Diwali is one festival that has always united cultures, customs and religions in the flow of its celebrations. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, joy, devotion, excitement, emotion not only in India but in most parts of the world.
There are age old customs, traditions and rituals associated with it, that have still maintained their significance in the hearts of people. Diwali is a five day festival, with each day having its own significance, customs, rituals and legends associated with it.
This celebration starts from the day of Dhanteras and extends till the final day of Bhai dooj.
The celebration of Diwali includes wearing new clothes, preparation of delicacies, offering prayers, exchange of gifts, decorating houses and localities, organizing get-togethers and many attractions that brings the entire family together. The five days, with their respective rituals are:
First dayThe first day of Diwali is called the Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi. According to the Hindu calendar it falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh in the month of Kartik.
Goddess lakshmi or god of wealth is worshipped on this day, and there is a special significance of Dhanteras for the business community it symbolizes new year for them.
Markets are flooded with buyers as it is considered very auspicious to but new clothes and jewellary on this day.
Second dayThe second day of Narka-Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali is the eve of Diwali.It falls on the fourteenth day in the month of Kartik and celebrates the death of demon Naraksura by Lord Krishna. The day has a significance of bringing rays of joy and fading of all sorts of negativities.
- Legend behind Chhoti Diwali:
Mythologically, there was a demon king Narakasur, who won a war with deities and imprisoned 16,000 daughters of various Gods. He even dared to snatch the earings of Mother Goddess Aditi, who was like a mother to all Gods and Goddess. Angered with this cruel act of Narakasur, Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife decided to kill him.She freed the imprisoned 16,000 daughters and Goddess mother Aditi. Shri Krishna later married all those daughters who were captivated by Narakasura, and on this day of Chhoti Diwali returned home.
There is a custom of taking early bath with rose petals in water and undertake oil massage to relax the body. Majorly, the day is utilized in shopping and preparation of sweets.
Third dayIt is known as “Badi Diwali”, and there is a tradition to worship Goddess Lakshmi after sunset on this day. People decorate their houses and offer prayers in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to their houses.It is known as “festivals of light” as mythologically, on this day Lord Rama had returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and rescuing of his wife Sita from the clutches of demon king Ravana.Oil lamps are lighted throughout the house and streets. This day is observed as a National holiday throughout India and many other countries.
Fourth dayIt is known as Govardhan Puja or Padwa. This day celebrates the incident of Lord Krishna lifting mount Goverdhan. It is customary to prepare a small mount of mud and decorate it with flowers and other accessories.
Fifth DayThe final day of Diwali celebration is called the “Bhai Dooj”. On this day, sisters apply tika on the forehead of their brothers and brothers in return bless their sisters and promise to protect them throughout life. It is a very sacred day for all brothers and sisters.
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