© 2015 albert-learning.com HOW DIWALI IS CELEBRATED ACROSS INDIA

© 2015 albert-learning.com Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, all the five days are a colourful riot. Diwali starts with Vasubaras by performing aarti to a cow and its calf symbolic of celebrating the love of mother and her baby! On the no moon day, laksmi pooja is performed. Jewellery is worshipped along with the idol of Goddess Lakshmi for more prosperity in terms of wealth and knowledge. Sweets are distributed and the dark skies are illuminated with fireworks. MAHARASHTRA

© 2015 albert-learning.com MAHARASHTRA

© 2015 albert-learning.com  Gujarat It is in Gujarat that the first crackers are burnt in the divine name of Diwali. The festivities begin first at Gujarat before it does to the rest of the country. Naraka Chaturdashi is known as Dhanteras in Gujarat and Choti Diwali in North India. The day of Lakshmi pooja is the beginning of Gujarati New Year. It is the most auspicious day for all the new endeavours they plan to embark on. The following day marks Bhai-beej. That is when the sisters pray for the prosperity of their brothers. Gujarat also celebrates Diwali for five full days. GUJARATBHAI BEEJ

© 2015 albert-learning.com GUJARAT

© 2015 albert-learning.com Karnataka The first and third days of Deepavali hold special significance for Kannadigas. \It is said that Lord Krishna took oil bath to rid himself of the blood of Narakasura splattered on his body after having killed him. To commemorate the same, people take oil bath on Naraka Chaturdashi. It is said that Goddess Ganga will be abided in the water and Goddess Lakshmi in the oil. It is amusing how a daily ritual can be made so grand and profound in Indian contexts. The third day of Deepavali is called Bali Padyami. Women of the house sketch colourful rangoli at the doorstep and build forts in cow dung. There are stories attributed to King Bali that are remembered and celebrated on this day. Festivities continues till the day of Tulsi pooja. KARNATAKA

© 2015 albert-learning.com KARNATAKA

© 2015 albert-learning.com  West Bengal and Assam West Bengal offers pooja to Goddess Kali and lights fireworks. The Mithila region of Bihar and Assam perform Lakshmi and Ganesh pooja long with offerings to Goddess Kali. WEST BENGAL AND ASSAM

© 2015 albert-learning.com  On Diwali day, houses all over Madhya Pradesh glow with twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky. For the Hindu business communities, Diwali Festival marks the beginning of the New Year. During Diwali, many folk dances are performed in this region. The Baiga and Gond tribes performed their traditional dances to celebrate the Diwali Festival. MADHYA PRADESH