Diwali, or Deepavali, is a grand Indian festival of lights celebrated over five days, each with its own unique rituals and significance. This festival, observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide, celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. Here’s a detailed look at the events and traditions that make up this famous festival in India.
Day 1: Dhanteras
The Diwali celebration begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to prosperity and health. People purchase gold, silver, or new utensils to invite good fortune into their homes. Families worship Lord Dhanvantari for health and wellness and pray for the prosperity symbolized by these new items. This tradition marks the start of Diwali, a time when households prepare for the coming days of light, love, and joy.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)
The second day of Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, is also known as Chhoti Diwali or Small Diwali. This day commemorates the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. According to folklore, those who do not bathe on this day may face misfortune. People clean their homes, decorate doors and windows with flowers and mango leaves, and burst firecrackers to drive away evil spirits. Like the other days of Diwali, it’s a time for sharing sweets, wearing new clothes, and exchanging joy with family and friends.
Day 3: Main Diwali Celebration
The third day is the central celebration of Diwali. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Lord Ganesha (the god of good luck and wisdom). Families place idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on their altars, light oil lamps (diyas), and offer flowers, sweets, and coins in hopes of blessings and prosperity. This day is celebrated with prayers, rituals, and the lighting of diyas, symbolizing the festival's theme of light triumphing over darkness. Diwali, in many ways, represents the spiritual illumination of our lives, making it one of the most important and beloved festivals in India.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
The fourth day of Diwali is marked by Govardhan Puja, a celebration of Lord Krishna’s legendary lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains. In honor of Krishna’s feat, devotees create small mounds of cow dung symbolizing Govardhan Hill and worship them, reaffirming the relationship between humanity and nature.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond between siblings. On this day, sisters perform the Tika ceremony for their brothers, praying for their long, prosperous lives, while brothers give gifts in return. Bhai Dooj echoes the themes of love, protection, and familial bonds, which are at the heart of Diwali and other festivals celebrated in India.
Diwali’s Global Reach and Significance
While Diwali is widely celebrated across India, it’s also an official holiday in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, and even parts of the Caribbean. Diwali signifies the homecoming of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon-king Ravana. The festival is celebrated in homes with traditional activities, making it a central occasion for families.
[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Aavyaa, they are just for entertainment purposes]
| DHANTERAS | DEEPAWALI | DIWALI | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | CHHATH POOJA | BHAI DOOJ | DEEPAVALI | INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | LORD RAMA | LORD KRISHNA | GOVARDHAN PUJA | LORD GANESHA | GODDESS LAKSHMI |
~Mimansa Sharma
