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Discover the unique ways Diwali is celebrated across India, and create your own Diwali Postcard!

Explore what makes Diwali so special in different parts of our country

Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi)

In Uttar Pradesh, Diwali feasting includes traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and Pedas. In Varanasi, the Ganga ghats glow with rows of diyas and floating Deepdan offerings. Two weeks later, Dev Deepavali bathes the city in moonlit magic along the riverside!

Bihar

In Bihar, Diwali begins with Dhanteras, a tradition where people buy utensils in honour of an age-old mythological tale. Bustling markets come alive as families shop for symbolic items to mark the occasion.

Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal, Diwali comes twice! Budhi Diwali, celebrated a month later, lights up select pockets of the state with midnight bonfires, lively Nati processions, folk dances, and drums echoing through the night. The sweet Babru, made with sugar and dough, is a festive favourite!

Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra, Diwali is celebrated with blessings sought from a clay idol and musical narrations of devotional tales. A touch of indulgence is added with Mughlai delights like Shahi Tukda Phirni and Qubani ka Meetha, and all-time favourites—Karijalu, Ariselu, and Pootharekulu.

Gujarat

During Diwali in Gujarat, women apply kajal from the remnants of ghee-lit diyas, and Annakut—a grand offering of food—is presented to the gods. In Panchmahal, the festivities include people tossing firecrackers at each other.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, women light lamps for the men of the house during the Yamadeepdaan ceremony. Bhau Beej, celebrated on the second day, honours the cherished bond between brothers and sisters. Diwali festivities wouldn’t be complete without a delicious Faral spread including Anarsa, Karanji, Chakli, and Sev!

Goa

In Goa, Diwali kicks off with towering Narkasur statues stuffed with firecrackers. These giant demons parade through the streets before bursting into flames in a thrilling, fiery celebration!

Rajasthan

Rajasthan dazzles for Diwali! The palaces and markets of Jaipur and Udaipur twinkle with lights, and Diwali Poojan begins with a royal flair, creating an unforgettable, festive spectacle. The Diwali menu includes unique treats like Anjeer Cutlet, Ghevar, and Mawa Kachori. Kathputli shows as well as a tradition of women putting kajal from ghee-lit diyas, further add to the unique festivities.

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Diwali sparkles with a grand puja and glowing homes lit by 14 diyas for Bhoot Chaturdashi. Offerings of fish and hibiscus, along with cheese-based sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh, add flavour to the celebration. Vibrant pandals and night rituals make the festivities even more magical!

Odisha

In Odisha, Diwali shines with the Bada Badua Daka ceremony, invoking ancestral blessings. A sailboat rangoli adorns the floor and, in the evening, families light jute stems from a fire held in an earthen pot for the Kauriya Kathi ritual, adding a special glow to the festivities.Traditional Odia sweets such as khaja, rasagola, chakuli pitha, and manda pitha are prepared as part of the celebrations.

Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh, Diwali is celebrated as 'Diyari,' a tribal festival that begins with a ceremonial marriage of crops. Traditional clothes, rhythmic drum beats, and beautifully adorned cattle complete the festivities! Special treats like khurma, petha, balushahi, and chakli are prepared as part of the celebrations.

Assam

In Assam, Diwali traditions come alive as earthen lamps twinkle on banana trees at the entrance of homes and businesses, welcoming the festive spirit! The celebrations are sweetened with delightful Narikol Laddoos, a beloved Diwali treat!

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Diwali kicks off with a pre-sunrise oil bath, followed by herbal Deepavali Legiyam to help digestion before the festive feasting. Savoury snacks like Murukku, Seedai, Kara Mixture, and sweets like Adhirasam and Payasam make the celebration extra delicious!

Karnataka

In coastal Karnataka, Diwali celebrates King Bali with Balipadyami. Farmers offer food in paddy fields, build cow dung forts, and families indulge in festive card games. Sweet treats like Holige/Obbattu and the iconic Mysore Pak are mouth-watering staples of the festivities!

Delhi

Delhi, with its rich history and vibrant culture, celebrates Diwali with immense fervor, and the Qutub Minar is one of the key landmarks that is beautifully illuminated during the festival. As Diwali approaches, the ancient streets of Old Delhi come alive with colorful lights, bustling markets, and traditional festivities. Treats such as jalebi, daulat ki chaat and rabri further add to the festivities.

Kerala

Diwali in Kerala is celebrated in a more intimate and less commercialized manner than in North India, blending local customs with the spirit of Diwali to create a unique experience reflective of the state’s diverse cultural fabric. Community gatherings, fireworks and sweets like payasam add to the festival spirit.

Punjab

Diwali in Punjab is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, blending different kinds of traditional customs. While Diwali, the festival of lights, holds importance across India, in Punjab it has a unique flavor because of its deep connection to their heritage and history. Monuments are lit up in a grand manner and sweets like boondi laddoo, channa barfi and lauki halwa are prepared to celebrate the festivities.