21 October,2022 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative image. Pic/iStock
It is that time of the year again as the festival lights is here to illuminate our homes and hopes. As per the ancient calendar, Diwali/Deepavali is observed on Amavasya (or new moon) of the month of Kartik, every year. This year, the festival will be celebrated on October 24. Here's how the Hindu festival is celebrated across Southern India.
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day of celebrations. The day signifies the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated to honour Lord Krishna and his wife Satyambha's victory over the demonic King Narakasura.
Naraka Chaturdashi begins with people waking up before sunrise and taking oil baths with scented oils. Families visit temples or offer prayers in their homes to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. Tamilians decorate their houses with kolam designs. After the oil bath, people wear new clothes. There is another ritual called âThalai Deepavali', where newlyweds celebrate their first Diwali in the bride's parental home.
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Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Diwali is observed as Harikatha, a narration of the story of Narakasura's killing. People offer prayers to the idols of Satyabhama in the state. As per the Telugu calendar, Telugu people celebrate Deepavali on aasviyuja Krishna paksha Amavasya.
Karnataka
In Karnataka, the day of Deepavali or Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi begins with people taking an oil bath as the state believes that Krishna took the oil bath after killing Narakasura to remove blood stains. Deepavali revolves around worshipping both Goddess Lakshmi as well as Lord Vishnu in the state. In rural parts of Karnataka, along with offering prayers to goddess Lakshmi, several interesting rituals are a part of the celebration.
Kerala
The festival of lights is not widely celebrated in Kerala due to various mythological reasons. However, celebrations differ from district to district.
