It is that time of the year, when the entire nation shines bright with cities adorning themselves in earthen lamps, lanterns and fairy lights. Diwali, fondly called the Festival of Lights sees firework displays, prayers and celebratory events across India. The festival is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, signifying a variety of rituals. However, the central theme which runs throughout is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali 2019 falls on October 27, and a lot is going on already. As the nation celebrates Diwali with unifying fervour, traditions and flavours vary from region to region; it is an appropriate time to know how the festival of lights is celebrated across the country. From Kali Puja to Tamil Deepavali, here is how different regions of the nation gears up to celebrate Diwali in their own traditions. Give Dry Fruits a Sweet Break, Gift These 5 Trending Presents in Office to Make It Truly a Happy Deepavali!

1. Bihar

Diwali in the state is spread across five days. The festivity begins with Dhanteras followed by Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and finally ends with the celebration of Bhai Dooj.

2. Kolkata

When the other parts of the country celebrate Diwali, people in Kolkata observes Kali Puja. Honouring Goddess Kali, the festival is marked by chanting mantras during night-time which goes up till dawn. Devotees also observe fast during the festival to seek blessing from Goddess Kali on the auspicious occasion. Important Measures To Avoid Fire Accidents During The Festival of Lights. 

3. Assam

Much like the city of joy, Assam observes Kali Puja as well during Diwali. Several pandals are decorated dedicating to Goddess Kali, and large feasts are held after the religious offerings are made. Assamese people also decorate their house with garlands, light diyas and make rangoli patterns. Types of People You Should Avoid At Any Cost to Not Ruin Your Festive Celebrations. 

4. Gujarat

For Gujaratis, Diwali is the end of the year. The next day is celebrated as the New Year’s Day called Bestu Varas. People decorate their house, create beautiful rangoli patterns at the entrances and worship Goddess Lakshmi.

5. Punjab

In Punjab, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas. The festival celebrates a Sikh historical event related to the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. It was on this day, that Guru Hargobind was released from prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir who freed 52 other Hindu kings with him. The significance might differ, but Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations are similar to Diwali. From lightening homes to arrangement of abundant feasts, Bandi Chhor Divas is no less than the festival of lights.

6. Maharashtra

Diwali celebrations in Maharashtra begin with Vasu Baras, which falls on the Ashwin Krishna Dwadashi date, according to the Marathi calendar. The festival includes celebrations that honour cows that are considered as a mother in the Hindu religion in every part of India. Maharashtrians pray Goddess Lakshmi and also observe Diwali Cha Padva where the love of a husband and a wife is celebrated.

7. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu celebrates this famous festival one day ahead of Diwali celebrated by the North Indians. Their unique traditions add more merriment to the festival. On Diwali, the people of Tami Nadu light kuthu vilaku (lamp), offer naivedhya to the gods and prepare special medicine called Deepavali Lehiyam which is taken by the members of the family. They also perform Pithru Tharpanam Puja for their ancestors.

8. Varanasi

The holy land of Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepavali, called Diwali of the Gods. At this time, Gods and Goddesses are believed to visit the Earth to take a dip in the river Ganga. Diyas and rangolis adorned the ghats, devotees offer their prayers, while pandits perform the grand Ganga aarti. However, Dev Deepawali takes place, fifteen days after Diwali. Know Everything About Dev Deepavali Celebrations in Varanasi. 

And that is how the entire nation celebrates the beautiful festival of lights. While the significance might differ, the celebration of good over evil remains stagnant in all the different regions of our country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2019 01:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).