Diwali Celebrations Across India
According to Devdutt Pattanaik, author, speaker, illustrator, and mythologist, Diwali is celebrated differently in north and south India.
In north India, Diwali celebrates the return of Ram from Ayodhya.
In south India, Diwali, or Deepavali, celebrates the defeat of Narakasura by Krishna, with celebrations taking place on the 14th day, on the eve of the new moon day.
- In south India, wives bathe their husbands with oil and unguents, mimicking Satyabhama and Krishna.
- The crushing of a cucumber-like fruit (karit) represents the destruction of Narakasura.
- In Goa, effigies of Narakasura are burnt, and crackers are lit at dawn.
Diwali celebrations in north and south India have distinct traditions, with the north favoring Ram and the south favoring Krishna.
Author summary: Diwali has different meanings in India.
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