Diwali, the great religious festival of lights and love, captivates millions of people around the world. This festival is a magnificent mixture of rituals, colours and flavours that defies geographical boundaries. Diwali traditions can be found in different parts of India. Each with distinct differences.
Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated all over India and the various communities make it their own, regardless of territory or belief.
What are the traditions of Diwali?
Diwali commemorates the Indian tradition in which the god Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. Although there are different versions of why Diwali is celebrated, the Diwali traditions remain the same. This festival is celebrated for five days, usually in the month of October and November. Most of the time it is not celebrated on the same days every year.
In Sanskrit, “Deepak” and “Vali” (Diwali or Divali) translate as “line of lamps”, where Deepak (Diya Hind.) is a clay lamp with oil. The lighted lamps symbolise the illumination of the path home on a moonless night for Rama after his victory over Ravana and his 14-year exile.
Diwali is a celebration of family unification, the victory of truth over falsehood. It is considered an important festival in many places, especially in northern India and parts of the west, east and south. Throughout most of India, Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fertility, consort of the god Vishnu.
What activities are done during Diwali?
Before the five days of Diwali arrive, it is customary to clean the house. People also buy new clothes and gifts. Families visit temples and pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for good luck and prosperity.
What are the traditions of Diwali in homes? Houses and streets are decorated with lights, and people throw parties and set off fireworks. Another one of the Diwali traditions is the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families offer flowers, fruits, and sweets during this ritual.
Perhaps one of the most interesting Diwali traditions is the giving of sweets. During Diwali, people buy or make their own sweets to gift to their loved ones. Some of these sweets are laddus, barfis, and jalebis. These sweets are usually associated with the question "What is Diwali?" as they symbolise love and unity.
Playing games during these days is another interesting Diwali tradition. Not only children, but also adults play. It can be charades, hide-and-seek, and even card games. Playing cards with money is also allowed, but not too much. It is believed that the goddess Parvati played with her husband, the god Shiva, and said that those who played on the night of Diwali would be prosperous throughout the following year.
During the festival, Indians wear new clothes, gather to visit relatives and friends, and exchange gifts. Additionally, in the business community, Diwali is considered the start of a new financial year.
During Diwali, people clean and decorate their homes, perform puja, and enjoy festive meals, honoring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
What are the traditions of Diwali in the different parts of India?
Let's take a look at the Diwali traditions according to the different regions of India:
| Location in India | Diwali Traditions |
|---|---|
| North | In the North, Diwali holds special significance and is associated with the victory of the god Rama over the demon Ravana. Houses are lit up with diyas (clay lamps) and electric lights. Pujas (worship rituals) are performed in honor of the goddess Lakshmi, and people exchange sweets and gifts. In some regions, gambling is also common during this festival. |
| West (Maharashtra y Gujarat) | In Maharashtra, special celebrations include the creation of rangoli (colorful floor designs) and the preparation of traditional dishes like besan ladoo. In Gujarat, Diwali coincides with the New Year and is celebrated with fireworks, folk dances, and the worship of the goddess Lakshmi. |
| South | In southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura. Families take a bath before dawn and prepare special dishes. Decorating with lights and flowers is common, and rangolis are made. Pujas to the goddess Lakshmi are also an integral part of the celebrations. |
| East | In Bengal, the festival is known as "Kali Puja," in honor of the goddess Kali. Families decorate their homes with diyas and perform specific rituals for the goddess. The festivities include dances and music, and people also enjoy delicious traditional sweets. |
Diwali Around the World
Diwali is a festival that is not only celebrated in India. In fact, it is known that this celebration takes place in various parts of the world as well with no one answer for how to celebrate Diwali. Hindu communities across the globe come together on the designated date and follow all the Diwali traditions. In the following table, we will review how Diwali is celebrated in some countries around the world:
| Country | Diwali Traditions |
|---|---|
| Nepal | In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar. This festival is celebrated with a series of celebrations that pay homage to different animals, such as dogs, cows, and crows. Houses are decorated with lights and flowers, and rituals are performed in worship of the goddess Lakshmi. The community also gathers to sing and dance.. |
| Singapore | In Singapore, Diwali is celebrated with a grand spectacle in Little India, where the streets are lit up with bright lights and festive decorations. The Hindu community organizes parades, and cultural events are held, including dances and musical performances. Families also decorate their homes and share sweets. |
| Malaysia | In Malaysia, Diwali is a national festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. The streets are filled with decorations, and Hindu families prepare traditional meals. People often visit temples and participate in community celebrations, including fireworks and cultural dances. |
| United Kingdom | In the United Kingdom, Diwali has gained popularity among Hindu communities, especially in London. Community festivals are organized featuring music, dances, and fireworks. Schools and cultural organizations hold events to educate people about the festival, and many Hindus decorate their homes with lights.. |
| Australia | In Australia, Diwali has become a multicultural celebration. Major cities celebrate with public events that include music, dance, and food. Hindu communities decorate their homes and temples and organize worship ceremonies.In the United Kingdom, Diwali has gained popularity among Hindu communities, especially in London. Community festivals are organized featuring music, dances, and fireworks. Schools and cultural organizations hold events to educate people about the festival, and many Hindus decorate their homes with lights.. |
Common Diwali Traditions around the world
Despite cultural differences, certain Diwali traditions are common worldwide: Lights and diyas are always present. They decorate homes to create a festive atmosphere everywhere in the world. Pujas are an important component of the celebrations to ask for prosperity and good fortune. This regularly translates into offerings to Goddess Lakshmi.
Hindu families around the globe give sweets and other gifts as a way to show love and friendship. Food and traditional Diwali recipes are at the heart of the celebration. Although it depends on the country, the use of fireworks is one of the essential Diwali traditions during these festivities.
Dogs and Diwali Traditions
During the days of Diwali, dogs get a bath. Their owners wash them and adorn them with colourful garlands made of fresh flowers that are hung around each dog's neck.
This garland, called "mala," is a sign of respect and dignity for dogs, not just for those with a home but also for stray ones. Some families also paint a red line, called "tika," made with a paste of red powder mixed with rice and yoghurt, which is applied in one motion from the forehead upward from the eyes to bless them.
This Diwali tradition not only involves physical cleaning but also has a spiritual element, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Just like humans, dogs are given special dishes prepared just for them. Those participating in the festival bring dog food, such as "selroti," a fried sweet resembling a donut that is often made with milk, eggs, meat, and premium packaged food.
This not only reinforces the bond between pet and owner but also ensures the inclusion of dogs in these festive days. Although Diwali is famous for its fireworks, they can scare dogs due to their sensitive hearing. Many pet owners now choose to refrain from fireworks or opt for lower-intensity ones to avoid the stress they cause animals. Additionally, animal welfare organizations are conducting awareness campaigns about the impact of loud noises on pets and stray dogs, offering advice on how to keep them safe and calm during the festivities.
In some parts of India, special prayers and blessings for dogs are held during Diwali. Pet owners and animal lovers visit temples with their dogs to receive blessings from the priests.This practice not only emphasises the spiritual connection between humans and animals but also promotes the message of kindness and care towards all animals.
The Spirit of Diwali in the world
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, transcends mere celebration; it embodies the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. As families gather to partake Diwali traditions of gratitude, they reinforce the values of love, compassion, and unity.
This ancient tradition encourages not only the worship of deities like Lakshmi but also fosters a sense of community, reminding us of our shared humanity. Thus, teaching young students about Diwali has been a great anchor in the culture and the preservation of the meaning and traditions of this celebration.
In a world often overshadowed by division, the spirit of Diwali can serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to embrace diversity, practice kindness, and spread joy. Ultimately, Diwali invites us to reflect on our actions, urging us to contribute positively to society and the environment.
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