North Indians living in the city have over the years got used to the difference between Diwali and Deepavali, and now celebrate two festivals instead of one.
While Diwali is celebrated in North India to commemorate the return of Lord Ram to Ayodha after his exile, Deepavali in some parts of South India is a four-day festival which begins with the celebration of the victory of Lord Ram over demon Naraka.
This has led to Deepavali being celebrated one day before Diwali in South India.
Over the decades, the distinction between the two festivals has blurred as more and more people have started celebrating both festivals based on where they live.
For Bangalore’s migrant population, it is an additional reason to celebrate and another opportunity to relax.
“I burst crackers on Deepavali as we had a holiday on that day.
As the next day was Diwali, I decided to take a leave and enjoy the festival for two days straight,” said Malavika Pathania, who is from Rajasthan and works in the city and resides at Indiranagar.
For Justin Jacob, a resident of BTM layout, who grew up in Delhi, Diwali comes two times a year.
“While in Delhi, we celebrated Diwali.
Having lived here for some years now, I have started observing Deepavali as well,” he says.
The North Indian Diwali begins with Dhanteras, Choti Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, followed by Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Deepavali celebrations in South India starts with Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdasi), which is followed by Lakshmi Puja, Bali Padyami and Yama Dvitya.