Diwali celebrations in India: History, Legends, Traditions, and Regional Customs

One fascinating adjacent topic to explore is the significance of sweets and treats during Diwali. The festival is not just about lights and decorations but also involves preparing and sharing a variety of traditional sweets like ladoos, barfis, and jalebis, symbolising joy and celebration. Each region has its specialty, making the culinary aspect of Diwali an integral part of the festivities.

I’ll take you on a journey through the history, mythology, and regional diversity of Diwali celebrations in India, highlighting the various ways this festival is celebrated across the country.

History of Diwali: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Celebrations

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt over the years, it’s that Diwali is much more than a single celebration. Its history stretches back over 2,500 years and is deeply connected to ancient agricultural practices, the harvest season’s arrival, and the moon’s cycle. However, its origins aren’t just agricultural. Diwali is also rooted in various mythological stories that differ depending on the region.

One of the most widely accepted tales behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama and his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana returned after defeating the demon king Ravana. People welcomed them by lighting diyas (oil lamps), symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This story is especially significant in North India, where grand celebrations revolve around the Ramayana.

In South India, Diwali often focuses on the legend of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Here, people celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi, symbolising the defeat of evil forces.

But Diwali isn’t just a Hindu festival. Jains observe Diwali as the day when Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, while for Sikhs, Diwali marks the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment, which they commemorate as Bandi Chhor Divas. These different layers of mythology make Diwali not only a festival of light but a festival of stories.

Mythology Behind Diwali: Stories That Illuminate the Festival

As someone who loves mythological tales, the stories behind Diwali have always fascinated me. Each region in India adds its own twist, making the festival truly unique depending on where you’re celebrating.

Lord Rama’s Return to Ayodhya (Hindu Mythology)

In many parts of India, the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile is the core of Diwali celebrations. People commemorate this by lighting lamps, decorating their homes, and welcoming family and friends. The idea is that just as Rama defeated the demon Ravana and brought light to the kingdom, we too celebrate the triumph of good over evil in our daily lives.

The Defeat of Narakasura by Lord Krishna

In places like South India, the focus shifts to another heroic tale: Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. This story reflects how even the darkest of forces can be vanquished with wisdom and strength. The day is observed as Naraka Chaturdashi, and early morning oil baths are a key part of the celebration.

Goddess Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth

For many families, Diwali revolves around the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. According to popular belief, on Lakshmi Puja, she descends to earth to bless her devotees. Homes are cleaned, decorated with flowers and rangoli, and brightly lit to welcome the goddess. We pray for prosperity, health, and happiness for the coming year.

Mahavira’s Nirvana (Jainism)

For Jains, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It’s a day of reflection, fasting, and meditation, which is in stark contrast to the loud firecrackers and feasting that one might associate with Diwali.

Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism)

Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind and 52 other kings from imprisonment. I’ve visited Gurdwaras during Diwali, and it’s a beautiful sight to see them illuminated with lamps and candles. The celebrations include prayers, community meals, and fireworks.

The Five Days of Diwali in India: A Celebration That Transcends Time

One of my favourite aspects of Diwali is that it’s not just a one-day affair. The festivities span five days, and each day has its own significance. These five days together create a magical experience that’s full of traditions, family bonding, and spiritual reflection.

Day 1: Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras, which is dedicated to wealth and prosperity. It’s considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, and even new kitchen utensils. People also pray to Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, to bless them with good health. In my family, we always start Diwali shopping on Dhanteras, which is a mix of practical and symbolic purchases.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Choti Diwali, also called Naraka Chaturdashi, falls on the second day. It is thought that Lord Krishna vanquished the demon Narakasura on this day.Early morning oil baths, lighting small diyas, and preparing sweets are traditions I’ve seen in many homes. In some regions, people burst a few firecrackers to signify the victory of good over evil.

Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)

The third day is the main Diwali day, often dedicated to Lakshmi Puja. Homes are meticulously cleaned, decorated with colorful rangoli, and lit with diyas to welcome the goddess of wealth. I’ve always loved how homes seem to glow from within during this time. In the evening, families gather to perform the Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. Firecrackers are often burst after the puja, but in recent years, I’ve noticed a growing trend toward eco-friendly Diwali celebrations to reduce pollution.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut)

In some parts of India, the fourth day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect his village from torrential rains. In Gujarat, this day is also known as Annakut, where a grand feast of vegetarian dishes is prepared and offered to the deities. Growing up, I’ve always loved this day because of the variety of sweets and dishes that are prepared.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a small puja for their brothers, wishing them good health and long life, while brothers give gifts as a token of their love and protection. It’s a day that always feels particularly meaningful in my family as we get together to exchange blessings and gifts.

How People Celebrate Diwali in Different Parts of India

The celebrations of Diwali vary significantly from one region to another, reflecting the vast cultural diversity that exists in India. Each state and community has its own set of customs, rituals, and traditions, which makes Diwali a vibrant and multifaceted festival.

Diwali in North India
In the northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab, Diwali is synonymous with opulence and grandeur. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, renovated, and decorated with lights, flowers, and rangoli (colorful patterns made on the ground). On the evening of Lakshmi Puja, families gather to perform aarti (ritual worship) and offer sweets and fruits to the deities. Bursting crackers, family feasts, and exchanging gifts are common activities during the night.

Cities like Varanasi hold massive Diwali celebrations along the Ganges River, where thousands of oil lamps are floated on the water, creating a spectacular display. Similarly, Jaipur, the Pink City, becomes a dazzling sight as the markets and palaces are decorated with intricate lighting displays.

Diwali in South India
In contrast to the northern celebrations, Diwali in the southern states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka begins with early morning rituals. People take a ceremonial oil bath before sunrise and wear new clothes. Families visit temples to offer prayers, and a lavish breakfast follows, typically including sweets like ladoos and murukku.

A notable feature in the South is Naraka Chaturdashi, where people burst crackers to celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. In Tamil Nadu, a unique tradition involves preparing medicinal lehyam, a herbal paste, to cleanse the body after the Diwali feasting.

Diwali in Western India
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Diwali is intertwined with the Hindu New Year. The day following Diwali marks the beginning of a new financial year for many traders and businesses. On the day of Dhanteras, people clean and decorate their homes and shops, and purchase new items, especially metal objects, which are considered auspicious.

Maharashtrians celebrate Diwali with special homemade sweets like karanji and anarse, while Gujaratis prepare savory snacks like chakli and ghugra. In both regions, Lakshmi Puja is the focal point of the celebration, with families coming together to worship the goddess and invite prosperity for the upcoming year.

Diwali in Eastern India
In West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Diwali coincides with the worship of Goddess Kali, the fierce goddess of destruction and power. Known as Kali Puja, the rituals are held at night, where devotees offer blood sacrifices (in some cases symbolic) and light up homes with lamps to drive away evil spirits.

In Odisha, families also observe Badabadua Daka, a ritual to honor ancestors. They light lamps and float them on rivers, sending their prayers to departed souls. The people of Assam celebrate Diwali with the same enthusiasm, decorating homes and exchanging gifts.

Diwali Traditions and Customs Across India

Diwali traditions are a blend of regional customs and universal rituals, which have evolved over the centuries. Some of the most iconic traditions include lighting diyas, making rangoli, preparing festive sweets, and bursting fireworks.

Lighting Diyas and Fireworks
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Diwali is the lighting of diyas (small clay lamps) and the bursting of fireworks. This practice is symbolic of dispelling darkness and negativity while ushering in light, hope, and prosperity. In addition to traditional clay lamps, people today use electric lights and lanterns to illuminate their homes.

Fireworks have also become an inseparable part of the celebration. Though concerns over pollution have led to a reduction in firecracker use in some regions, many families still partake in this tradition, especially during the main Diwali night.

Rangoli
Rangoli, the intricate art of creating colorful patterns on the floor using rice, flowers, or colored powder, is another Diwali tradition that is prevalent across India. The designs are often geometric and incorporate religious symbols like the lotus or the swastika (a symbol of good fortune). Rangoli is believed to welcome the gods and bring prosperity into the home.

Festive Sweets and Feasts
No Indian festival is complete without food, and Diwali is no exception. Across India, families prepare a wide variety of sweets and savory snacks. Common sweets include ladoos, barfis, jalebis, and gulab jamun. In Maharashtra, puran poli and shankarpali are Diwali staples, while in Bengal, rasgulla and sandesh take center stage.

Gift-Giving
Diwali is a time for sharing, and one of the most cherished customs is the exchange of gifts among family members, friends, and neighbors. These gifts range from sweets and dry fruits to clothes, jewelry, and household items. In many households, Diwali is also a time for charity, and people donate generously to the less fortunate.

Diwali Preparations

Cleaning and Decorating

At the time of Diwali in India is one of the most important preparations for Diwali is the cleaning of homes and workplaces. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean homes, so people go to great lengths to ensure their homes are spotless. This is followed by decorating the house with rangoli, flowers, and lights. Many families also paint their homes or renovate them in time for the festival.

The entrances of homes are decorated with torans (garlands made of marigold flowers or mango leaves), and colorful rangolis adorn the floors. Earthen lamps are arranged in patterns, and electric lights are hung to create a festive atmosphere. In cities, entire streets and marketplaces are illuminated with dazzling light displays.

Shopping and Gifts for Diwali in India

Diwali is also a time for shopping, and marketplaces are filled with people buying clothes, gifts, and decorations. Exchanging gifts with friends and family is a major part of the celebration, with sweets, dry fruits, and traditional items like clothes, utensils, and jewelry being popular choices.

Corporate gifting is also a big trend during Diwali, with businesses exchanging gifts as a gesture of goodwill. Many companies distribute Diwali bonuses to their employees

Modern-Day Diwali: The Evolution of Traditions

With the passage of time, the celebration of Diwali has evolved to reflect modern sensibilities while retaining its core spiritual significance. The increasing awareness of environmental issues has led many communities to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing the use of firecrackers and using biodegradable materials for rangoli and decorations.

In urban India, Diwali has also become a time for corporate celebrations, with offices organizing parties, decorating workspaces, and exchanging gifts. Shopping malls and e-commerce websites roll out extensive Diwali sales, further boosting the festive spirit.

Social media platforms have also transformed the way Diwali is celebrated, with people sharing greetings, images, and memories online, connecting with loved ones across the globe.

Final Thoughts 

Diwali is a festival that transcends religious boundaries, regional differences, and cultural practices. Whether you’re celebrating it in the bustling streets of Delhi, the serene temples of South India, or halfway across the world, the spirit of Diwali remains the same: it’s a celebration of hope, love, and the triumph of light over darkness.

For me, Diwali is a time to reflect on the year gone by, spend time with loved ones, and embrace the joy and warmth that the festival brings. No matter where you are, the festival of lights will always shine brightly, reminding us of the enduring power of good.