The Five Days of Diwali and Understanding the Rituals and Customs
Categories: Others
The Five Days of Diwali: Understanding the Rituals and Customs
Diwali is a five-day celebration celebrated with extraordinary excitement in India and by Indian people group all over the planet. Every one of the five days has its own importance and related ceremonies and customs. Here's an overview of the five days of Diwali:
Day 1: Dhanteras is one of the five days of Diwali
Date: Diwali, the primary day of the celebration, falls on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the lunar month of Ashwin.
Significance: Diwali addresses the triumph of light over murkiness and the arrival of Ruler Rama to Ayodhya. It is additionally connected with the love of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and thriving.
Rituals and Customs: People clean and decorate their homes, draw rangoli designs, and light diyas. They perform puja (prayers) to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, seeking blessings for wealth and good health.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) is one of the five days of Diwali:
Date: This day falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin.
Significance: Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Rituals and Customs: People take an oil bath before sunrise, apply kumkum (vermilion), and offer prayers. It is also a day when many people burst small firecrackers.
Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is one of the five days of Diwali:
Date: Diwali, the main day of the festival, falls on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the lunar month of Ashwin.
Significance: Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. It is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Rituals and Customs: Homes are elaborately decorated with oil lamps (diyas), rangoli, and flower garlands. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings for wealth and prosperity. Many people also visit temples, exchange gifts, and light firecrackers.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut) is one of the five days of Diwali:
Date: The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik.
Significance: Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from heavy rains. It signifies the importance of nature and the environment.
Rituals and Customs: Devotees create elaborate food offerings called "annakut" with a variety of vegetarian dishes. Temples and homes display these offerings, and people visit temples to participate in the rituals.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) is one of the five days of Diwali:
Date: The final day of Diwali falls on the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik.
Significance: Diwali addresses the triumph of light over obscurity and the arrival of Master Rama to Ayodhya. It is additionally connected with the love of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of riches and success.
Rituals and Customs: Sisters apply a tika (vermilion mark) on their brothers' foreheads and perform aarti. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them. This day reinforces family bonds and love between siblings.
By and large, the five days of Diwali are a period for reflection, love, festivities, and family get-togethers. Every day has its remarkable importance, and the ceremonies and customs related with them fluctuate across various areas of India. These customs underline the topics of light, flourishing, the triumph of good over evil, and the significance of family connections.