Tamil Nadu

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, a unique tradition known as 'Thalai Deepavali' is followed. Newlywed couples celebrate their first Diwali at the bride's parental home. The day starts with an oil bath before sunrise, followed by prayers and feasting.

Odisha

Odisha celebrates Diwali in a slightly different manner. Here, people guide the spirits of their ancestors back to heaven by lighting jute sticks known as 'Jute Pithas' and chanting mantras. This practice is known as 'Badabadua Daka'.

Goa

In Goa, a tradition known as 'Narkasur' is followed. Huge effigies of the demon Narkasur, symbolizing evil, are built and paraded in the streets, and then burnt at dawn on the day of Diwali, signifying the victory of good over evil.

Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand

In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Diwali starts from 'Gowardhan Puja' and lasts for five days. A peculiar tradition here is the worship of crows, dogs, cows and oxen, as they are considered to be incarnations of Dharma Raja, the God of Death.

Diwali in the Caribbean

In the Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, which has a significant Indian diaspora, Diwali is celebrated with great pomp. The unique tradition here is the Diwali Nagar, or 'Village of the Festival of Lights', which involves a large-scale celebration with music, dance, food, and craft exhibitions for a period of nine days.

Diwali in Malaysia

Diwali or 'Deepavali' as it is known in Malaysia, is a public holiday. Unique to the celebration here is the 'Open House' tradition. People invite friends and relatives, regardless of their religion, to their homes for a feast. This is seen as a gesture of goodwill and fostering relationships.