Tamil Nadu

Deepavali festivities start almost a week in advance when families purchase fire crackers and new clothes and begin the preparation of sweets and savouries at home. In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is celebrated on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. Celebrations begin with bursting fire crackers and illuminating the house with diyas or small earthern lamps. Preparations then begin for most important ritual of the day, Gangasnanam, a traditional oil bath before dawn.

An important factor now uncommon was the playing of Nadaswaram (reed wind instrument) and Tavil (a percussion instrument) by visiting musicinas, who would be gifted fruit and cash.

After dawn, sweets are exchanged with neighbours and friends and preparations for a grand lunch begin.