North India (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar)
Known as Diwali
Homes are cleaned and painted in the weeks before, and on the evening itself families perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja with new clay or silver idols, puffed rice (kheel), sugar drops (batashe) and sweets. Rows of clay lamps (diyas) are placed on doorsteps, walls and rooftops. Many families keep one large ghee lamp burning through the night and visit relatives with sweets afterwards.
Why it matters there: The night celebrates Rama's homecoming to Ayodhya, and Lakshmi is welcomed into the home for the year ahead.
Punjab and Sikh communities across India
Known as Bandi Chhor Divas
Sikh families light lamps and candles at home and at gurdwaras, and the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar is illuminated with lights and fireworks. Hindu families in Punjab perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening as in the rest of North India.
Why it matters there: Sikhs remember the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, from imprisonment at Gwalior, along with other captive rulers he secured freedom for.
East India (West Bengal, Assam, Tripura)
Known as Kali Puja (Shyama Puja)
On the new moon night, Kali (the fierce mother goddess) is worshipped instead of, or alongside, Lakshmi. Community pandals and homes hold the puja late at night, offering red hibiscus flowers (jaba), sweets and lamps. Houses are lit with rows of lamps and candles.
Why it matters there: Kali is worshipped as the power that destroys evil and fear. In Bengal, Lakshmi is usually worshipped separately on the full moon after Durga Puja, so this night belongs to Kali.
Odisha
Known as Diwali with Kaunria Kathi
In the evening, families gather in the courtyard and burn bundles of jute stems (kaunria kathi), raising them towards the sky while calling to their ancestors. They invite the ancestors to come in the darkness and return lit by the flame. Lakshmi Puja and lamp-lighting follow.
Why it matters there: The night is also a remembrance of ancestors (pitrus), who are believed to visit and are guided back to the heavens by the light.
Maharashtra
Known as Lakshmi Pujan
Homes are decorated with rangoli and hanging paper lanterns (akash kandil), and families prepare Diwali snacks and sweets (faral) such as chakli, karanji and laddoo. On Amavasya evening, Lakshmi Pujan is performed with coins, jewellery and account books, and the broom is often honoured as a symbol of Lakshmi who removes dirt and poverty.
Why it matters there: Lakshmi Pujan is one day in a sequence of distinct observances, followed by Diwali Padwa, which honours the bond between husband and wife, and Bhau Beej.
Gujarat
Known as Diwali and Chopda Pujan
Diwali is the last day of the Vikram Samvat year. Traders and business families perform Chopda Pujan, the worship of new account books, writing auspicious marks such as the swastika and 'Shubh Labh' on the first page. Homes are lit with lamps and rangoli, and the next day is celebrated as the New Year (Bestu Varas).
Why it matters there: Closing the old year's accounts with prayer and opening new books with Lakshmi's blessing marks a clean, honest start to the business year.
South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)
Known as Deepavali
In Tamil Nadu and much of the south, the main celebration happens on the morning before the new moon: an oil bath before dawn, new clothes, sweets and firecrackers. In Karnataka, the festival continues after Amavasya with Bali Padyami, when King Bali is remembered and lamps are lit. Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya evening is observed by many families, especially business communities.
Why it matters there: The southern focus is on Krishna's victory over Narakasura and on King Bali, whose devotion and generosity are honoured during the festival.
