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11 Oct, 2024 by Acharya Ajit
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Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a time of joy, family gatherings, prayers, and festivities, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a vibrant festival that brightens homes and hearts across India and beyond. The term "Diwali" derives from the Sanskrit words “Deepa” (light) and “Avali” (row), meaning "a row of lights." This Festival of Lights symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, making it a deeply significant celebration.
Diwali spans five days, each with its own unique significance:
Dhanteras: The first day marks the beginning of the festival, dedicated to wealth and prosperity. Families clean their homes and purchase new items, often gold or silver, to invite good fortune.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Celebrated on the second day, this day commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Ritual baths and early morning prayers are common, along with firecracker displays.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): The main day of the festival focuses on worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Homes are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), and families gather to share sweets and gifts.
Govardhan Puja: This day honors Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees. It is celebrated with festive meals and special offerings.
Bhai Dooj: The final day of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' well-being, and brothers often give gifts in return.
Diwali's celebration varies across different regions of India:
North India: Often associated with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, festivities include lighting lamps, decorating homes, and gathering for family feasts.
South India: In many parts, it celebrates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, with an emphasis on renewal and purification.
West India: States like Gujarat feature vibrant Garba dances and communal celebrations, alongside the traditional lighting of diyas.
East India: In West Bengal, the festival is marked by worshiping Goddess Kali, showcasing her fierce and protective nature.
The rituals of Diwali encapsulate the spirit of unity and joy:
Lighting Diyas and Candles: Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Rangoli Designs: Colorful patterns made from colored powders or flower petals adorn entrances, welcoming guests and deities.
Puja (Worship): Families perform puja rituals, offering prayers, sweets, and flowers to seek blessings for prosperity and health.
Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: The festival fosters connections, as families exchange sweets and gifts, enhancing bonds of love and friendship.
Diwali is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of life, joy, and togetherness. As families gather, homes sparkle with lights, and laughter fills the air, the essence of Diwali shines brightly, reminding us of the enduring victory of good over evil. Through diverse regional customs and shared rituals, this Festival of Lights unites people in a joyful tapestry of culture and tradition.
Diwali is steeped in various legends, but one of the most well-known tales comes from the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. According to this narrative, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile. During his time away, Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, battled and defeated the evil demon king Ravana, who had abducted Sita.
Upon Lord Rama's victorious return to Ayodhya, the citizens celebrated by lighting oil lamps, called diyas, throughout the city. This joyous occasion symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and the restoration of goodness and happiness, which is why we celebrate Diwali today.
The festival kicks off with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and prosperity. On this day, people thoroughly clean and decorate their homes and businesses in anticipation of Diwali. It’s traditionally seen as an auspicious time for making new purchases, especially gold, silver, and household items.
Rituals: Worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and medicine, is a key practice. People offer prayers for well-being, while homes are adorned with rangoli (colorful floor designs) and illuminated with oil lamps (diyas).
Significance: Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali, highlighting the importance of wealth and good health for a prosperous life.
Other Activities: Families buy new items for good luck and perform prayers to both Lord Dhanvantari for health and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth. It’s also a time for family gatherings, sharing sweets, and preparing for the upcoming Diwali festivities.
The second day, known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the removal of evil and negativity from our lives.
Rituals: People rise early, take an oil bath, and wear new clothes. Special prayers are performed, and homes are brightened with diyas to dispel darkness. Evenings often include small gatherings, sweets, and light fireworks.
Significance: This day serves as a reminder to eliminate darkness from our hearts and homes, welcoming positivity and light.
The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the most significant of Diwali, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India.
Rituals: In the evening, homes and temples are adorned with rows of diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Families perform Lakshmi Puja, offering prayers, flowers, sweets, and fruits to the goddess. Careful cleaning of the house is essential, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean and welcoming homes.
Significance: This day is highly auspicious for seeking wealth and prosperity. By honoring Goddess Lakshmi, devotees seek her blessings for a joyful, successful life.
The fourth day, Govardhan Puja, celebrates Lord Krishna, who, according to legend, lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from a storm sent by Lord Indra, the god of rain.
Rituals: People prepare a special food offering known as Annakut (mountain of food) for Lord Krishna. In some areas, small clay models of Govardhan Hill are created, and prayers are offered to symbolize nature’s bounty.
Significance: This day focuses on gratitude for nature and divine protection, acknowledging the resources that sustain life.
The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers give gifts and vow to protect their sisters.
Rituals: Sisters apply tilak (a protective mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and perform aarti (a prayer ritual). In return, brothers offer gifts as expressions of love and commitment to care for their sisters.
Significance: Bhai Dooj underscores the value of family bonds, love, and protection, strengthening the relationship between siblings on this heartfelt day.