Diwali is the most auspicious and vibrant hindu festival, which is celebrated with immense joy across all traditions in India. Also called Deepawali, it is the ‘celebration of lights’, where it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness & good over evil. Diwali is a 5 days long festival, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj. In this blog, you’ll know what’s the significance of Diwali and how it’s celebrated in different states of India. 

Significance of Diwali

The festival Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with Maa Sita after spending 14 years in exile and killing the king of Lanka, Ravana. When Diwali celebrations in India start, the entire country unifies, people bond with their loved ones and some also start cleaning the house one month in advance. On the main day of Diwali festival, people worship for prosperity to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha, exchange gifts with loved ones, and much more. 

Diwali is not just a festival to celebrate but it’s an emotion that builds strong relationships with the loved ones. The importance of Diwali is indefinite, you can call it a great feast festival, festival of love, etc. The vibe during Diwali is amazing! 

How is Diwali Celebrated in Different States of India?

Significance of Diwali is the same but it is celebrated in different ways in different states of India. Every state has a unique way of celebrating Diwali that illuminates the cultural landscape of the most famous festival of India. Continue reading to know about how Diwali is celebrated in six different states of India. 

Himachal (Bhudi Diwali)

In Himachal Pradesh, the Diwali festival is celebrated in a very traditional way called “Bhudi Diwali”, which falls after the main deepawali in India. It is observed after Kartik Krishna Amavasya. This has its own customs and rituals, and is believed to have originated in the Chamba region of the state and eventually spread to other parts. Villagers light bonfires, dance and even sing folk songs to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It is especially popular in Himachal’s Kullu region. This is believed to celebrate the historic return of the local warriors and also honors ancestral spirits. 

Punjab (Bandi Chhor Divas)

Sikh community celebrates Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, the day when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from the imprisonment in Gwalior fort. People visit gurudwara to celebrate the festival, and listen to kirtans and stories. Also, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is decorated beautifully and fireworks are displayed in a very grand way. 

Maharashtra (Narak Chaturdashi)

Maharashtrian people celebrate Diwali with the tradition of ‘Narak Chaturdashi’ which signifies the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. They celebrate it with immense joy by starting the day by waking up early and taking a bath with oil before sunrise. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangolis, people exchange sweets & snacks and much more. 

Telangana (Bathukamma)

People in Telangana celebrate Bathukamma festival as it coincides with the Diwali festival. It’s a floral festival where women in the house decorate and create colorful flower arrangements, participate in dance and songs and cook delicious snacks. This festival is celebrated by worshiping goddess Gauri. Families gather for puja and seek blessings from Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. 

Bengal (Kali Puja)

People in West Bengal celebrate Diwali as Kali Pujo by worshiping Goddess Kali. They celebrate the day by decorating their homes & temples. Locals also conduct cultural programs and prepare Bengali sweets. In places where rituals are aggressively followed, animal sacrifices are made to honor the fierce aspect of the goddess. 

Uttar Pradesh (Diwali)

People in UP and other northern states celebrate this festival in a similar manner. Diwali in UP is celebrated with great fervor and traditional local customs. Before the Diwali festival begins, people start cleaning and decorating their homes with rangolis and LED lights, they light up diyas, burst firecrackers and exchange gifts. The streets and markets bustle with shoppers to purchase required items. Celebrations in cities like Ayodhya, where Lord Rama’s return is celebrated with grand Deepotsav events, and Varanasi, with its stunning Ganga Aarti and floating diyas, are major highlights. 

If you’re planning to travel India to see how the festival of lights is celebrated then book your flights using Indian Eagle last minute deals. To book search flights to India, add your details and let your journey begin!

Significance of Diwali is very special because it is not just a festival, it’s a celebration of togetherness, joy, and happiness. India has many cultural differences, still the spirit of Diwali festival remains the same. It spreads love, builds connections and invokes blessings for prosperity and well-being. Every corner of India lights up with unique traditions that makes this festival truly special.

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