Diwali Festival

What is Diwali?

Deepavali or Diwali is India’s national festival. It is referred to as the Festival of Lights as its main feature is the lighting of diyas. A diya comes in many sizes but is basically made from earthen clay. A tiny thin cotton wick is placed in oil in the diya and its tip is lighted up. This lighting of the diya signifies the theme of Deepavali: the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated with verve in many homes all over India, from the humble shanty to the palatial house.

Did you know?

* The word Deepavali is a Tamil word meaning diyas in line. [reference: Wikipedia]

* The festival is celebrated for 5 days every year, but these days are not the same fixed ones (like Christmas). The days are dependent on the lunar calendar.

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Five Days of Diwali

Day 1- Dhanteras is the first day that starts off the Festival celebrations, with crackers being lit early morning. The first rangoli and the first string of flowers (called ‘toran’) are put up just above the entrance door of a home or office.

Day 2 - Narak Chaturdasi: The second day of the Festival celebrates Lord Krishna’s destruction of the demon Narakasur who spread fear amongst the people.

Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja: The third day is the most significant day of Deepavali as it is on this day that Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, steps over the threshold. At a fixed time, a special puja is performed and the main door of the house is kept open for the Goddess’ entry. A small diya is kept alight at the doorstep.
Find out how to do a simple Diwali Lakshmi Puja

Day 4 - Deepavali Padwa: This is the New Year day of the festival, on which Govardhana Puja is performed.

Day 5 - Bhau Beej: On this day no squabbling between siblings! A sister performs a special puja for her brother’s safety and the brother will in turn give her a gift.

Know about Bhau Bheej Tikka Ceremony

Other than diyas, kandeels, firecrackers, rangolis and sweetmeats are the highlights of Deepavali.