1st November 2024, Friday
Diwali is celebrated across various regions of India, and different regions have their own unique names for the festival. Here are some of the regional names of Diwali:
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka: In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is known as "Deepavali" or "Deepa Oli." In Kerala, it is called "Deepavali" or "Deepam." In Karnataka, it is referred to as "Deepavali."
Maharashtra and Goa: In Maharashtra and Goa, Diwali is known as "Diwali" or "Divali." It is a major festival in these regions, marked by the lighting of lamps, bursting of firecrackers, and exchange of sweets.
West Bengal and Odisha: In West Bengal and Odisha, Diwali is celebrated as "Kali Puja" or "Shyama Puja." The focus of the festival is the worship of Goddess Kali, and it typically falls on the new moon day after Diwali.
Gujarat: In Gujarat, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is known as "દિવાળી" (Diwali) or "કાંડીયા નેહમી" (Kandiyā Nehamī). The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps, bursting of firecrackers, and the performance of traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya.
Punjab: In Punjab, Diwali is celebrated as "ਦਿਵਾਲੀ" (Diwali) or "ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ" (Bandī Chhor Divas). It holds significant religious importance for Sikhs as it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and other prisoners from imprisonment in 1619.
Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh, Diwali is known as "दीपावली" (Deepawali) or "दिपावली" (Dipawali). The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the lighting of lamps, decorating homes, and exchanging gifts are integral parts of the celebrations.
These are just a few examples of the regional names of Diwali in different parts of India. The diversity of names reflects the rich cultural tapestry and the local traditions associated with the festival.