Diwali is a festival that binds all Indians across the country.

The Hindu festival of Diwali is celebrated across the country, with their own little local nuances. Essentially remaining the same, Diwali still differs from state to state.

Since Punjab remains the bread basket of India, cattle is worshipped on Diwali. Lakshmi puja is performed, and it is hoped that the goddess of wealth will shower prosperity on the family and home. A silver coin is immersed in milk, and this milk is then sprinkled in all the rooms of the house, as holy water. Diwali is celebrated to mark the home coming of Ram, after 14 years of exile. Since Diwali falls on Amavasya (moon less night) lamps are lit to welcome Ram and Sita.

In Tamil nadu the ritual of taking an oil bath on the morning of Diwali is a tradition now. It is believed that this is equivalent to bathing in the holy water of the Ganges. In Andhra, a ceremonial bath is given to buffaloes on Diwali day. In Orissa a colourful rangoli is drawn and decorated with spices and pulses, signifying plenty for the coming year.

Maharashtra comes alive on Diwali with a traditional Lakshmi puja. It is believed, the goddess of wealth will enter the homes of the devoted on this day, showering the inmates with wealth and prosperity. In Goa, large effigies of the demon, Narakasura are first built, and then burnt to ashes. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

India is an interesting tapestry wherein several different rituals have been interwoven to create the larger picture of celebration.