Diwali, the Festival of Light, is a big celebration all over India, with every state giving its own unique twist to the celebrations. Apart from the universalities of light versus dark and good vanquishing evil, Diwali has different myths, local folklores, and cultural traditions that change from state to state. Here is an attempt to explore some of these state-specific myths and customs that go into making Diwali a real pan-Indian festival.

Pan-Indian Diwali Legends:

Though in regions there may be variations, there exist legends which have been well embraced everywhere in India:

Homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: The most popularly celebrated Diwali tale is Lord Rama's homecoming to Ayodhya after 14 years of banishment and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. The residents of Ayodhya lit the town with oil lamps on his return, and that is still practiced today.

Lord Krishna's Defeat of Narakasura: Diwali in some regions of South India celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon king Narakasura, symbolizing good over evil.

Creation of Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali is also the day when Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, was created through the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and gave boons to the world.

Regional Traditions and Legends:

1. Mithila (Bihar & Nepal) - Hukka Paati

In the region of Mithila, Diwali is marked by the specific tradition of Hukka Paati, or Prakash Tarpan. Through the ritual, lamps are lighted in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into homes and to worship ancestors. The practice is followed along with folk songs and dances, testifying to the rich cultural heritage of the land.

2. Uttarakhand - Egaas Bagwal

Eleven days after Diwali, the locals of Uttarakhand commemorate Egaas Bagwal or Budhi Diwali. This festival commemorates the day when Lord Rama's return was proclaimed in the mountains. Locals celebrate by lighting oil lamps, singing folk dance songs, and offering animal sacrifices, which is the agricultural culture of the land.

3. Goa - Naraka Chaturdashi

In Goa, Diwali is also celebrated through the burning of effigies of demon Narakasura on Naraka Chaturdashi as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The day starts with an oil bath early in the morning before sunrise, believed to purify the body and soul.

4. Madhya Pradesh - Chironji Ki Barfi

In Madhya Pradesh, Diwali is also celebrated in the form of preparation of Chironji Ki Barfi, which is an old-time sweet made of chironji seeds. It is a staple dish during the festival season and exhibits traditional food practices.

5. Karnataka - Gorehabba

In Karnataka's village of Gumatapura, the second day of Diwali is Gorehabba festival, where villagers splash each other with cow dung in a fun-filled manner. The tradition is believed to cleanse the society and symbolizes the agricultural nature of the area.

6. Telangana - Gussadi Dance

In the state of Telangana, in the Adilabad district, there is a performance of the Diwali Gussadi dance. It is a tribal folk dance that is firmly rooted in the tradition of the Raj Gond tribes and a colorful celebration of tribal culture and social harmony.

7. Uttarakhand - Ramman Festival

In Uttarakhand's Garhwal, the festival of Ramman is done with masked dances and rituals to the village deity, Bhumiyal Devta. The festival is ritual theatre and exclusive to the Saloor-Dungra village.

Common Threads in Regional Celebrations

Regional differences notwithstanding, there are some common threads that run through Diwali celebrations:

Lighting of Lamps: From oil lamps, candles, to diyas, lighting is the theme of Diwali, and it marks the eradication of darkness and the arrival of light.

Cleaning and Decorating Homes: It is a tradition to clean one's homes prior to Diwali as Goddess Lakshmi is believed to be welcomed in clean and tidy homes.

Preparation of Sweets: Sweets across regions vary from region to region, like athirasam in Madurai and Jimikand preparations in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which reflect the food diversity of India.

Community Celebrations: Diwali is a festival that varies from folk dances to community dining, creating the sense of oneness and belongingness among communities.

Conclusion:

Diwali is not only a festival, but a myth-maker, legend-weaver, and tradition-bearer diverse from India's varied regions. Every myth and tradition gives a personalized touch to the festival, thus making Diwali a real pan-Indian festival that brings the country together in diversity. Whether in Ayodhya lamp-lit offerings or light-hearted splashing of cow dung in Gumatapura, Diwali mirrors India's affluent cultural legacy.