Diwali Celebrations Across India – Regional Traditions and Customs

Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of India’s most cherished festivals, celebrated with grandeur and joy across the country. While its core essence—victory of light over darkness, good over evil—remains the same, the customs, stories, and rituals vary from one region to another.

From lighting up homes and temples in North India to performing early morning rituals in the South, and from celebrating Kali Puja in the East to vibrant markets and farals in the West, Diwali reflects India’s diversity like no other festival.
 

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Although Diwali is widely celebrated across India, the reasons and rituals behind it differ by region. In North India, the festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Homes are lit with diyas, and fireworks fill the skies. In South India, Deepavali (as it’s locally called) is associated with the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The day begins with an oil bath before sunrise, followed by sweets and crackers.

In Eastern states, especially West Bengal and Odisha, the focus shifts to the worship of Goddess Kali during Kali Puja, while Western India blends Laxmi Puja with Diwali and celebrates it as the start of a new year, particularly in Gujarat. From story to celebration, the variation is fascinating. Whether you're decorating your home or preparing for festive feasts, Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMIs help you make every aspect of Diwali more special and accessible.

North India

Cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Amritsar, and Jaipur go all out during Diwali. In Ayodhya, Deepotsav lights up the city with lakhs of diyas. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, held fifteen days after Diwali, turns the ghats into a glowing wonder. Amritsar’s Golden Temple looks magical when lit, and Jaipur’s markets dazzle with colourful lights and shopping buzz.

South India

In states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, Deepavali is usually celebrated a day earlier than in the North. Rituals begin at dawn with an oil bath, followed by wearing new clothes, lighting crackers, and enjoying regional sweets like adhirasam and murukku.

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East India

In Kolkata and parts of Odisha and Bihar, Kali Puja coincides with Diwali. Devotees worship the fierce form of Goddess Durga with offerings and chants. Streets are adorned with rangolis and candles, and families gather for Bhai Dooj, honouring sibling bonds.

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West India

In Maharashtra, Diwali involves five days of celebration—starting with Vasu Baras and ending with Bhai Dooj. People prepare faral (a platter of traditional snacks) and perform Laxmi Puja. In Goa, Diwali begins with the burning of Narkasura effigies, while Gujarat welcomes the new year with fireworks and Rangoli competitions. Cities like Pune and Ahmedabad are known for vibrant local markets.
 

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Food is at the heart of every Indian celebration, and Diwali is no exception. Every region has its signature festive delicacies. In the North, laddoos, kaju katli, and mathri are prepared in large batches. In the South, people enjoy sweets like mysore pak, adhirasam, and savoury murukku.

Maharashtra’s faral includes sweet treats like anarse and savouries like chakli, while Bengal’s roshogolla and sandesh add a touch of Eastern sweetness. To make your festive cooking easier, this is a great time to upgrade your fridge or oven; or invest in a new mixer-grinder. With Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMI options, you can equip your kitchen without straining your Diwali budget. Check out the latest offers now and start shopping smart.

Shopping is a key part of Diwali prep—be it for home décor, gifts, new clothes, or even gold and electronics. Across cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Pune, and Bangalore, markets come alive with festive buzz. Today’s gifting trends include smartwatches, kitchen gadgets, furniture, and even travel experiences. Whether you're gifting loved ones or upgrading your home, there's something for everyone. Check out the latest offers and make your Diwali shopping easy and joyful.

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There’s no one way to celebrate Diwali. Some enjoy traditional rituals at home, others use the holiday to travel or reconnect with family. Many people now focus on sustainable celebrations, investing in LED lights, eco-friendly décor, or choosing experiences over things.

Modern celebrations often include upgrading homes, gifting smart gadgets, or even investing in new furniture and appliances. These are meaningful improvements that last well beyond the festival.

Thanks to Bajaj Finserv, you can plan these upgrades smartly—with Easy EMIs across thousands of partner stores, you can make this Diwali brighter, more beautiful, and well within your budget.