Diyas, Lanterns, Auspicious Sweets, and Love; this is the picture that comes to our mind when we wonder about the Diwali celebration in India. Diwali, which literally means “row of diyas” in Sanskrit. It one of the biggest festivals of Hindu is celebrated on a grand scale in India. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil or the victory of brightness over darkness. This is a 5-days festival mainly celebrated by the Hindus late in the month of October or early November. It is also popular among non-Hindus.
Each and every day of Diwali has clear-cut importance. Here is a list of 5 days of Diwali in India with their names and significance.
Dhanteras – 25th October 2019 (Friday)
The very first day of the Diwali festival in India is known as Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Triodos) which falls on the 13th day of 2nd half of the lunar month. Dhanteras is known as one of the most promising days by Hindus for buying items made of metal like utensils, silver coins, gold ornaments, and vehicles. Dhanteras is celebrated as the birth of God Sri Dhanvantari, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu as the specialist of the gods. In some regions of India, this day has more importance than other days of Diwali. People worship Lordess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesh and Kuber, the richest Hindu God on this day.
Naraka Chaturdasi – 26th October 2019 (Saturday)
The second day of Diwali is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Kali Chaudas. People also call this day “Choti Diwali” On this day, demon Narakasura who was a king in Goa was killed by Lord Shri Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu; freeing Goan people from fear of demon Narakasura. Therefore, So the second day is the most popular day for celebrating Diwali in Goa. During the day, people wake up before the sun rises and take a holy bath and wear new clothes followed by auspicious breakfast with their loved ones.
Lakshmi Puja – 27th October 2019 (Sunday)
The third day of Diwali is considered as Lakshmi Puja, which is the most important day among the five days of Diwali. Lakshmi Puja is devoted to Lordess Lakshmi, the Devi of wealth, fortune, prosperity and the epitome of beauty. Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth is admired as Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali with Lord Ganesha, the God of bright dawn with light lamps in every corner of the home to welcome happiness. After worshipping Mahalakshmi in the evening with their families, people visit temples to light Diyas. After that, they also exchange sweets and lit fireworks.
Govardhan Puja – 28th October 2019 (Monday)
The fourth day is Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja. This day is also considered as Bali Pratipada (Padwa). On this day, Krishna defeated Indra asked the people to worship nature. States of India like Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar celebrate this day with zeal and enthusiasm. Whereas, Balipratipada or Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, and Karnataka.
Bhai Dooj – 29th October 2019 (Tuesday)
The fifth day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj. This is the day when sisters pray for the long and happy lives of their brothers. Bhai Dooj is also called Bhai Bij, Bhai Tika, or Yama Dwitiya. On this day, brothers visit their sisters and share their love for each other with an aarti, meals, and gifts.
Devotthan Ekadasi – 8th November 2019 (Friday)
After celebrating the 5-day festival, Hindu celebrates Devotthan Ekadasi also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Tulsi Vivaah, which falls on the eleventh day of half of the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotthan Ekadashi is celebrated to aware the Lord Vishnu for the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. It is also known as the festival of lights for the gods and it points at the end of the four long months of Chaturmas when marriages are barred according to the Hindu traditions. Tulsi Vivah is a marriage ceremony of Tulsi, the holy plant with the epitome of Hindu Lord Vishnu. This is an impression of the opening of the Hindu wedding season.
