As the festival of Diwali is celebrated across India, diverse traditions and cultural expressions light up the country from west to east on Saturday. In Gujarat, the warm glow of lamps illuminates the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, adding to the festive spirit. Along with this, the Sai Baba Temple of Shirdi turns into a Diwali centre, echoing the spiritual atmosphere of happiness. Notably, in Jammu, CRPF jawans take leave from duty to enjoy the festivities within their camp.
Take a look at the visuals here:
#Watch , Gujarat: Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar illuminated with lamps on the occasion of festival #Diwali, pic.twitter.com/W1FC5ZF3ab
– ANI (@ANI) 11 November 2023
Video | Diwali celebrations are going on in Sai Baba temple of Shirdi. pic.twitter.com/26CsUCGo1K
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) 11 November 2023
Video | CRPF jawans enjoy Diwali celebrations at Jammu camp.#Diwali2023
(Full video available on PTI Video – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/4jBLc1vlOA
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) 11 November 2023
Diwali, celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. As families clean and decorate their homes, markets are filled with buyers looking for rangoli colours, earthen lamps and festive decorations. While fireworks remain an integral part of the celebration despite the Supreme Court ban, the essence of the festival lies in the vibrant spirit of unity and happiness.
In Gujarat, Diwali is synonymous with energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dance, which fills the state with a festive atmosphere. In South India, families draw intricate ‘kolams’ on doorsteps, and prayers along with traditional rituals bring communities together. Bengal celebrates Kali Puja grandly, mixing spirituality with cultural programmes, while Maharashtra ushers in Diwali with Vasubaras, in which cows are honored as a symbol of gratitude.
In Odisha, a unique tradition called Bada Badua Daka involves invoking ancestors and seeking their blessings on this day. Meanwhile, Northeast India adds its own cultural flavor to Diwali, with traditional dances and rituals adding to the festive atmosphere. The Tihar festival of Sikkim, a local celebration, involves lighting lamps and paying homage to beings associated with Yama, the Hindu god of death.
