Unique Diwali celebration in graveyard in Karimnagar continues

KARIMNAGAR: People usually avoid graveyards, especially at night, but for one community in Karimnagar, celebrating Deepawali amid tombs has been a long-standing tradition.

The unique practice, observed for decades at the Kashmirgadda cemetery, saw families marking the festival of lights by paying tributes to their departed loved ones on Monday night.

Graves were freshly painted and decorated with flowers and lamps, while relatives offered dishes the deceased enjoyed during their lifetime. Crackers were also burst as part of the ritual.

Families brought both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to the cemetery, with some even offering liquor, toddy, beedis, cigarettes and gutka packets once preferred by the departed.

In view of the annual observance, the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation made special arrangements, including cleaning the premises, installing lights and ensuring water supply. Flex banners of local politicians were put up by their supporters along the road leading to the graveyard.

Speaking to Telangana Today, a private employee, Shankar, said they were continuing the custom to remember their ancestors. “We offer food and celebrate Diwali at the graveyard in memory of our loved ones,” he said, admitting that he was unsure of the origin of the tradition.