Deepavali Festival We all have been celebrating Deepavali even before the days we could remember. But I was surprised to know that Deepavali is a function that spreads for five days in some parts of our country(India) with significant functions. I thought of sharing some basic facts on Deepavali. Deepavali is celebrated throughout India on the 15th day of the month Kartik(October/November) in the Hindu calendar, a Lunisolar calendar which is based on the positions of moon & sun. It falls on Amavasya (Ammavaasa), the new moon night, that ends the month of Ashwin (Ashvin/Aasho/Aswayuja) and begins the month of Kartika. The 5 day festival begins on the 13th day in the dark half of Ashwin and ends on the 2nd day in the bright half of Kartika. As the calculation is primarily based on the moon. 11 November, 2012 -Dhanteras. 12November, 2012 - Choti Diwali / Kali Chaudas / Naraka Chaturdashi. 13November, 2012 - Main Deepavali / Baddi Diwali (Lakshmi Puja). 14November, 2012 - Padwa & Govardhan Puja / Pratipat. 15November, 2012 - Bhai Duj / Bhhaya Dooj / Bhai Beej. Five Days Of Diwali. Deewali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. It is the festival of lights and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Indians all over the world. The uniqueness of this festival is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or ideal. People celebrate each of its five days of festivities with true understanding, it will uplift and enrich the lives. The First day of Diwali Dhanteras. The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodashi or Dhanwantari Triodashi also called Dhan Theras. It is in fact the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh, the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic for mankind. This day marks the beginning of deepawali celebrations. On this day at sunset,Hindus should bathe and offer a lighted deeya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering should be made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might have in their yard. The second day of Diwali- Choti Diwali The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day,one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of tiredness, bathe and rest so that Diwali can be celebrated with vigor and devotion. On this night, Yama Deeya should not be lit. The Shastras (Laws of Dharma)declares that Yama Deeya should be offered on Triodashi night with Prasad. Some people mistook it to mean that because Yama Deeya was lit on that night, that it should always be lit on the night before deepavali. This is absolutely not true. It is advisable that one consults with a learned Pandit or Hindu Astrologer for proper guidance on this matter. The third day of Diwali- Lakshmi Pooja on Diwali This is the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and they worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The fourth day of Diwali- Padwa & Govardhan Pooja. On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja. From then on,every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honor that first Pooja done by thepeople of Vraja. The fifth day of Diwali- Bhai Duj. The fifth day of the Diwali is called. This is the day after Goverdhan Pooja is performed and normally two days after Diwali day. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardaan (a boon) that whosoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire of their welfare. This day marks the end of the five days of deepavali celebrations. This is also known as Bhai fota among Bengalis. Bhai fota is an event especially among Bengalis when the sister prays for her brother's safety, success and well being. Go over ten mythical and historical reasons why Diwali. (Deepavali) is celebrated annually . (Courtesy:Google). Wishing you all and your families a Happy and Prosperous Diwali. May the Divine light of Diwali bring Peace, Prosperity, Happiness and Good health into your lives.
. Dear Vijima, Thanks for your visit and the encouraging response. Your response and comments are always a tonic to me.Thanks for your support. Please take care of your health. May Sai Baba bless you and your family in abundance. Om Shri Saio Jayine Namaha- Humble salutation to Him who embodies Victory.
