5 Days Of Diwali 2017

By Author: Pooja Joshi
Total Articles: 3
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5 Days of Diwali 2017

Diwali is near and is one of the most joyous festivals for the Indians. The biggest Indian festival celebrating the triumph of good over bad. The uniqueness of the festival lies in the fact that is not a single day event, it is a series of 5 days celebration celebrated with unique philosophies and ideals. We all know the the importance of diwali celebration. Diwali begins with cleaning the houses and offices, gifting, diwali parties, family gathering, fire-cracker show and much more leaving weak-long after effects.
All five days of diwali have their own significance. Diwali is celebrated on “Amavasya” - no moon day and it’s next day is celebrated as “Bestu Varas” in western parts of India. All the 5 days have mythological or factual reason for celebration. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, they all have traditional reason to be celebrated.

The festival is celebrated on 15th Day of Kartika according to Hindu Calender, generally falling in October or November. This year diwali falls on 19th October, and it is going to be great in terms of preparations, rituals and shopping. Also online shopping portals have nowadays reduce the burden of shopping before last few days of diwali. One can shop online for diwali diyas, Pooja Thalis, Diwali Idols, diwali gifts, Sweets and Namkeens and lot more with exciting diwali offers and remove the trouble of last minute shopping to focus more on the diwali decoration, rituals and traditions of celebrating the festival of lights.

Check out the importance of each day and how they are been celebrated in various parts of India

Shiny Like Gold  First Day of Diwali-- DHANTERAS
This marks the beginning of this five day Hindu festival. Dhanteras or 'Dhantrayodashi' marks the worship of Lord Dhanwantri associated with Ayurveda and various healing practice. Dhanteras is celebrated on thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha. A sacred bath in the evening is done along with lightning a lamp around Tulsi plant or any other sacred plant and worshiping Lord Yama for the well being of the family. Some grand purchases are done on this day as the day is considered propitious to buy gold, silver, steels, utensils, precious stones, new house or cars. For the folks in Gujarat the day is more important than Diwali, they worship Goddess Laxmi, Kuber and Lord Ganesha and start new accounts in businesses.

Get Freedom From Fear- Narak Chaturdasi
The second day in the series is known as Narak Chaturdashi, while some parts of India celebrate it as Choti Diwali- A day before Diwali. On this day when Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day people give their body an oil massage before bath which is said to make your soul get rid of sins and impurities. Also Yama Diya is lit to clear away all the bad vibes of the house on this night.

The Night of Lights- Diwali
The third day of this grand celebration is Diwali, the festival of lights when Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped. On this day Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Laxmana returned from 14 years of exile after defeating Ravana. The houses are cleaned and families gather together to the Laxmi Pooja with their Priest  and worship for health, wealth and prosperity, victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Houses are lit up with diyas, candles and fairy lights. After pooja people visit their friends and families and exchange sweets as prasad. At night fire-crackles shows are seen, families enjoy their time together with joy.

Know the power of Krishna - Govardhan Pooja
Fourth day of the festival is celebrated in various forms across the country. In Northern states it is  celebrated as Govardhan Pooja. Many years ago Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to worship Govardhan Mountain as it came out to be their savior from heavy rains and Lord Krishna defeating Indra. From then, Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Pooja done by the people of Vraja. For the pooja small mound using cow dung, symbolising Goverdhan is made and people worship it. In Western states like Gujarat the day is celebrated as Bestu Varas, the new year as per their calendar. They visit their relatives and friends to give blessings of new year.

The Unbreakable Bond between Brother & Sister- Bhai Dooj
The fifth day of Diwali festivities is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, when brothers visit their Sister’s place and sister welcome them. They worship for long life of their brothers, wishing them great success in the future. It is said that in the Vedic Era Yamaraj visited his sister Yamuna on this day and gave Vardhan that who ever visited their sisters on this day will achieve Moksha. From then brothers visit their sisters to  enquire their wealth.

Bhai Dooj marks the end of the Diwali celebrations. Each and every ritual of diwali is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. May this diwali brings prosperity and wealth to your family.