Bhubaneswar, Nov. 8 -- Odisha is celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, with traditional rituals and prayers to honour ancestors. Known as 'Badabadua Daka', the practice of invoking forefathers is an important part of Diwali celebrations across the state. Families light bundles of Kaunria sticks and raise them towards the sky in the evening as a part of the ritual.

The ritual is accompanied by the traditional chant, "Badabadua Ho, Andharare Asa, Aluare Jao, Baishi Pahache Gadagadau Tha."

The tradition reflects the belief that ancestors visit their families on the dark night of Diwali and return to heaven along an illuminated path. Through the ritual, people pray for their forefathers to find their way back to heaven and attain salv...