Chennai residents observe evolving Deepavali traditions

Deepavali celebrations in Chennai are undergoing a cultural shift, moving from traditional practices toward new aesthetic trends. Historically, the festival focused on early morning rituals, wearing new clothes, bursting firecrackers, and preparing labor-intensive homemade sweets such as adhirasam, murukku, and legiyam.

Modern celebrations increasingly emphasize home decoration, including fairy lights, floral arrangements, and marigold garlands. This shift toward a more visual aesthetic is attributed to the influence of social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, which have standardized new ways of celebrating. Some residents note that decorating homes is a less physically demanding way to prepare for the festival compared to the extensive kitchen labor traditionally required of women in the household.