Darbhanga Villages Celebrate Diwali a Day Early – 125-Year Tradition

The village of Nawada, located in Darbhanga district, has been lighting lamps and setting off fireworks a day before the nationwide Diwali celebrations for about a century and a quarter. Local elders say the practice began in the early 1900s when a famine relief committee decided to hold a festival earlier to bring hope to the community. Today, families gather at the village square, exchange sweets, and perform traditional puja rituals before the national holiday. The early celebration has become a point of pride for residents, who view it as a unique cultural identity that distinguishes them from neighboring areas. Visitors from nearby towns often come to witness the vibrant display, which includes folk music and dance performances that have been passed down through generations.