Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Spanning five days, each day of Diwali is marked by its own unique rituals, meaning and stories, all rooted in tradition and mythology.
Here’s a look at what each day entails:
Dhanteras
Diwali festivities begin with Dhanteras, a very auspicious event associated with wealth and prosperity. The word “Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight.
On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, buy gold, silver or utensils and worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and goddess Lakshmi.
It marks the beginning of holiday shopping and is believed to bring good luck and financial growth.
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Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and evil.
On this day, devotees rise early, take an oil bath and apply fragrant pastes, a ritual believed to purify the body and soul. Houses are lit up with diyas (oil lamps) and decorated with rangoli, setting the tone for the big Diwali night ahead.
Lakshmi Puja (Main Day of Diwali)
The third day is the most important and famous — Lakshmi Puja or the main day of Diwali.
Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is believed to visit homes that are clean and well-lit. Devotees perform elaborate pujas, light diyas and decorate every corner with lamps and candles to welcome her. Families exchange gifts and sweets, and fireworks light up the night sky, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
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Govardhan Puja or Annakut
Govardhan Puja, the fourth day of Diwali festivities, commemorates the day Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan hill to protect the villagers from torrential rains.
Devotees prepare a large feast of vegetarian food, called Annakut, and offer it to Lord Krishna in gratitude. In some regions, this day is also celebrated as Padwa or Bali Pratipada, which symbolizes love and togetherness between husbands and wives.
Brother Dooj
Diwali festivities will end with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and pray for their long life and prosperity. In return, the brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
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Together, these five days of Diwali weave a tapestry of devotion, joy, family bonds and renewal, reminding everyone that even the tiniest light can dispel the deepest darkness.
