Why is Deepawali (Diwali) celebrated?

Deepawali, the festival of lights is celebrated by Hindus not only in India but all over the world. It marks the celebration of victory of the good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Even Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs also celebrate this festival for various reasons. There are various legends and history behind the celebration of Diwali. 

1. As per one of the legends the occasion of Diwali is actually the birth anniversary of Goddess Lakshmi. It says the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi was re-incarnated on the new moon night of the Karthik month. To mark the importance of this day people perform Lakshimi puja and seek the blessings of Goddess of wealth and prosperity. 

It is also believed that on this day Lord Vishnu in his fifth incarnation as Vamana-avatar rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali.

2. The most popular legend goes like this. In Hinduism Diwali is celebrated to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana to the kingdom after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Raavana. 

It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness.

3. In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Mahavira on 15 October, 527 BC

4. In Sikhism it celebrates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji (1595-1644), the sixth Guru of Sikhism, to Amritsar who was imprisoned along with 53 other Hindu kings at Fort Gwalior by Jahangir.

5. Krishna Killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival

6. The Return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’, it was ‘Kartik Amavashya’ when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.

Significance of Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth is an important Hindu festival celebrated in the Northern parts of India. It is usually celebrated by married women who fast for the entire day and pray for the safety, prosperity and long life of their husbands. However, in some parts like Punjab and Haryana, even unmarried girls observe this festival to get good life partners.
The latest trend is even husbands have started observing Karva Chauth to show love and commitment towards their better halves. 

Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day after the full moon (according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Kartik). Karva means diya (earthen lamp) and chauth means four in Hindi. This term overall means that the festival falls on the 4th day after the full moon.

Karva Chauth book: This is required to read the story (katha) in front of other women who are fasting. The story is usually read by an elderly woman or priest.

The Karva Chauth Pooja Thali: The puja thali is decorated beautifully. It consists of the roli, vermilion, sacred water, dry fruits, earthen clay pots, diyas and different types of Indian sweets. The thali can be of any material silver, brass or steel thali depending on one’s choice. Even the items can vary from culture to culture. Women in Rajasthan put wheat, matthi. In few cultures, steel strainer is used to view the moon whereas in other cultures, women directly look at the moon and break their fast. So, different places follow different traditions.

Beginning of Vrat: The day of Karwa Chauth begins very early morning when the women of the family have a sargi i.e. the pre-dawn meal. The sargi consists of several scrumptious dishes. Once the married woman has eaten her share of sargi, her phase of fast begins. Now on wards she is not supposed to eat or even drink water for the entire day. The entire day is celebrated like a festive occasion with community gathering, songs, henna rituals and other such things.

Women get all decked up to celebrate the most awaited festival. They mostly wear red colored sarees or lehengas and dress up like brides. Mehendi is one of the most important shringar items. It is very crucial to apply mehendi on the palms.

Food items: Different sweets are made in every household. While few prepare dishes like kachori, sabzi, there are many who go for special delicacies. Even sweets vary from culture to culture. 

Festivals of South India

The southern region of India comprises of four states namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and the union territory of Pondicherry. The weather in these regions is mainly hot and pleasant during winters. The coastal areas are pleasant throughout the year with heavy rainfall during the monsoons. South India follows the Dravidian tradition and has different ways to celebrate their own festivals.

Famous for their passion for religion, tradition, customs and culture, people living in South India follow a very ritualistic lifestyle. Therefore, festivals of South India make them popular all over the globe.  The tourists visiting South India during festive time will definitely try not to miss the celebrations of the festivals.

Andhra Pradesh represents cosmopolitan nature and varied customs and cultures are prevalent here. Hyderabad being the capital of this state, which was ruled by the Nizam, has seen the state celebrating the Id festivals with great fervour. Biryani and Haleem preparations are the specialty of Telugu Muslims during Ramzan. The festival of Makar Sankranti or Pongal holds special place in Andhra community. This harvest festival is celebrated for 3 days in Mid January. The New Year falling in the month of April is called the Ugadi and celebrated with new clothes and sweets. The birthday of Lord Ganesh, Vinayak Chaturthi, falling in September is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Rayalseema Food and Dance Festival and Lumbini Festival are unique to Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala Brahmotsavam is celebrated annually at Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati around September and October. 

Karnataka has a multi religious and multi cultured population. Hence there is a lot of variety in the festivities and celebrations. The most famous of them all is its special Dushera, popularly known as the Mysore Dushera. The Kannadigas celebrate this festival with pomp and glamor and dedicate the festival to Goddess Chamundeshwari. It is a 10-day long festival which falls in the month of October. On the last day of Vijaya Dashami, a colourful procession of caparisoned elephants carrying the idol of goddess Chamundi is taken through the gaily-decorated streets of the city. The festival was started by the Maharaja of Mysore and is being continued till date.

Another unique festival of Karnataka is the Karaga festival which is celebrated in Bangalore in the honour of the queen of Pandavas, Draupadi. Karaga is celebrated on the full moon day of April, the first month of the Kannada calendar. Yugadi is the New Year celebration in Karnataka. This usually falls on the day after the new moon day in the month of March or April.Hampi Festival is organized in November-December in appreciation of the ruined city of Hampi, which was once the capital of the Vijaynagar empire. The city comes to life during this festival, which consist of dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows, and marvelous processions, which adds to its great attraction among the tourists.
The Rajyotsava Day is a state festival celebrated November 1st every year to commemorate the formation of the state.

Kerala, famous as God’s own country, is famous for its back waters and boat races. This small state has nearly equal population of Hindus, Muslims and Christians staying and celebrating their festivals in harmony. Vishu is the New Year of the Malayali people, which falls every year on 14th of April. Another important festival is the Onam. Onam falls in August – September. This day is celebrated in the honour of the King Mahabali who once ruled Kerala. Trichur Pooram is celebrated in the sweltering heat of the summer season at the Vadakkunathan Temple in Trichur. It is believed that on this day the respective deities of other temples visit Vadakkunathan temple.

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Nehru Trophy Boat Race is Held every year on the second Saturday of August. This water carnival is the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colorful boats with loads of spectators is a marvelous treat for tourists. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha and is the most famous of all. A complete magnificent occasion to visit Kerala and explore its riches.

Pongal, the harvest festival is the most popular festival of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated over 4 days in the month of January. On the First day of fest (Bhogi), people clean up their places and homes taking out each and every wastage and unusable item and burning them up in the bonfire. The second day (Surya Pongal) marks worshiping and offering prayers while paying homage to Sun God. On the third day they pay homage to cattle, which are decorated and given food. The fourth day is biggest day, people gather at various places and celebrate the last day with dance, music and feast.

Natyanjali Dance Festival is organized to mark respect and importance to the lord of dancers, Lord Nataraja. This famous fest is organized annually in the month of February during the beginning of Mahashivratri. The Meenakshi Kalyanam is a ten day festival, which takes place in April – May at Madurai. On this day the Goddess Meenakshi is wedded to Lord Shiva. The Karthigai Deepam festival can be termed as an extension of Diwali in Tamil Nadu as it falls just after the main festival of Diwali. It is the festival dedicated to the immortal light created by lord Shiva. Many houses add one lamp for the day from Diwali and by this day the houses are full of Lamps. The lamps are worshiped and they burn day and night also on the streets.

The Masimagam festival in mid March is a huge celebration when deities of around 50 odd temples from nearby reach Pondicherry. A sanctimonious sea bath is then held on the beach. Thousands come to witness and participate in this festival. The Veerampattinam and the Villianur Car Festival are held in July and May respectively. The deities of these temples are taken out on carriages, which are drawn by devotees. Masquerade, held in March – April, is a popular mask festival, during which brilliantly costumed and masked people of Pondicherry, dance down the streets to the music of trumpets and accordions. During the Eve of the Bastille Day in July, retired soldiers parade the streets in war finery, singing the French and Indian National Anthem.

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Festivals of West India

Western India is the entertainment hub of the country, and therefore any event, function or festival that is celebrated here is give major importance. One might just have a lifetime experience if he is visiting Western India during any festive time. Moreover, under such strong customs and traditions that belong to the region, you are going to witness true colors of India. The common Festivals throughout West India include Holi, Janmashthami, Bhai Dooj etc.

The most awaited festival in Goa, the Goa Carnival is an integral part of Portuguese legacy in the state. It is a three day festival which is highlighted by colors, dance and music. Goa turns into a paradise during February/March attracting the tourists all over the world.  Shigmotsav or Shigmo is celebrated in Goa with lots of fanfare and gusto. It is a festival of colors much like Holi that continues for five days.
Novidade is one of the prominent festivals of Goa and is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and jauntiness by both Hindus and Christians in Goa. The Novidade festival marks the beginning of the harvesting season, where the farmers of both religions offer their first rice crop to the church before proceeding with further harvesting.
Pop and Jazz Music Festival, Beach Bonanza, Igitun Chalne, Grape Festival are some of the other celebrations observed in Goa.

Ganesh Chathurthi is the biggest festival celebrated in Maharashtra. People buy idols of Ganesha and install in their houses and worship for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken ceremoniously through the streets of the town and immersed in well, river or sea. Elephanta Festival is held during the month of February at the Elephanta Island across Mumbai Harbor, near the popular Elephanta Caves. Highlighted by feast of music and dance under dark sky, the entire island transforms into a large auditorium. Over the past years it has become one of the major attraction for tourists.The Parsi New Year of Pateti is celebrated within the Parsi community of Mumbai, Maharashtra with much gaiety and fun.The coastal Maharashtra celebrates the Narali Purnima, worshipping the Sea God. Maharashtra being agriculture oriented state, Oxen carry immense importance in the lives of the farmers who earlier used to plough their lands with the help of these Bullocks. On the day of Pola, the farmer decorates his cattle, worships it and feeds them with goodies. It is a rest day for the Oxen and the cows and no farmer works on this day.Ellora Festival is a festival of dance and music held in the splendid surroundings of the world-heritage listed cave temple of Ellora, about 30 km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra This festival showcases the best talents and is a unique and charming way to experience the magnificent caves, imbibing centuries of history and culture. The festival is organised at Ellora caves in the month of March every year.Shivaji Jayanti, Thimithi, Kalidas Festival, Gudi Padwa are some of the important festivals celebrated here. 

Gujarat celebrates approximately 2000 festivals in year out of which most are regional based fairs and festivals dedicated to the deity. Festivals of Gujarat are extremely colorful and elaborate.

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The most colorful and popular festival is Navratri celebrated throughout nine days in the month of October. People of all age groups assemble in temple compounds and sing and dance to the popular numbers in their traditional dance form of Garba raas and Dandiya till the wee hours in the morning. The festival ends with Dusshera.
The other popular festival is the Kite festival. It is an international kite festival held during the Makar Sankranti in January. People from all over the world come to participate in this internationally acclaimed festival for a display of their kites.
The Dang Darbar coinciding with Holi in March is another big event in Gujarat. Held in the Ahwa region and Dang district it is a unique celebration of Holi by the tribes. The huge Janmashtami celebrations held in Dwarka, the abode of Krishna is a delightful sight.
Other festivals like Modhera Dance Festival, Saptak Music Festival,  Lili Parikrama Fair, Shamlaji Fair and Vautha Fair are unique in Gujarat. 

The people of Rajasthan celebrate several festivals with gusto and fervour. Animal fairs are part of the lives of people in Rajasthan. The Gangaur festival is very much similar to that of the one celebrated in Madhya Pradesh. In Rajasthan too it is celebrated around March when the ladies bring home the Gauri, wife of Shiva and worship her and then on last day immerse the idol.

The Mewar Festival takes place in the lake city of Udaipur during this time. An exhilarating welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays.
Bundi Festival is one of the most attractive and beautiful festival held in the Hadoti district of Rajasthan held in the month of November every year. Bundi Utsav is a spectacular culmination of traditional art, culture and craftsmanship which surprises every visitor with its grandeur.The Urs held every year in the scorching month of May, at the dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer commemorates his symbolic union with God.Teej is the festival of swings celebrated in August. Dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, it marks the advent of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. Pushkar Fair, Bikaner Camel festival, Sitabari Fair, Jaipur Literature Festival, Nagaur Fair are some of the vibrant and colorful fairs which attract thousands of visitors. 

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East Indian Festivals

Festivals form an integral part of the socio-cultural life of the people of East India. Most of their festivals are connected with agriculture as it is the main occupation of the people. And moreover the best thing about this is that there are innumerable tribes in eastern India, hence there are numerous festivals through out the year.

Bihu is the most important festival of Assam. In a year, there are three types of Bihu festivals named Rangali Bihu (15th & 16th April), Bhogali Bihu (14th-16th January) and Kangali Bihu (Sep-Oct). Among the three the most important is the Rangali Bihu, also called Bahag Bihu, celebrated during the spring season. This festival marks the start of agricultural festival. The main event of the festival is the Bihu dance by young boys and girls accompanied by music sung by women and special festival cuisine is prepared during these days.

The Assam Majuli Festival is held on the bank of river Luit in Majuli Island. Majuli Island is an inbound destination in Majuli Island, one that is visited for being a cultural hub of Assam.
The Elephant Festival in Kaziranga is a special event held in Assam. During this festival, the elephants can be witnessed all standing in a row after row as they walk before fascinated spectators. There are elephant races and games for guests to enjoy.
Jorhat is the hub of Tea festival in November. The celebrations include a visit to the many tea gardens, golf course and Guwahati Tea auction Center. The Assamese cuisine and fresh Assam tea is the feature of the festival.
Patkai Festival is celebrated at Lekhapani in Dehing near Tinsukia, an eastern district of Assam.
Brahmaputra Beach Festival is celebrated at the same time as that of Bhogali Bihu, which is the harvest festival of Assam. Elephant Race, kite flying, beach cricket and volleyball are the main attraction of this Beach Festival.

Another prominent state in the eastern part of India is Orissa. Famous for its ancient connections with the Maurya dynasty, Kalinga as it was known then is today known as pilgrim of the east. The major eastern festivals of Durga and Kali Puja along with other common festivals are celebrated here.
Magha Saptami is the most popular and colourful festival of the temple city of Konark. This is an occasion for a grand congregating of Indian pilgrims who take holy dips in the Chandrabhaga Tirtha near the sea and welcome the rising Sun with prayers. This festival falls around end of February.
Jaggannath Puri is one of the four sacred pilgrimages of India. The Rath Yatra that takes place here every June – July is the most famous religious occasion. The three deities Lord Jaggannath, Balbhadra, his brother and Subhadra, his sister are taken in a chariot procession to their summer temple for a week

Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals in India celebrated in the month of October. But on the eastern region of the country specially in West Bengal it is much more than a festival. People in the state go around crazy celebrating life to fullest, culture, popular customs and traditions. It is the time when families and friends get reunited at one place for love and affection, to share and to care.
Durga Puja is a ten days long celebration of the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and establishing peace and order in the Three Worlds.
Apart from Ma Durga, Durga Puja also involves the worshiping of Her sons Karthik and Ganesha, daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati and husband Lord Shiva who accompany Her on her journey to Earth.

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Five days after, on the full moon night comes the Lakshmi Puja. Idols of Lakshmi are installed and worshipped for a day. Within fifteen days of Durga Puja comes Diwali celebrated all over India and known as Kali Puja in West Bengal. Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the next day of Diwali. 

The Losar Festival is also called as the New Year Festival and is the most important festival celebrated in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh. Losar is celebrated by the Monpas who forms the major portion of population in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh. This part of population commemorates the advent of the New Year for about 8 to 15 days. Festival of Losar is the time when the Monpas enjoy the time with high festive spirit and prepares for merry making and feasting together with friends and relatives. Other festivals celebrated here are the Reh Festival, the Ojiyale Festival, the Tamladu Festival, the Khan Festival, the Sanken Festival and the Mopin Festival.

Chapchar Kut, considered as the most important traditional festival of Mizoram, is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. It marks the start of spring and brings in the festive mood to the lives of Mizos as they prepare themselves to celebrate the festival of happiness. It is very popular among tourists visiting the destination at that time. It falls in the month of March.

Jharkhand, the newly formed state was earlier part of the bigger state of Bihar. Primarily inhabited by tribes, this state is rich in Mines and Minerals, Industries, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Forests. Sarhul is the most famous festival among the tribes. Chaul is another festival celebrated.

One of the most prominent sites of the Buddhist pilgrimage, Bodhgaya, rests in Bihar. Huge celebrations take place in Bodhgaya during Buddha Purnima. The Buddhists believe that Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and also attained nirvana on the same day. Buddhist rituals for celebrating the three-in-one occasion are naturally elaborate. The day falls in the month of May. Bihar is also the birth place of the 24th tirthankar who preached the Jain religion, Lord Mahavir. Mahavir Jayanti is the most pious occasion for the Jain community. On this auspicious day grand chariot procession with the image of Mahavir are taken out, rich ceremonies are held in the temples, fasts and charities are observed, Jain scriptures are read, and at some places grand fairs are set up.

The most famous festivals of all is the Chhath. Chhath falls on the sixth day in the month of Kartik, which is around November just after Diwali. The festival is dedicated to Sun God. Women keep fast and worship the Sun God during sun rise and sun set. The prayers are primarily for the well being of their children. The other festivals celebrated are , the colorful festival of Dance and Music, Sonepur Cattle fair, where Goddess Saraswati is worshiped. 

The small state of Sikkim on the foothills of the Himalayas is a beautiful unexplored religious state. Majority of the population here is Buddhist although Hindu population is also present. The Losoong or the Sonam Losar is celebrated as the New Year around February here. People rejoice and celebrate their harvest. Pang Lhabsol, celebrated in August is a unique Sikkim festival. Tashiding Bumchu is another typically Sikkim festival. It occurs around January – February and continuous for three days when devotees from different parts of Himalayas come for blessings and celebrations at Tashiding monastery. Holiest of all the Buddhist festivals, Saga Dawa is a Triple Blessed Festival. On this day in different years of his life, Lord Buddha took birth, achieved Enlightenment and passed away attaining Nirvana. Thus three important events are celebrated in the festival of Saga Dawa.

Nagaland is known as the land of festivals as each tribe celebrates its own festival with dedication and passion. Tuluni Festival is marked with feasts as the occasion occurs in the fruitful season of the year. This festival is celebrated with great pomp by the Sumi tribe of Nagaland. Some of the important festivals celebrated are: Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January, Mimkut by the Kukis in January, Bushu by the Kacharis in January, Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February, Aoling by the Konyaks in April, Moatsu by the Aos in May, Tuluni by the Sumis in July, Nyaknylum by the Changs in July, Tokhu Emong by the Lothas in November and Yemshe by the Pochurys in October. 

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