Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It is celebrated in not only India but other parts of the world like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Malaysia with zest and fervour. There are many variations in the celebration of this festival in different parts of India, but the essence is the same. People worship the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi on the occasion of Diwali. The festival of lights is known as Deepavali too. It begins on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvin and end in the month of Kartik.
Diwali in West India holds a special significance. The celebrations in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra start earlier than the rest of India. Diwali in West India, particularly in Gujarat has some striking differences. The celebration begins on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha of Ashvin (month of Aaso according to Gujarati calendar). On the 12th day, ‘Vagh Baras’ is celebrated which is dedicated to the calf and her mother cow. The 13th day is celebrated as ‘Dhanteras’ like the rest of India. On this day, people decorate their houses with lamps and ‘Rangoli’. Small footprints are made out of vermillion powder and rice flour in all parts of the house to indicate the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. It is a custom to buy one or more new utensils or gold and silver jewellery on this day. Lamps are kept alight throughout the night.
The next day of Diwali in West India is celebrated as ‘Kali Chaudas’ in Gujarat and ‘Naraka Chaturdashi’ in other regions. It is a custom to apply a paste made of gram flour, kumkum and oil and take a bath before sunrise on this day. People burn crackers and smash fruits to symbolize the death of demon king Narakasura. The next day is the most important part of the festival- Lakshmi Pooja. People worship the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on this day, distribute gifts and sweets to their loved ones and illuminate their houses. It is a custom to light lamps and candles in the evening to ward of darkness of no moon day. Children burn firecrackers and enjoy special delicacies prepared for this day. The following day is celebrated as ‘Padawa’ in Maharashtra and is considered ideal for beginning new ventures. In Maharashtra, the day is also celebrated as ‘Bali Pratipada’ which is the celebration of the relation of Husband and wife. The wife marks his husband’s forehead with a ceremonial ‘tika’ and he gives her a gift. It is also the Gujarati New Year which is marked by people meeting and greeting each other.
The last day of Diwali in West India is celebrated as ‘Bhai Bij’ or ‘Bhaiya Dooj’. This is a festival celebrating the bond between a brother and sister and the celebrations are quite similar to the festival of ‘Raksha Bandhan’. In some parts of Gujarat, the next day is the extended celebration of ‘Labh Pancham’. This marks the end of almost a week long of celebration in West India.