Diwali Celebrations in India

Diwali or the festival of lights, generally falls in the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar, in other words in the month of October/November as per Gregorian calendar. The festivities of Deepavali last for five consecutive days i.e. two days before the Diwali festival that is known as Dhanteras & Narak Chaturdashi and Govardhan Puja & Bhai Duj respectively. Read on to know more about the different aspects of Diwali celebrations in India.

The Five Days Celebrations of Diwali Festival

The First Day: Dhanteras

The celebrations of Diwali festival start with Dhanteras. Dhanteras is also called Dhantrayodashi and falls on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksh, in the month of Kartik. As per the mythological legend, during the churning of the milk-ocean (Kshir Sagar) by gods and demons, God Dhanvantari appeared out on this day. Therefore the Dhanteras festival is regarded as an auspicious occasion for the purchase of utensils, gold and silver. On this day Hindu devotees light up a diya or lamp near a sacred tree in the home's courtyard. Along with the lamp sweet offering are also made to Yamaraj-the Lord of Death.

The Second Day: Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi

The next day after Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali is celebrated. This occasion falls on the 14th day and marks the victory of good over evil as according the legend, on this day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura for the well-being of mankind. On this day Hindus get up early in the morning and after massaging their body with fragrant oil take bath. Small earthen lamps and colorful rangolis are made the mark the celebrations. In the evening special prayers and sweets offerings are made to Goddess Laxmi and to the ancestors.

The Third Day: Laxmi Puja on Diwali

The third day of Diwali festival is the most important day that is observed with the Laxmi Puja ceremony in the evening. Hindus offer special prayers, chants hymns and mantras with sweets offerings to the Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth) and Lord Ganesha (god of auspicious beginnings). Clay diyas, candles, lamps and fire work are lit to mark the jubilations and seek blessings of well being and good fortune.

The Fourth Day: Govardhan Puja

The fourth day of Diwali festivities is called Govardhan Puja or Annakut and it is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra. As per the legend it is believed that Lord Krishna convinced the people to not to worship Lord Indra and to concentrate only on their sole Karma i.e. farming and cattle protection. Lord Krishna taught them to worship nature and stop worshiping Indra. With this Lord Indra got angered and flooded the whole village and protect the villagers and their cattles, Lord Krishna lifted mount Govardhan. Thus people on this day light up lamps and fire crackers to mark the jubilation. The same occasion is celebrated as Padva or BaliPratipada in the Indian state of Maharasthra. In Gujarat Govardhan Puja as the beginning of the New Year.

The Fifth Day: Bhai Duj

After Govardhan Puja and two days of Diwali comes Bhai Duj that is known as Bhai Bij in Gujarat and Bhai Phota in Bengal. On this special day brothers and sisters meet each other for the expression of affection and care. On this occasion the sister applies tilak with vermilion or sandal on her brother's forehead and performs an aarti of him, wishing him a long and successful life. In return, the brother blesses his sister and offers her sweets and gifts. With Bhai Duj celebrations the five days long Diwali festivities come to an end.

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