Why Is Diwali Celebrated on Different Days in South and North India?

At first glance, it may seem that Diwali (also known as Deepavali) is celebrated on different days in South and North India. However, this is not due to the celebration being separate, but rather due to different reasons behind the dates chosen for different regions.

North India: Celebrating on Amavasya

In North India, the festival of Diwali is typically celebrated on Amavasya, the night of the new moon. This is often due to the folklore related to the return of Sita, Ram, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after Ram’s victory over Ravana. In some states, it is also celebrated for Lakshmi Puja, worshiping the goddess of wealth and fortune.

South India: Celebrating on Chaturdasi

In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Diwali is mainly celebrated on the Chaturdasi day, which commemorates the killing of Narakasura by Satyabhama and Krishna. Chaturdasi falls on the day before Amavasya. Thus, the festival is celebrated a day earlier in comparison to North India. In some southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Naraka Chaturdasi is considered part of Diwali, while in others, Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya and Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated as a separate festival.

How Geography and Calendars Influence Diwali Date

It’s not just in South and North India, but even within the same state or region, the date of Diwali can vary. This is due to several factors, including simple geography and the use of different calendars.

Geography:

The timing of the sunrise and sunset can vary from one location to another, leading to differences in the timing of tithis (phases of the moon). This can result in different dates for Diwali in the same state.

Different Calendars:

A large majority of Indians follow the lunar calendar, but some follow the solar calendar. In South India, the differences are more pronounced, with states like Maharashtra, mainland Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh following the lunar calendar, while states like coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu follow the solar calendar. These variations in calendar systems lead to different dates for Diwali and other festivals.

Significance of Particular Days in Diwali

For big festivals like Dasara or Diwali, which extend over several days, the significant day can differ based on location. For example, in North Karnataka and Maharashtra, the most important day of Diwali is the first day, Naraka Chaturdashi. In other regions, Lakshmi Puja (worshiping the goddess of wealth) is considered the most important day. The dates of events such as Naraka Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja can vary greatly depending on the lunar calendar, leading to different dates for Diwali in North and South India.

In West Bengal, the most important days during Dasara are Durgashtami and Mahanavami, which are celebrated differently from Diwali as it is primarily a tribute to the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

Conclusion

The celebration of Diwali on different days in South and North India is not a coincidence but a reflection of historical, cultural, and geographical factors. It’s a fascinating aspect of Indian culture that highlights the diversity and richness of traditions within the country.