Diwali 2023: Kali Puja in Bengal to Pathar Ka Mela in Himachal, Special Rituals Across India –

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals of the year. It is an occasion of lights that commemorates the triumph of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is marked on the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival of lights will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12 this year. The auspicious event usually lasts for five days, with each day having its own meaning and traditions. However, there are some special rituals that are observed in some parts of the country.

Bandi Chhor Diwas

In areas of Punjab, the occasion of Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Diwas. It is believed that because of the Guru’s growing popularity and influence, Emperor Jahangir imprisoned him. The Sikh holiday of Bandi Chhor Diwas commemorates his liberation from the Gwalior Fort. Similar to Diwali, this occasion is marked by lighting diyas in homes and gurudwaras, bursting crackers, gifting and feasting.

Kali Puja

While Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as per rituals on Diwali, eastern India, particularly West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, worships Goddess Kali. The Kali Puja is conducted to seek the goddess’ aid in defeating evil and to get her blessings for happiness, health, money and peace in life. The rites are carried out at night and devotees do the puja with red hibiscus flowers, which are thought to be her favourite.

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Firecrackers At One Another

In certain areas of Gujarat, people throw blazing firecrackers at one another. While it may sound dangerous, it is regarded as one of the Panchmahal village’s age-old distinctive Diwali rituals. Meanwhile, during Diwali, some Gujarati houses leave a ghee-lit diya burning all night. The remnants from the diyas are used the next morning to make kajal, which women apply to their eyes. This is seen as a particularly auspicious custom that can bring wealth into the household.

Pathar Ka Mela

In Dhami, Himachal Pradesh, a stone-pelting event known as “Pathar Ka Mela” is held, and being struck during the festivities is considered fortunate. Every year after Diwali, two groups of villagers gather to hurl stones at each other, and the blood collected from those who get injured is used to apply tilak on the idol of Goddess Kali at a neighbouring temple as per tradition.

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Kauriya Kathi

People in Odisha celebrate Kauriya Kathi, a ceremony in which they honour their ancestors, on Diwali day. During the ceremony, jute stems are burned to create fire as a signal to summon the ancestors. They seek their ancestors’ blessings, who are supposed to be living in heaven.