New Delhi

This year's Deepawali or Diwali is extra special for one and all. Not only this year humans will be celebrating the Festival of Lights without any fear of deadly virus; they can also meet and greet their kith and kin thereby breaking the monotony of online-festivities.

With that in mind different parts of India will be celebrating Diwali in their own unique style.

In most parts of India, Diwali is celebrated by worshipping Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, with lighting up homes with diyas, giving sweets and gifts to loved ones and bursting crackers.

Hereby listed are a few ways in which Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India:

Bengal

Diwali in Bengal coincides with Kali Puja or Shyama Puja that takes place at night. Goddess Kali is decked up with hibiscus flowers and worshipped in temples and households.

Devotees also offer sweets, lentils, rice and fish to Maa Kali. Temples in Kolkata like Dakshineshwar and Kalighat are famous for Kali Puja. Also, the night before Kali Puja, Bengalis follow the Bhoot Chaturdashi ritual to overcome the evil power by lighting up 14 diyas at home. In places like Barasat near Kolkata,

Kali Puja takes place in a manner as grandiose as Durga Puja, with themed pandals and melas. In front of the Kali pandals, one will also notice figures of demons Dakini and Yogini.

Ayodhya is the birth place of Lord Rama who was anointed as King on the day of Diwali after his 14-year exile. While traditionally, the Hindus prayed in temples on this day and celebrated the festival at homes, these days, on the eve of Diwali, a grand Deepotsav is held here on the banks of Saryu river to commemorate the celebrationg of Rama's being anointed as King.

In UP, Varanasi celebrates the festival as Dev Deepawali, the festival of Gods. Devotees believe that Gods and Goddesses come down to earth to take a dip in the holiy Ganga during this time. Prayers and diyas are offered to river Ganga and the banks, adorned with lamps and rangolis look profoundly mesmerising. Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon of the Kartika month and takes place fifteen days after Diwali.

Odisha

In Odisha, on the occasion of Diwali, people perform Kauriya Kathi. It is a ritual in which people worship their ancestors in heaven. They burn jute sticks to call upon their ancestors and seek their blessings. During Diwali, Odias worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali. 

Maharashtra

Diwali in Maharashtra commences with the Vasu Baras ritual that takes place to honour cows. People celebrate Dhanteras to pay homage to the ancient doctor, Dhanvantari.

On the occasion of Diwali, Maharashtrians worship Goddess Lakshmi and observe Diwali Cha Padva, celebrating the love of husband and wife. The celebrations end with Bhav Bij and Tusli Vivah that marks the starting of weddings.

Gujarat

With Diwali, a year ends for the people of Gujarat. Gujaratis celebrate the Gujarati New Year’s Day, Bestu Varas, on the next day of Diwali. The celebrations start with Vaag Baras, followed by Dhanteras, Kali Chaudash, Diwali, Bestu Varas, and Bhai Bij.

South India

People in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, begin the day with an oil bath before sunrise. Elders apply oil on the heads of the younger family members. In parts of Tamil Nadu, it is customary to eat a bit of lehyam (a medicinal preparation) on this day.

Goa

In Goa, Diwali is dedicated to Lord Krishna destroying the demon Narkasur. Mammoth effigies of the demon are made and burnt down on the dawn of Narakasura Chaturdashi, a day before Diwali. During Diwali, many people in Goa and parts of South India smear coconut oil on their bodies to free themselves of sin.

Punjab

In Punjab, Diwali falls around the same time of Bandi Chhor Diwas, a Sikh festival celebrated with lighting up of households and gurudwaras, gifting, bursting crackers and feasting.

Punjabi Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. The celebration of Diwali also marks the arrival of winters in Punjab.