Diwali, the resplendent festival of lights, holds a cherished place in Indian culture, embodying unity, triumph over darkness, and the pursuit of prosperity. While the essence of Diwali is universal – celebrated with joy and enthusiasm – each family adds its own flair to the festivities, honoring unique traditions, customs, and, of course, indulging in a variety of sweets. The festival is often celebrated over five days, with each day carrying its own significance, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. Let’s take a journey into the heart of this festive season, exploring the diverse yet interconnected ways families across India celebrate Diwali through cherished rituals, traditional sweets, and deeply rooted customs.
A Diverse Mosaic
Diwali is celebrated by families of different faiths and backgrounds, each bringing in unique customs that reflect their heritage.
In Northern families, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and Hanuman to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The celebration also includes Lakshmi Puja, a ritual where families gather to pray to the goddess of wealth, seeking blessings for prosperity in the coming year.
Many families in South India celebrate by honoring Narak Chaturdashi, symbolizing the defeat of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Kali Puja, where people light 14 earthen lamps to honor their ancestors and worship Goddess Kali. In Sikh families, they celebrate as Bandi Chhor Diwas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal prison while in Jain families, they celebrate to commemorate the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.
During this festival family customs extend beyond pujas, encompassing a range of activities from decorating homes with fresh flowers, lights, diyas and colorful rangolis to organizing family gatherings and the burning of fireworks in many families.
The Heart of Diwali Celebrations
Diwali and sweets are inseparable. Across India, families come together to prepare or buy a selection of traditional sweets, known as mithai, that are shared with families and friends as token of love. Each region and each family have a particular set of favorites that hold sentimental value.
Ladoos: The most universal Diwali sweet, ladoos are made in variety of styles- besan ladoos, coconut ladoos, boondi ladoos – each family with its own recipe.
Barfi: Made from condensed milk, sugar, and flavorings like cardamom or pistachio, barfi is a common Diwali treat that families enjoy adding their twist and creating variants like chocolate barfi or mango barfi to carter to modern tastes.
A staple in many Diwali fests, Gulab Jamun is loved for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet syrupy flavor. While in southern parts of India, sweets like Mysore Pak and Adhirasam are especially popular. In East, Narikol Ladoo (coconut ladoo) and Sandesh are often part of Diwali spread. The diversity in sweets reflects the rich culinary heritage of India, where each sweet is more than just a treat; it’s a symbol of the family’s cultural roots.
Diwali’s Enduring Spirit
Diwali is an occasion that brings families and communities together, from exchanging sweets and small gifts as a way of sharing happiness to prioritizing social gatherings and organizing Diwali parties with people from different backgrounds and regions to build social bonds.
Adding new dimensions to festival’s celebration, Diwali is also an occasion for charitable giving, where many families set aside part of their budget to contribute to social causes, such as donating food, clothes or gifts to the underprivileged.
Diwali With Modern Twist: Adaptations In 2024
With an increasing focus on sustainability and health-consciousness, Diwali 2024 is seeing a shift in traditional practices. Some families are choosing eco-friendly diyas made from biodegradable materials, while others are opting for sweets that are lower in sugar or made from organic ingredients and some even opt for skincare or healthcare hampers as gifting. For families separated by distance, virtual Diwali pujas and online mithai orders have become common, helping families celebrate together even from afar. The festive celebration also witnesses the shift from joint families to nuclear ones.
Many urban families have also adopted eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding firecrackers to reduce pollution or hosting digital Diwali parties. This modern twist on Diwali not only preserves the spirit of the festival but also aligns it with contemporary values, emphasizing sustainability and health.
Despite the diversity in customs, rituals, and sweets, the essence of Diwali remains the same across families—celebrating love, joy, and prosperity. As families gather to light diyas, exchange sweets, and honour age-old traditions, they reinforce the spirit of Diwali, making it a festival that truly unites all.
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