Diwali, often called the "Festival of Lights," is one of the most beautiful and widely celebrated festivals in India. It brings together millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the world to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Even in Japan, the glow of Diwali shines brightly! Cities like Nishi-Kasai (Tokyo) and Yokohama host lively Diwali festivals where both Japanese and Indian communities gather to experience Indian culture, enjoy traditional music, dance, and taste authentic Indian food.
The Story Behind Diwali
Diwali is rooted in many ancient legends, but the most well-known comes from the Ramayana, one of India’s greatest epics. It tells the story of Prince Rama, who returns home to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, having defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife Sita.
The people of Ayodhya welcomed their beloved prince by lighting countless clay lamps, called diyas, turning the entire city into a sea of light — a tradition that continues even today.
Diwali Across India
In India, Diwali is celebrated over five days, each filled with joy, rituals, and color. It’s a national holiday, and homes are decorated with lamps and vibrant lights. Families wear new clothes, worship Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), prepare delicious sweets, exchange gifts, and enjoy fireworks with loved ones.
Let’s take a look at how Diwali differs across regions of India:
North India
People celebrate the return of Lord Rama with grand processions, bright fireworks, and the lighting of diyas across homes and streets. Sharing sweets and gifts with friends and family is a key tradition.
West India (Gujarat & Maharashtra)
The festival is marked by Lakshmi Puja, colorful rangoli (patterns made from colored powders), and special snacks like chakli and shakarpara. In Gujarat, people also dance the famous Garba and Dandiya Raas during the festivities.
South India
Families start the day with early morning oil baths and decorate their homes with beautiful kolam (rangoli designs made from rice flour). Traditional sweets like murukku, adhirasam, and laddoos are prepared and shared with neighbors.
East India (West Bengal)
In this region, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Kali through illuminated idols, prayers, and cultural programs, giving the festival a deeply spiritual feel.
Central India
Here, Diwali aligns with the harvest season, where farmers express gratitude by worshipping their cattle and lighting bonfires as a sign of prosperity and renewal.
Tihar – Nepal’s Festival of Lights
In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar or Yamapanchak, one of the country’s most important festivals. It lasts five days, and what makes Tihar special is how each day is dedicated to different animals and gods — showing deep respect for all living beings.
Here’s how each day is celebrated:
● Day 1 – Kaag Tihar (Crows): Crows, considered messengers of the god Yama, are offered food.
● Day 2 – Kukur Tihar (Dogs): Dogs are honored with garlands and tika (a red mark on the forehead) for their loyalty and companionship.
● Day 3 – Gai Tihar & Lakshmi Puja: Cows are worshipped in the morning, followed by evening prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. Homes glow with oil lamps.
● Day 4 – Goru Tihar (Oxen): Farmers honor oxen and bulls for their hard work in agriculture.
● Day 5 – Bhai Tika (Brothers & Sisters): Sisters apply tika on their brothers’ foreheads, offering blessings and celebrating sibling love.
During Tihar, cities like Kathmandu come alive with lights, music, and joy — much like Diwali in India.
Traditional Diwali Sweets
No Diwali celebration is complete without Indian sweets (mithai). These treats bring families together in the kitchen and fill homes with the aroma of ghee and cardamom.
Here are two simple 3-step recipes you can easily try at home using ingredients available at Ambika Japan.
1. Besan Ladoo – Chickpea Flour Balls
Ingredients:
● Besan (chickpea flour): 2 cups
● Ghee: 1/2 cup
● Sugar: 1 cup
● Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
● Cashews & raisins (optional)
Steps:
- Heat ghee in a pan, add besan, and roast on low heat for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
- Powder the sugar, then mix it with roasted besan, cardamom powder, and nuts.
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While still warm, shape into small round balls (ladoo) using your palms.
2. Kheer – Indian Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
● Rice (Basmati or white): 1/4 cup
● Whole milk: 4 cups (1L)
● Sugar: 4–6 tbsp
● Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
● Cashews, almonds, pistachios, raisins: 1 tbsp each
● Saffron (optional): a pinch
Steps:
- Wash and soak rice for 30 minutes. Boil milk, add rice, and cook on medium-low for 25–30 minutes until soft.
- Add sugar and cook until thick. Mix in cardamom, saffron, and nuts.
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Serve warm or chilled. Add rose water for extra flavor!
The Meaning of Diwali
More than just a festival, Diwali is a time for reflection, joy, and renewal. It’s when families reconnect, homes are filled with warmth, and communities unite in celebration.
Across India, Nepal, and Japan, the message remains the same — celebrating the triumph of light, goodness, and knowledge over darkness and ignorance.
Diwali also honors Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and new beginnings. It’s the perfect time to start something fresh, light diyas with your loved ones, and share sweets that spread happiness.
Celebrate Diwali with Ambika Japan
At Ambika Japan, you’ll find everything you need to create the authentic taste of home — from spices and flours to pure ghee and basmati rice.
This Diwali, bring the spirit of India into your kitchen. Prepare traditional sweets, light your home with diyas, and share the joy of this radiant festival with family and friends.
✨ Wishing you all a warm and joyful Diwali – filled with light, love, and sweetness! ✨
