Diwali

Legend of Diwali :
Diwali is celebrated to mark the day when Lord Rama was crowned as the King of Ayodhya. Rama returned to Ayodhya with wife Sita and brother Laxman after spending 14 years in exile and slaying the demon King Ravana.

Diwali Celebrations :
Diwali is a joyous and funfilled festival. People desperately wait for it all the year round. Frenzied shopping can be witnessed days before the arrival of the festival as everybody gets new clothes for the occasion. People give a thorough cleaning to their house. Some even get their houses painted fresh for Diwali. Since it is the biggest festival it is also the time for family reunion. Those staying away from their homes strive to reach home and hold Diwali Puja with closed family members

Rituals of Day One: Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi :
The 13th day of the Kartik month is meant for shopping. People consider it auspicious to buy gold and silver ornaments or coins besides utensils on Dhanteras

Rituals of Day Two: Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi :
The eve of Diwali is called Chhoti Diwali. Festivities begin from this day but are rather subdued as everybody waits for the main day of the festival. The day is also called Narak Chaturdasi as Lord Krishna is said to have slayed the demon Narkasur on this day and made the world free of fear.

Rituals of Day Three: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja :
This is the main day of the Diwali festival and is celebrated with pomp. Every where the streets and houses are lit up presenting a joyous atmosphere. On this day people perform Lakshmi Puja with full sincerity as it is said to bring prosperity. The day is celebrated as New Years day by businessman and they open new account books. People burst crackers and visit friends and relatives to greet them the best of Diwali.

Rituals of Day Four: Padiwa / Varsha Pratipada :
The day is celebrated to mark the crowning of King Vikramaditya and beginning of Vikram Samvat. Some people perform Goverdhan Puja on this day.

Rituals of Day Five: Bhai Dooj :
On Bhai Dooj sisters apply tika on their brothers forehead, perform arti and pray for their long life. Exchange of gifts and lot of merriment marks the day.

Diwali Festival - Find out the importance of aarti, customs, traditions & rituals on Diwali Festival.