Diwali, the resplendent festival of lights, stands as a luminous tapestry woven into the cultural fabric of India, adorning the hearts of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists alike. This celestial celebration, characterized by a kaleidoscope of traditions and stories, transcends religious boundaries to embrace the overarching theme of triumph—of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the inexorable victory of good over evil.
Embarking on a cultural odyssey across the subcontinent during Diwali unveils a vibrant mosaic of festivities, where cities and towns burst into a dazzling spectacle of illuminated joy. However, amidst the radiant symphony echoing through the nation, there exists a nuanced narrative of places untouched by the luminous tendrils of Diwali fervor.
Kerala: A Cultural Enigma Beyond Diwali’s Radiance – Unique Customs, Ethos, and Geographical Isolation Paint a Canvas Untouched by the Festival of Lights, Preserved Until British Colonization.
Melukote, Karnataka: Diwali’s Somber Note Amidst Historical Echoes – A Chronicle of Grief for the Mandyam Iyengar Community, Commemorating ‘Naraka Chaturdasi’ as a Day of Mourning. Over Two Centuries Ago, the Town Bore Witness to the Tragic Massacre by Tipu Sultan, a Day When Light Yielded to Darkness in the Hearts of Mandyam Iyengars.
Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh: Embracing Ancestral Roots, Where Ravana is Revered – Bisrakh, deriving its name from Vishrava, Ravana’s father, holds a unique belief that traces its lineage to the legendary demon king. According to local tradition, Vishrava installed a sacred Shiva idol in the village, marking the birthplace of Ravana. For the people of Bisrakh, celebrating Diwali takes on a nuanced perspective, as the festival’s essence conflicts with their deep-rooted veneration for Ravana, considering him a true son of their soil.
Ponnanapalem Village, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: A Diwali Ban Rooted in Tragedy – Two centuries ago, the village was struck by misfortune when a baby succumbed to a snake bite, accompanied by the tragic loss of two oxen on the auspicious day of Diwali. Attributing these incidents to the festival’s celebration, the village leaders at that time imposed a ban on Diwali festivities. In 2006, a retired government school headmaster attempted to defy this tradition, only to face personal tragedy when his son passed away years later due to ill health. This heart-wrenching event reinforced the villagers’ belief that the celebration of Diwali in Ponnanapalem brings an ominous shadow of misfortune.”
Baijnath Village, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh: A Sanctuary of Serenity Amidst Diwali – In Baijnath, reverence for Ravana transcends the conventional narrative, as locals regard him as a devoted worshipper of Shiva. Legend has it that Ravana, during penance in this very village, offered his ten heads to Shiva, receiving blessings in return. For the residents, celebrating Diwali, which symbolizes Ravana’s defeat, is a paradox that they shun. Believing that such festivities may invite divine wrath, the village remains a tranquil haven during Diwali, making Kangra an idyllic destination for those seeking a peaceful weekend getaway amidst cultural subtleties.
“Nagaland: A Tapestry of Faith and Restriction During Diwali – In the predominantly Christian landscape of Nagaland, the celebration of Diwali finds minimal resonance with religious beliefs. While some regions witness modest home decorations with lamps, the overall observance is sparse. Compounding this, the state government, cognizant of the environmental impact, imposes a comprehensive ban on the sale and use of firecrackers across all corners of Nagaland during the festival.”
Meghalaya: Where the Serenity of Silence Prevails Over Diwali – Amidst the tribal villages of Meghalaya, the fervor of Diwali finds little resonance. The celebration is scarcely observed, and the air remains untouched by the crackle of fireworks. For those seeking a haven of tranquility and fresh air during the festival, Meghalaya emerges as an idyllic choice, where the charm of quietude surpasses the clamor of Diwali celebrations.
“Thoppupatti and Saampatti Villages, Trichy, Tamil Nadu: A Symphony of Silence for Ecological Harmony – In these quaint villages, Diwali is not marked by the traditional burst of fireworks. The serene air is preserved out of respect for the winged residents of a sacred banyan tree—the bats. Inhabitants of these villages have revered the bats as deities for decades, and as custodians of tradition, the villagers refrain from any practices, such as fireworks, that might disturb the tranquil abode of their sacred, winged gods during Diwali or any other village festival.
“Mandore, Rajasthan: The Uncelebrated Tale of Diwali – In the heart of Mandore, where the echoes of legends persist, resides a poignant narrative. According to local lore, Mandore is the sacred union ground of Mandodari and Ravana. The Maudgil Brahmins, custodians of the heritage, revere Ravana as a cherished son-in-law. The profound question arises: would it be logical for them to jubilate in the defeat and demise of their esteemed son-in-law? The resounding answer is no. In Mandore, Diwali unveils a nuanced tale, where the refrain from celebration stands as a mark of reverence for a revered figure in their ancestral saga
Source: https://www.tripoto.com/trip/you-will-be-surprised-to-find-no-traces-of-diwali-in-these-10-places-of-india-61790b72d07c2
Edited: Sakshi Semwal