to each member of the family followed by betel leaves and betel nuts. Those who have to perform 'pithru tharpanam' will have a second bath perform the tharpanam and don't eat rice at night.

Though, Tamil Nadu celebrates Diwali in a decidedly distinct manner, many familiarities are observed, like the sweets, crackers, new clothes and the joyous spirit of this wonderful Festival of lights.

Diwali in West Bengal

West Bengal is one of the most populated states in the Indian subcontinent. The city of Kolkta is almost bursting at the seams, yet this gentle city house millions of people from all castes, faith and creed. Diwali is a major festival in this state as it coincides with the Kali Puja celebrated along the same line. Bengalis are also reputed to be the best sweet makers in the country, so one thing you are sure to find here are the best possible sweetmeats.

Diwali Traditions In West Bengal

In West Bengal, the Diwali traditions undergo some change as compared to what is followed in the rest of the country. Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated five days after Dussehra on the full moon day (Purnima). The following day, on the new moon day (Amavasya), which incidentally coincides with Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshipped. Kali is revered by Bengalis and is their chief Goddess. Needless to say Kali Puja is one of the most important days on their calendar.

Kali is the more aggressive form or the destructive incarnation of Goddess Durga, and she has a terrifying look. She is known to destroy all evil and is a fierce fighter for the cause of justice. On Kali Puja, lamps are lit in her honor and she in turn promises a renewal of life and justice for all mankind on earth. In West Bengal, it is not Lakshmi Pooja but Kali Puja which makes the festival unique. Kali is generally a goddess to be feared rather than venerated, and therefore people leave no stone unturned in carrying out a special Pooja for her.

Diwali Celebrations In West Bengal

Like everywhere else in the country, Diwali is a time for great feasting and rejoicing and it is no different here in West Bengal. Bengalis have a reputation for decorating their houses and no one can argue with it when Diwali nears. They light up their houses with the most ornate of diyas using hundreds of them at a time. Bengalis are also immensely fond of Diwali Rangolis. Two or even four plantain leaves decorate the entry to the house or property, with a row of diyas at the doorstep. The entire family gathers around for Lakshmi Puja in the evening.

The Diwali festival goes on for three days but on Amavasya, the final day for celebrations and the day to worship Goddess Kali, the lights and gaiety are considerably reduced. The first two festival days are important, with feasting, drinking, gambling, family gatherings, lights and fire crackers occupying time from dusk to dawn. In West Bengal, the pious festive air and not the material goods, mainly marks the occasion. No new clothes, no new utensils, no new gold. In fact nothing new at all on Diwali day, as all the shops are shut tight except those selling sweets and firecrackers. Gifts are limited to sweets and dry fruits.

Diwali in Gujrat

Gujarat is the stronghold of Indian business. It has long been associated with traders and merchants. Due to the above fact, Diwali in Gujarat is mainly associated with the worship of the venerable Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The fact that this holiest of holy days takes place on the darkest night of the year is meant to indicate the victory of light over darkness and that is the reason why people illuminate the night sky with a dazzling display of fireworks. Lakshmi Pooja in Gujarat lasts for five days, which starts with Dhanteras. The fourth day, or the day of Govardhan Puja is Gujrati's New Year's Day. Lakshmi is believed to visit the homes that are well lit. So, families decorate their houses with light, flowers and paper chains.

Origin Of Diwali

The ancient story of how Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival is different in various regions and states of India. In Gujarat particularly, Diwali is the day when King Rama's coronation was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. By order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far-flung boundaries of these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile, ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.

Diwali Celebrations In Gujarat

The real zest for the Diwali festival can be witnessed in the Diwali markets in Gujarat, which come to life almost a month before the festival is to commence. Shoppers make a beeline for the stores selling jewelry, clothes, sweets and Diwali gifts. Shopping becomes almost like a family affair with the whole family dividing up the tasks amongst themselves. It is a pure joy to shop in these colorful Diwali markets.

Diwali celebrations in Gujarat commence the night before Diwali. The Gujaratis create designs, usually depicting nature or the Gods, from natural color powders. These are called Diwali Rangolis (link) and are generally found at the entrance of the house or in the courtyard. These motifs are designed in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to their homes and are a source of pride for the creators who often compete amongst themselves to see who has the best Rangolis in their house. Small footprints made with rice flour and vermilion powder are also drawn all over the house.

The Diwali day attire usually consists of the Jhabba (kurta) and dhotis for the men, while the women dress in Saris. However in the urban cities of Gujarat, most people do not wear the traditional attire instead choosing to opt for western clothes or the fancier Indian variety. It is considered auspicious to visit the temple on this day. The day is spent preparing food and sweets. Shops are open, but business comes to a halt on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, and doesn't resume until Labh Pancham, the fifth day of the New Year. For traders and businessmen, this is the time for a vacation. Diwali evening is celebrated by lighting up streets and markets, and bursting crackers.

Diwali in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is one of the most populated states in India; however it has a long history of great culture and education behind it. It was the true cradle of the Indus valley civilization. Uttar Pradesh was also home to the great Nalanda University which attracted scholars from all over the world. Two of the greatest Indian rivers flow through this state, not to mention the mythological Saraswati. Diwali is the most important festival in this predominantly Hindu state and is celebrated with great vigor and gaiety.

Diwali Traditions in Uttar Pradesh

The state wears a vibrant color throughout the Diwali festival, and almost seems to come alive with enthusiasm. The Kartik purnima festival celebrated in Varanasi is a true visual delight. Varanasi has long been hailed as the land of festivals and the fact that it is thronged with Hindu sages gives the city a surreal atmosphere. Religious ceremonies take on a lofty importance in this state that reveres its Gods. The full moon night after Diwali falling in November - December is the sacred day for all the people. The ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of brightly lit earthen lamps. The lamps then are gently left on the River. Visitors throng in large numbers to watch this spectacular event.

Diwali Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

Diwali is celebrated in memory of Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and his subsequent homecoming to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. Ramlila performance depicting these events can be found all over Uttar Pradesh. Traditionally Brahmin boys who are trained by the liladhari, the leader of the troupe, play the characters of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Shatrughan and Bharat. The Ramlilas are zestfully celebrated with song, dance, and merriment; others with solemnity, fervor, fast, or feast. These fairs and festivals help the people keep the culture vibrant and promote artistic activities. Diwali is truly the most special festival for the people of Uttar Pradesh.