Diwali, also known Deepavali and the Celebration of Lights. Diwali is celebrated annually during the Gregorian months of October and November, which correspond to the Hindu month of Ashwin. The first two days of the five-day celebration are called Dhanteras and Narak Chaturdashi, and Govardhan Puja and Bhai Duj are celebrated after diwali . Deepavali celebration that begins two days before the Diwali holiday. Keep reading to learn more about the many facets of India’s Diwali celebrations.
The Hindu and Jain communities in India celebrate Diwali more than any other religion. The primary celebration occurs on the Hindu lunar calendar’s no-moon day during the dark half of the month named Kartik. The title “Dipavali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Dipavali,” which meaning the row of lights. In addition to India, countries such as Mauritius, Thailand, Fiji, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Myanmar, Malaysia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal, Indonesia, New Zealand, etc. celebrate Diwali.
Diwali, also called the “Festival of Lights,”celebrates the triumph of virtue over evil and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is a Hindu festival that lasts for five days.
Dhanteras, the First Day
The first day of the five-day Diwali celebration is called Dhanteras. It dedicated to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Dhanteras is the first night of the five-night Diwali holiday celebrations. Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi as it is sometimes referred to, occurs on the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksh in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. God Dhanvantari supposedly made an appearance on this day amid the mythical churn of the milk-ocean (Kshir Sagar) by gods and demons. For this reason, gold and silver are traditionally bought on the Dhanteras holiday. Observant Hindus will place a diya, or lamp, next to a tree in their courtyard that holds spiritual significance. Yamaraj, the Lord of Death, is honored with a light and delicious offerings.
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Little Diwali, occurs on Day 2.
On the second day of the celebration, which is also known as the Day of Strength, devotees pay homage to Goddess Kali, the Lord of Strength. Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated the day following Dhanteras. Legend has it that on this day, the 14th, Lord Krishna sacrificed his life by killing the demon Narakasura to ensure the safety of humanity. On this day, Hindus wake up extra early to bathe after rubbing their bodies with scented oil. Celebrations are marked by the creation of colorful rangolis and small clay lights. Goddess Laxmi and the forefathers are honored with evening prayers and delicious offerings.
Day Three of Diwali, Laxmi Puja
The third day of the Hindu lunar calendar is observed on the third day as a day of celebration for the triumph of the inner lights and the righteousness of victory. This is why diyas (an earthen oil lamp) and candles are so commonly found in homes and patios. The day’s (or night’s) primary events are the lighting displays and fireworks, though in many regions of India, the celebrations actually begin with people lighting off pyrotechnics as toys. The worship of Laxmi Puja is held on the evening of the third day of the Diwali festival. It is the most significant day of the celebration.
The Hindu deities Laxmi (the goddess of wealth & prosperity) and Ganesha (the god of good fortune) are honored with unique prayers, songs, and mantras as well as savories. Clay diyas, candles, lamps, and firework displays are lit to commemorate the celebrations and ask for health and prosperity.
Govardhan Puja, Day Four
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is held on the fourth day of Diwali . It is the celebrations to honor Krishna’s triumph over Indra. According to myth, Lord Krishna persuaded the locals to stop worshiping Lord Indra and instead focus on their “Karma,” or duty, of caring for their farms and herds. Krishna preached that they should honor the natural world rather than Indra. As a result, Lord Indra became enraged and flooded the entire hamlet, but Lord Krishna raised mount Govardhan to save the residents and their livestock. Therefore, on this day, people all around the world celebrate by setting off fireworks and lanterns. Padva and BaliPratipada are two names for the same holiday observed in the Indian state of Maharasthra. The New Year in Gujarat begins with the Govardhan Puja festival.
Day Five: Bhai Duj
Bhai Duj, also called Bhai Bij in Gujarat and Bhai Phota in Bengal. It occurs after Govardhan Puja and the first two days of Diwali. On this festive occasion, siblings get together to show their love for one another. The sister performs an aarti over her brother and applies tilak to his forehead with vermilion or sandal, wishing him a long and prosperous life. The brother then showers his sister with blessings and presents as thanks. The five-day Diwali celebrations conclude with the Bhai Duj festival.
The ancient Indian ruler Bali is remembered and honored on the final day of Diwali, also known as Balipratipada. His ideas and achievements will live on in the annals of history.
Most people celebrate Diwali by sharing gifts, creating traditional sweets, buying new clothes, sprucing up their homes with decorations, and, of course, watching spectacular fireworks displays. Sparklers, flashes, fountains, and aerial rockets continue to be in extremely high demand across India and the rest of the world, despite the fact that most crackers that produce loud noises have been prohibited. The spirit of celebration is always at its height during Diwali. Even if the Festival of Light is given different emphasis in different regions of India.
The mystical meaning of the Festival of Lights is found in the recognition of one’s own inner light. Diwali is a festival that honors the presence of good within each person by lighting candles and putting up paper lanterns. It symbolize the soul, or Atma, that exists beyond the body.
