Diwali Knowledge Guide
Significance of 5 days of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated in various ways across the country and thus makes it even more significant and exciting to witness. The five days of Diwali portray different meanings. The first day is Dhanteras, an auspicious day for financial beginnings. The second day is known as Choti Diwali, while the third day is the important day when Goddess Laxmi is idolized and offered prayers.
The fourth day is called Govardhan Puja while the final day is known as Bhai Dooj when it is dedicated to all brothers and sisters.
Diwali in North India
In the Northern states of India such as Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and much more, Diwali is a jovial affair. Its religious significance is associated with the return of Lord Rama in Ayodhya along with Goddess Sita and brother Laxman from a 14-year long exile.
According to the legend, After rescuing Sita from the clutches of demon king Ravana and spending more than a decade living in forests, Lord Rama returned to the Kingdom of Ayodhya. To welcome him wonderfully, the people of Ayodhya lit thousands of lamps across the streets and in their homes. Since then Diwali symbolizes the return of the benevolent king.
People clean their houses and redecorate it with lamps, lanterns, paintings and much more. Relatives and family members exchange gifts, sweets and draw rangolis together. In Punjab, Diwali also symbolizes the return of Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji from prison. Cities like Varanasi host Ganga aarti during Diwali where the banks and ghats of the holy river are full of earthen lamps.
The scenic and enchanting view of floating diyas upon the water is found nowhere across the planet. Jaipur exemplifies its regal facade by adorning itself with colorful lights and lamps. The pink city turns into a blend of colorful flashes and bangs
Diwali in East India
In the Eastern states, the traditions practiced during slightly change as the major focus in upon the worshipping of Goddess Laxmi and all her various divine forms. In states like West Bengal Assam and Odisha, Goddess Laxmi and her other prominent forms such as Goddess Kali are worshipped all night long. Every street and building is lit with lights and lamps while the tradition of guiding the forefathers to heaven with the help of lights has been practiced for a very long time.
Diwali in West India
The states of Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate Diwali with immense vigor and enthusiasm. In Gujarat, Diwali is mainly associated with the beginning of new financial prospects and thus Goddess Laxmi is widely and dedicatedly worshipping throughout the state. Whereas in Maharashtra, Diwali takes the form of an Indian version of Christmas.
People irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds come together on these auspicious days to celebrate and have fun. Maharashtra is known for its various sweets and food items prepared during Diwali which is known as Faral. It includes Karanji, Ladu, Chakali, Chivda and much more.
Diwali in South India
Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali is celebrated uniquely in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Essential oil baths are a longstanding tradition here while worshipping gods, crops and forefathers is also mandatory. Thalai Deepavali in Tamil Nadu is a tradition where newlyweds celebrate their first Diwali in the bride’s parental home. Andhra Pradesh follows the tradition of offering prayers to Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s consort while Karnataka observes the third day as Bali Padayami where cow dung forts and colorful rangolis are drawn.