When is Diwali 2024?
Diwali is India's biggest festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. This year, Diwali falls on October 31st, Thursday. Unique traditions are associated with Diwali in different states and cities. Some remember their ancestors, while others celebrate Kali Chaudas. Learn about some of these unique traditions and beliefs associated with Diwali.
Ancestor Worship in Odisha
In Odisha, a state in South India, people remember their ancestors and pray for their presence during Diwali. They light jute ropes on Diwali night to guide their ancestors from heaven, preventing them from facing darkness.
Kali Chaudas in Kolkata
In Kolkata, the tradition is to worship Goddess Durga instead of Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali. Kali Chaudas is celebrated a day before Diwali. In many homes, the idol of Goddess Kali is installed two days prior. Some places also practice tantric rituals on this day.
Stove Worship in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the stove is thoroughly cleaned before Diwali and five dots of turmeric or kumkum are applied to it. The stove is also worshipped during Lakshmi Puja. Early on Diwali morning, people massage themselves with oil and then visit temples after bathing.
Naraka Chaturdasi in Andhra Pradesh
Naraka Chaturdasi holds more significance than Lakshmi Puja in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, killed the demon Narakasura on this day. Hence, clay idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama are worshipped.
Cow and Calf Worship in Maharashtra
Diwali is a four-day festival in Maharashtra. On the first day, a cow and calf are worshipped. The next day, on Naraka Chaturdasi, a special bath with a scrub is taken before sunrise, known as Abhyanga Snan. Lakshmi Puja is performed on the following day, Diwali.