Deepavali or Diwali is a festival of light, and it symbolizes “truth always wins”.
Diwali is among the biggest celebrations in India. Deepavali is celebrated from the 13th day of the month of “karthika” which is called trayodashi as per the lunar cycle.
In 2023, Diwali is being celebrated on Sunday, November 12, which is a new moon day or Amavasya.
WHY DIWALI IS CELEBRATED IN INDIA:
Deepavali or Diwali or Divali is a celebration of the spiritual victory of Light Over Darkness. This ceremony represents the victory of good over evil, wisdom over ignorance, virtue over vice and hopes over despondence.”
HOW DIWALI IS CELEBRATED IN INDIA:
Usually, 5 days are celebrated in this festival, but the importance of the earlier days of the festival are more important.
The starting days of the festival start with a thorough cleaning of every house and shop. People make rangolis and use lights to decorate their homes. People visit each other’s houses for exchanging new dresses and sweets. Mothers are busy making “ Narkel Naru ” and various types of sweets usually made up of natural ingredients.
As with all Indian festivals, Diwali also has a spiritual significance and everybody celebrates by lighting lamps and bursting crackers.
In a true testament to unity in diversity, One thing that remains common is that every village, town and city is lit up with thousands of lamps everywhere. This lighting of lamps symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
DHANTERAS ( DHANVANTARI TRAYODASHI):
First day of the festival
The 13th day of the month “Kartika” Or Trayodashi Of Kartika month Is celebrated as Dhanteras. Traditionally the science behind this is on this day everybody worships Dhanvantari, the deity dedicated to one’s health and well-being.
People Buys Gold and Other utensils on this day in the belief and hope of Good Fortune.
NARAKA CHATURDASHI :
On the second day of Diwali
“Naraka” means hell and “Chaturdashi” means “fourteenth”. According to some ancient Texts, on this day Lord Krishna slew the demon named “Narakasura”.
The day and its rituals are interpreted as ways to liberate any souls from their suffering in “Naraka”, or hell, as well as a reminder of spiritual auspiciousness.
Naraka Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, is the second day of celebrations that coincides with the 14th day, of the 2nd fortnight of the lunar month.
LAKSHMI PUJAN OR KALI PUJA :
On the third day of Diwali
On the last day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month, we celebrate Diwali Or Deepavali by worshipping Maa Kali and Maa Lakshmi. This is the third day of Diwali or Deepawali and is considered the main festive day. All the members of the family will sit together for the puja and pray to Maa Laxmi for their wellbeing. In West Bengal, people will worship Maa kali having Fasted until all the rituals and pujas are done by purohit. Mothers Draw “Alpana” and lit diyas and mombattis in their courtyard.
GOVARDHAN PUJA:
In some rural communities of west, north and central regions, the fourth day of the festival is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. The celebration is based on the mythological story of the Hindu god Shri Krishna.
To help the cowherds and farmers from the incessant rains and resulting floods caused by the anger of Lord Indra, Lord Shri Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan hill on his left little finger and arranged a shelter.
BHAI DOOJ:
The last day of the festival is called Bhai Duj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tilak or Bhai Phonta.
Bhai Duj or Bhai Phonta is a ceremony to celebrate the bond between a sister and her brother. Every sister performs this ritual by putting a Tilaka on the forehead of her brother and praying for his health and prosperity and the long life of her brother. Brothers are then served their beloved food and sweets.
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