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Unique Ways How Different Cultures Celebrate Diwali In India

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Diwali, the Festival of lights, is celebrated with much pomp and splendour all across India. Being the multi-cultural nation that we live in, many legends are associated with its rich culture. Each culture celebrates the festival in a different and special way. Keep reading on to find out about the unique ways different cultures celebrate Diwali in India.

1. Delhi – One of the recommended places to visit for Diwali in India

Ram Lila, Diwali, Delhi

Ram Lila is staged all across India during Diwali celebrations but if you want to watch the best Ramlila performance, head to Delhi. Ram Lila performances held at the Ram Leela Maidan, Subhas Maidan and Red Fort are a must watch and enjoyed by locals and visitors from different states.

2. Orissa

The people of Orissa celebrate Diwali by erecting tall bamboo poles in front of their homes. A pot is tied to the top of bamboo with a lamp lit inside it. They believe that lighting the dark street in such a way will help dead ancestors find their way to heaven.

3. Kumaon

Kumaoni Diwali Celebration

The Kumaoni celebrate Diwali by painting the thresholds of their houses red. They do so with Geru – the filtered red soil and rice solution to paint the doorsteps. This unique form of art is called Aipan and is a way for the locals to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their homes.

4. Kolkata

Howrah Bridge, Kolkata

The Bengalis celebrate Diwali with fun and frolic which to them means, a game of cards, alcohol and a grand spread that consists of fish, meats, sweets and a lot more. What truly sets the Bengali celebration apart is the lighting up of the Howrah Bridge. Thus bringing true meaning to the ‘Festival of Lights’.

5. Jammu and Kashmir

Diyas in Dal Lake, Diwali

The celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir have a touch of classic grandeur to them. During the festive season, the Dal Lake is light with thousands of diyas floating in the water. With a glimmer in the waters and the majestic mountains in the background, there can be no place as peaceful as this to celebrate Diwali at.

6. Amritsar

Golden Temple during Diwali

The Punjabis celebrate Diwali with a lot of fanfare that includes great food, a lot of colours and bright lights. The centre of attraction is undoubtedly the Golden Temple which is lit with bright lights that complements the fireworks in the sky. To enjoy a spectacularly spiritual Diwali, head off to Amritsar.

7. Varanasi

Varanasi Diwali Celebration

The people of Varanasi celebrate Diwali by lighting up all the ghats in the town with diyas. The whole city resounds of chants of mantras to Goddess Lakshmi to add a spiritual touch to the celebrations. With the entire city lit up with diyas, this is one of the most serene places to celebrate Diwali in India.

8. Goa

Burning Narakasura, Goa

The Goans celebrate Diwali as Narka Chaturdas by burning effigies of the demon Narakasura (made of paper and filled with hay). This is followed by a visit to a local temple and a grand feast where the rich and poor dine together. Pick a Goa tour Package that lets you experience this unique celebration in all its glory.

9. Rajasthan – One of the recommended places to visit for Diwali in India

Rajasthan Diwali Celebration

Being a rich & vibrant culture, the Rajasthanis celebrate Diwali by lighting up the major cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur. The markets in these cities all compete to look the best by decorating themselves with vibrant lights and a plethora of colours. If you want to experience a colourful and bright Diwali, you know where to head to.

Suggested Read: Top Ten Places To Celebrate Holi In India

10. Kovalam

Kovalam Diwali Celebration

Celebrate Diwali in a quiet way in the quaint town of Kovalam, Karnataka. The locals celebrate the festival with just as much fanfare, minus the excessive noises. The beautiful landscape of the town just adds to the festivities and lets you experience a celebration unlike any other.

11. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Diwali Celebration

Himachal Pradesh celebrates Diwali in the most religious way. White clay and cow-dung is smeared over the walls and decorating them with images of animals and birds. This is done to please the Goddess of Wealth – Lakshmi, who the locals believe will visit them and settle on the purest house. For a soulful and spiritual Diwali, pick a Himachal Tour Package this festive season.

Suggested Read: 5 Must Visit Places In Himachal Pradesh

12. Tamil Nadu

People here celebrate one of the most unique ways possible. They do so by taking a full body oil bath. The significance of this is that they believe such a bath in oil is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. After the ritual, people eat a hearty breakfast that consists of sweets and other South Indian dishes.

With so many unique ways how different cultures celebrate Diwali in India, you have the freedom to celebrate the festival of lights in many beautiful ways. Do let us know in the comments where you will be heading with your family to celebrate Diwali this year.

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