Here it is largely celebrated over a single day, but in India and other parts of the region, Deepavali often stretches across several days and includes lesser-known customs tied to the story of Lord Krishna defeating the demon king Narakasura.

Here are five lesser-known traditions outside Malaysia that may surprise you.

1. Lighting the ‘Kuthu Vilakku’ first

In many South Indian households, Deepavali begins not with small diyas but with the lighting of the “kuthu vilakku”.

The word “kuthu” means poke and refers to a tall standing lamp made of brass or bronze, with cotton wicks dipped in sesame oil or ghee.

The lamp is usually polished the day before Deepavali, often with lemon or tamarind, to keep it gleaming.

On Deepavali morning, it is usually the oldest woman in the family who lights it first. Only after the lamp is lit do the rest of the family light smaller diyas (lamps) around the house.

Many believe the “kuthu vilakku” represents the presence of the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and is treated like a deity, often adorned with sandalwood paste and flowers.

2. Bhai Dooj

In North India, Deepavali does not end once the lamps are put out. Two days after the main celebration, families observe “Bhai Dooj”, also known as “Bhai Phota” in Bengal.

This event marks the bond between brothers and sisters and carries emotional and cultural significance.

Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply tilak on their foreheads and offer sweets. In return, the brothers give gifts and pledge their protection and support.

Many believe this practice dates back to the legend of Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him into her home on this day with hospitality and a tilak.

Pleased, Yama declared that any brother who received tilak and prayers from his sister on that day would be blessed with long life and prosperity.

“Bhai Dooj” typically marks the close of the five-day Deepavali period in North India.

3. Breaking bitter fruit

In some parts of Goa and Maharashtra, a pre-breakfast ritual during Diwali includes crushing a small bitter fruit called karit.

After having a bath, family members step outside and stamp on the fruit with their left heel, before tasting a small piece of the bitter juice.

The act symbolises Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. The hardy, bitter fruit is believed to represent the demon’s stubbornness and destructive energy.

Crushing it is seen as destroying evil and removing ignorance. Although this tradition has somewhat faded over the years, it is still observed in certain villages.

4. Cow dung fight festival

In the village of Gummatapura in Karnataka, Deepavali ends with something far less elegant than rows of candles.

The villagers celebrate “Gorehabba”, a cow dung throwing ritual that has been practised for generations.

Before the festivities begin, cattle are washed, decorated and blessed. A priest performs prayers before the dung is piled up in an open space.

Residents, mostly men but sometimes women too, gather and begin hurling the dung at one another.

A similar practice takes place in Thalavadi in Tamil Nadu. Locals believe the ritual wards off evil, and strengthens community bonds.

Cow dung is considered sacred in Hindu traditions, so despite how it looks, or smells, the celebration is treated as auspicious rather than unhygienic.

5. Nepal’s dog and crow worship days

While Deepavali in Malaysia and India is spent filling our own bellies, in Nepal the festival, known as “Tihar” or “Yamapanchak Deepawali”, is celebrated over five days with each day honouring different beings.

The first day is “Kaag Tihar”, dedicated to crows. People offer rice, sweets and grains to the birds.

The second day is “Kukur Tihar”, which honours dogs, and is celebrated with hanging marigold garlands around their necks, applying tikka on their foreheads, and feeding them milk, meat and biscuits.

Both dogs and crows are seen as messengers of Yama, the god of death, and worshipping them is believed to invite protection and keep misfortune away from the home.

The third day, “Gai Tihar”, honours cows, sometimes considered incarnations of the Goddess Lakshmi.