Andhra Pradesh/Telangana

Deepavali in Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is celebrated over two to four days, and in some cases for a week until Naga Panchami. The celebrations begin with Dhana Trayodasi and continue with Naraka Chaturdasi the following day and Diwali the third day. People in some Telangana districts celebrate Bhai Dooj on the fourth day. For most people back home, preparations begin a few weeks ahead of the festival: getting their homes painted or whitewashed, buying clothes or getting them stitched and purchasing crackers and fireworks that are dried in the sun to ensure they don’t end up as damp suibs.

Clay oil lamps, called pramida, are bought by the dozen, which are used on all days of the festival. Deepavali gets its name from this arrangement of lights. ‘Deepam’ is lamp and ‘vali’ means a row. Now, of course, you get diya-shaped electrical LED lights that most people find convenient to use.

Women folk prepare traditional Andhra sweets such as laddoo, kajjikaya, ariselu and delectable savouries as well, which they share and exchange with friends and neighbours during the festival.